How Can I Bond With My Guinea Pig?

[softpiggies]

I've already had my guinea pig for about 8 months. I also had another guinea pig, Ginger, but she unfortunately died a few months ago. The one I have right now is Brownie. Brownie and Ginger weren't the best pair. They never got into serious fights but they weren't the pair that cuddled together. Both pigs hated being touched and picked up by me. Ginger didn't even like it when Brownie rubbed against her resulting in a quick nip. Brownie was always scared of her and ran away from her. Maybe that's why she developed a very skittish behavior. Brownie hates it when I pick her up and runs away if someone walks past her cage. She is also very scared of sounds which Ginger had already gotten used too. Brownie is so scared that when I take her out and put her on the floor, she doesn't even move unless there is a dark spot she can hide in. When I put the bowl of food in front of her, she skeptically walks forward and then quickly takes a bite and drags the food back (possibly behavior from when Ginger was there because Ginger would always guard the food bowls and Brownie couldn't get to it without being nipped at). I tried everything with Brownie. During the summer, I took her out every single day for hours and hours! I set up some towels and I put some veggies and hay and pet her while she ate. I thought we would bond this way but I guess not. Can you give me some tips on how to get a guinea pig to get used to you? I'm horrible with guinea pigs ugh. Both Ginger and Brownie never had a good relationship with me. How can I get Brownie to be more confident and not so scared because she is always cooped up in her hidey. The only place she feels safe is in her cage but I want to get her out of there.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

It takes time unfortunately! I'd definitely bond her with another female though, being in pairs at least does wonders for bonding and being more relaxed. I have 5 pigs now and watching my first 2 girls blossom with each added piggy is really special

Have a read through the new piggy threads, they're fab for helping you bond with your pig but patience is definitely key

 

[Wiebke]

I've already had my guinea pig for about 8 months. I also had another guinea pig, Ginger, but she unfortunately died a few months ago. The one I have right now is Brownie. Brownie and Ginger weren't the best pair. They never got into serious fights but they weren't the pair that cuddled together. Both pigs hated being touched and picked up by me. Ginger didn't even like it when Brownie rubbed against her resulting in a quick nip. Brownie was always scared of her and ran away from her. Maybe that's why she developed a very skittish behavior. Brownie hates it when I pick her up and runs away if someone walks past her cage. She is also very scared of sounds which Ginger had already gotten used too. Brownie is so scared that when I take her out and put her on the floor, she doesn't even move unless there is a dark spot she can hide in. When I put the bowl of food in front of her, she skeptically walks forward and then quickly takes a bite and drags the food back (possibly behavior from when Ginger was there because Ginger would always guard the food bowls and Brownie couldn't get to it without being nipped at). I tried everything with Brownie. During the summer, I took her out every single day for hours and hours! I set up some towels and I put some veggies and hay and pet her while she ate. I thought we would bond this way but I guess not. Can you give me some tips on how to get a guinea pig to get used to you? I'm horrible with guinea pigs ugh. Both Ginger and Brownie never had a good relationship with me. How can I get Brownie to be more confident and not so scared because she is always cooped up in her hidey. The only place she feels safe is in her cage but I want to get her out of there.

Hi and welcome!

The best gift you can make Brownie is to find her a character compatible gentle neutered boar or another sow for company; she is feeling very alone and exposed. Guinea pigs are group animals and not wired to live on their own.
The safest place to allow a bereaved or single piggy to choose their own companion is one of our recommended rescues that offer dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so you come home with a healthy/fully quarantined and treated, guaranteed not pregnant companion only if acceptance has happened. Age is less important than mutual liking and character compatibility.
Companionship
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Here are rescues in a number of countries that we can guarantee for that you are in safe hands. Any others we can't.
UK: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Please take the time to read these guides here. They will hopefully help you with your own interaction with Brownie:
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig