My guinea pigs are being picked up tomorrow!

Don't cuddle them to death! Lol. Just enjoy them, don't worry about asking too many questions, no question is too stupid. Give them time to settle and be patient. Oh and we want LOTs AND LOTS of pics! Exciting times!
 
ElizaCavies said:
Very very very excited to say the least! Any last minute advice @Wiebke or @Betsy or anyone else? Thx
Click to expand...

Here are our settling in tips. It is extremely hard to away at first when you are so excited, but it is the best you can do. A blanket over the top of the cage can give your new arrivals an added feeling of security until they have got their bearings. Try to behave as little as a hunting predator as possible; always keep up a steady stream of gentle chatter as soon as you come into the room; predators that make noises are not hungry. Have different melody or call for each act like feeding, poo patrol, refilling water and hay etc. and later picking up and taking back, cleaning etc. Be encouraging with your voice as well; you can also use it to be disappointed when your new arrivals run away. Guinea pigs don't so much react to words than to the emotion and melody in your voice. The sooner they can learn and anticipate the regular daily rituals, the better they will settle in. Lure them with food once they are comfy with their cage, but be patient if it takes a while to come to your hand.
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
 
Hi, I have a question. Is 3 weeks too young? Here is the email I got but not too sure...

‘Good afternoon,

Just emailing to let you know the boys are now ready for collection.

They're a nice chunky size and I'm going to need to take them away from mum anyway as she's begun to nibble on their hair and make small bald patches lol
(she does this as a habit to any pigs she is housed with).

Please let me know what date and time you wish to come and collect them :) xx’
 
@Betsy is right in saying the boys need to be separated from their mother and any sisters otherwise there will be babies.
I’m nowhere near experienced enough to know if that is too young for them to move to a new home.

If you do take them now you will be dealing with babies who will need a lot of gentleness and patience.
They will be scared until they settle.

There are experts on the forum who will be able to give you guidance and support.
 
I’m a bit worried because the boys are eating or drinking and seem to show no interest in their food. Help?
 
ElizaCavies said:
I’m a bit worried because the boys are eating or drinking and seem to show no interest in their food. Help?
Click to expand...

They are prey animals and are likely to be afraid in a new place. Covering half their cage with a blanket can make them feel safer. It is perfectly normal behaviour dont worry!
 
Make sure food is available close to their hiding place.
They will probably come out to feed when no-one is around.
Give them time to overcome their fear of their new surroundings.
Be quiet and gentle with them.
Talk to them when you feed them so they will associate you with food.
It takes time and patience with new piggies.
 
Leave them be for a couple of days to get their bearings. Covering their cage with a blanket is a good idea. You will know in the morning whether they have come out or not as there will be a trail poops everywhere as piggies are poop machines
 
They are very little for sure but are more then able to adjust in only a few days. I had this with two of my babies and they were much more timid but having a small fleece blankie for them to go into really helped them a lot. They sleep in it now in the corners on the fleece bedding. All other suggestions are exactly what you need.

Just sending a congrats and a big Yay. They are really adorable at that age and wonderful to watch and interact with. Our cage is half of our family room so they were always near us but we did kind of 'tiptoe' around the new ones and speak softly to them most of the day. It seemed to get them acclimated well after maybe a week. Don't worry, they will find their food and water. Just give them some space and quiet in between to come out of hiding and get used to everything. They'll be fine.
 
Why not give them a huge bundle of lovely hay to hide in, then they can eat without feeling that they're out in the open? You can put some veggies and nuggets nearby too. You can work on tempting them out once they've settled in for a wee while. Lovely wee things! X
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top