Lazy guinea pigs?

[MillieT]

I have two three year old boars who don't do a lot. They're not scared of me, they're super bold when I have food they just hate being picked up or stroked. I've come to accept that, they're just antisocial guinea pigs. As much as I would prefer them to like me there's nothing I can do. They have a 152 X 60 cm double hutch with plenty of houses, hay racks, tunnels, trays, chew toys, food bowls yet all they do is sit in their enclosed bedding area all day. I worry about them not getting enough exercise or quality hay (since they wee on the hay they eat). Any short term + long term ideas on how to get them active and interactive?

 

[Wiebke]

I have two three year old boars who don't do a lot. They're not scared of me, they're super bold when I have food they just hate being picked up or stroked. I've come to accept that, they're just antisocial guinea pigs. As much as I would prefer them to like me there's nothing I can do. They have a 152 X 60 cm double hutch with plenty of houses, hay racks, tunnels, trays, chew toys, food bowls yet all they do is sit in their enclosed bedding area all day. I worry about them not getting enough exercise or quality hay (since they wee on the hay they eat). Any short term + long term ideas on how to get them active and interactive?

Hi and welcome

Are your piggies outdoors or indoors piggies and are you giving them regular run time outside the hutch?
If outdoors, is the hutch appropriately secured and insulated or is the only warmer place the bedding area?

You get back from your piggies what you put in time and interaction - and that is not just cuddle time which the majority of piggies is not keen on when they are given the choice. if you have outdoors piggies consider giving them regular run time indoors - a puppy run is not a bad idea.

You may find the tips in these guides here helpful:
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Contains tips on how to get sedentary adult piggies moving a bit more in the overweight section: The Importance Of Weighing - Ideal Weight / Overweight / Underweight
Tips on how to turn veg and hay into stimulating exercises: Guinea Pig Toys

 

[Merab's Slave]

None of mine are particularly keen on cuddles but will allow me to stroke them in the cage.
We have to learn that we are liked / loved on their terms not necessarily ours.

 

[Claire W]

My two piggies are both indoors living in a 120cm double cage. Ellen is 3 years and 8 months old and Edward is 3 years 2 months old. They spend most of their days sitting / laying around and even when they're free roaming the hallway they spend most of the time laying in their hides.

Both piggies hate being picked up. Edward lets me stroke him in the cage where as Ellen doesn't. They both like chilling out on a fleece blanket on the settee. Whilst out, both piggies enjoy being stroked and don't mind a quick cuddle but they're not keen on lap time.

 

[eileen]

all my piggies are very individualists ! some like cuddles,some prefere to explore.i set up a run in the shed,and have to put them out in the run in shifts,i put cardboard boxes in,forage,piles of hay,tunnels,mazes.it requires you to tap into what motivates your piggies !

 

[Tigger2018]

I have a similar situation. A friend of ours had a daughter who moved out so they were left with her guinea pig and it wasn't getting a lot of attention. They asked us if we wanted it so we took it. He is a sweet, sweet boy. My only concern with him is that he is very, very inactive, pretty lazy! The most I see him move is when I try to get him out of his cage. In my lap, he doesn't move a muscle except look around. He will eat from my hand. Right now, I put him on a towel on the floor and he literally has been in the same spot for a few minutes. Maybe he is scared? But I worry about his lack of exercise. Any information/help/suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Merab's Slave]

He may just be scared in which case only time will help.
Leave him in his cage and just talk to him as much as you can. It doesn’t matter what you say ( you could even discuss the intricacies of Brexit negotiations!) - it’s about the sound of your voice.
Keep feeding him as he will take food from your hand.
If he’s in good condition, eating, pooping and weeing normally that’s fine.

However - if you do have any health concerns then go to the vet.

Is he alone or do you have other piggies?
Guinea pigs are social creatures and need piggy companionship.

Does he have places in his cage to hide in?

You will also find the forum advice threads very helpful.

Welcome to the forum

 

[Tigger2018]

He is the only one we have. I think he is about 2 years old. No health concerns. And yes, he has a box that he can crawl into in his cage. I will try to keep talking to him. Thanks for the advice.




However - if you do have any health concerns then go to the vet.

Is he alone or do you have other piggies?
Guinea pigs are social creatures and need piggy companionship.

Does he have places in his cage to hide in?

You will also find the forum advice threads very helpful.

Welcome to the forum[/QUOTE]

He may just be scared in which case only time will help.
Leave him in his cage and just talk to him as much as you can. It doesn’t matter what you say ( you could even discuss the intricacies of Brexit negotiations!) - it’s about the sound of your voice.
Keep feeding him as he will take food from your hand.
If he’s in good condition, eating, pooping and weeing normally that’s fine.

However - if you do have any health concerns then go to the vet.

Is he alone or do you have other piggies?
Guinea pigs are social creatures and need piggy companionship.

Does he have places in his cage to hide in?

You will also find the forum advice threads very helpful.

Welcome to the forum