How Do I Relax My New Piggies?

[Jadie]

Hiya I'm having trouble relaxing my piggies, when they are on my lap they start chattering away making lots of noise, they huddle together but they lift their heads up looking around, having a wash, climbing about , nudging my chin (which is very cute), when I put them in their indoor run, on the open floor or on the sofa right near me they huddle and are quiet, nothing. I want them to relax cos I feel they aren't getting any excercise cos they won't move, I don't want them getting ill or anything, it's too cold to put them outside to try relax them, please help me

 

[Wiebke]

Hiya I'm having trouble relaxing my piggies, when they are on my lap they start chattering away making lots of noise, they huddle together but they lift their heads up looking around, having a wash, climbing about , nudging my chin (which is very cute), when I put them in their indoor run, on the open floor or on the sofa right near me they huddle and are quiet, nothing. I want them to relax cos I feel they aren't getting any excercise cos they won't move, I don't want them getting ill or anything, it's too cold to put them outside to try relax them, please help me

Hi! How long have you had your guinea pigs? They are prey animals and take time to get used to their new surroundings. It takes patience and persistence. If necessary, peg a towel over the cage and run to make them feel more protected. Dot the area with plenty of hideys to use as exploration points while they explore - cardboard boxes and old rags and handkerchiefs pegged to the bars are perfectly fine for that.

These guides here may help you to understand what is going on and how you can build up confidence and trust over time:
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

You can find lots more really helpful information for new owners via this link here: " Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners

 

[Jadie]

Thank you, I've had them for about 8wks which only makes them 16wks old, I have hidy holes in the run but they just go in and don't come out, I may try the towel over it to see if they move anymore.
Can wood flooring be an issue, with the noise when they move?

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, I've had them for about 8wks which only makes them 16wks old, I have hidy holes in the run but they just go in and don't come out, I may try the towel over it to see if they move anymore.
Can wood flooring be an issue, with the noise when they move?

Mine don't like hard flooring because they can't get a good grip and slide. Please use a fleece to cover the ground. It will also slow down any pee stains. If necessary, use some plastic underlay under the fleec, like a cheap plastic shower curtain that you wipe down and fold up between roaming.

Guinea pigs are prey animals. They feel very exposed when out in the open in unfamiliar territory. Ground and aerial predators are their main enemies. Guinea pigs have evolved to live in grass land where they make paths that they follow.