Nervous Boars And New Owner

Emily Tait

Emily Tait

New Born Pup
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Hi,
I bought 2 male pigs for my kids about a week ago. Ive never had guinea pigs before but the lady in the pet shop encouraged me they were good first pets :/ well they have been skittish as i expected with a new environment. I have not let the kids hold them but they have stroked them while i held them and everything seemed fine. They were calm-ish. Last 2 days though the pigs have been squeaking alot as ive picked them up. One of them tried jumping from my hands. I cant see any injuries they have been eating well and the poo is solid...loads of it too haha. I'm worried ive done something wrong as they seem to have regressed. They like to be near each other and cuddle but one occasionally squeals as though ad hes in pain but stops quickly. When eating they 'chat' to each other and seem happy. Any advice? And yes i should have stuck to dogs as experienced in their care but how can you say no when youre a sucker for a cute fur face of any description haha
Thanks for reading and in advance of any advice/help given :)
 
Emily Tait said:
Hi,
I bought 2 male pigs for my kids about a week ago. Ive never had guinea pigs before but the lady in the pet shop encouraged me they were good first pets :/ well they have been skittish as i expected with a new environment. I have not let the kids hold them but they have stroked them while i held them and everything seemed fine. They were calm-ish. Last 2 days though the pigs have been squeaking alot as ive picked them up. One of them tried jumping from my hands. I cant see any injuries they have been eating well and the poo is solid...loads of it too haha. I'm worried ive done something wrong as they seem to have regressed. They like to be near each other and cuddle but one occasionally squeals as though ad hes in pain but stops quickly. When eating they 'chat' to each other and seem happy. Any advice? And yes i should have stuck to dogs as experienced in their care but how can you say no when youre a sucker for a cute fur face of any description haha
Thanks for reading and in advance of any advice/help given :)
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome

Unfortunately contrary to the widespread perpetuated myth, guinea pigs are prey animals with prey animal instincts and not living cuddly toys or easy kids' 'starter pets' (no pet is the latter!). They are delightful animals in their own right, though, but it takes a bit longer to make friends with them than you may have expected, especially as shop piggies haven't had much in the way of human interaction before they are sold!

Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find more very helpful guides for new owners on a wide range of issues via our new owners' link. We have tried to make our guides as detailed and practical and do tackle the most often encountered issues by new owners straight on, as well as giving you some important information on issues that new owners are not necessarily aware of, but that can help avoid major problems in the long term.
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language (explains your boys' reactions)
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig (how to avoid blind jumping and accidents)
Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents
More information via this link.
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice

You can find lots more information at the top of our various Care sections, but are always welcome to ask any questions you have along the way. We are a friendly forum and will answer them all in a friendly way!

Are your boys indoor pets? If not, please bring them inside in the current storm!
 
When you say 'squealing' could it be 'wheeking'? They will be getting more used to you, and piggies will shout at you when they want food (which is always). This is a loud, very happy noise. If it happens when you rustle a bag, or you've rattled plates together....you've got your answer. Here's a link to a guinea pig 'wheeking'. If it's not 'wheeking', and you are worried he may be in pain, you should get him to the vet.Screaming Guinea Pig - Bing video
 
Thank you so much for replying. I was hesitant with getting them initially but ill have a careful read through all the info :)
This may sound odd but they seem to come out alot when i have my music on, i like to think they enjoy bon jovi as much as i do haha :)
 
I got my girls a few months back and they are still quite skidding. I’m just trying to be patient with them people say it can take years to gain their trust. They are very fun to watch tho!

Hope your piggies come around eventually!
 
Reenie said:
When you say 'squealing' could it be 'wheeking'? They will be getting more used to you, and piggies will shout at you when they want food (which is always). This is a loud, very happy noise. If it happens when you rustle a bag, or you've rattled plates together....you've got your answer. Here's a link to a guinea pig 'wheeking'. If it's not 'wheeking', and you are worried he may be in pain, you should get him to the vet.Screaming Guinea Pig - Bing video
Click to expand...
Oh my days! Those videos made me jump haha
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Unfortunately contrary to the widespread perpetuated myth, guinea pigs are prey animals with prey animal instincts and not living cuddly toys or easy kids' 'starter pets' (no pet is the latter!). They are delightful animals in their own right, though, but it takes a bit longer to make friends with them than you may have expected, especially as shop piggies haven't had much in the way of human interaction before they are sold!

Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find more very helpful guides for new owners on a wide range of issues via our new owners' link. We have tried to make our guides as detailed and practical and do tackle the most often encountered issues by new owners straight on, as well as giving you some important information on issues that new owners are not necessarily aware of, but that can help avoid major problems in the long term.
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language (explains your boys' reactions)
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig (how to avoid blind jumping and accidents)
Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents
More information via this link.
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice

You can find lots more information at the top of our various Care sections, but are always welcome to ask any questions you have along the way. We are a friendly forum and will answer them all in a friendly way!

Are your boys indoor pets? If not, please bring them inside in the current storm!
Click to expand...
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome

Unfortunately contrary to the widespread perpetuated myth, guinea pigs are prey animals with prey animal instincts and not living cuddly toys or easy kids' 'starter pets' (no pet is the latter!). They are delightful animals in their own right, though, but it takes a bit longer to make friends with them than you may have expected, especially as shop piggies haven't had much in the way of human interaction before they are sold!

Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find more very helpful guides for new owners on a wide range of issues via our new owners' link. We have tried to make our guides as detailed and practical and do tackle the most often encountered issues by new owners straight on, as well as giving you some important information on issues that new owners are not necessarily aware of, but that can help avoid major problems in the long term.
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language (explains your boys' reactions)
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig (how to avoid blind jumping and accidents)
Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents
More information via this link.
New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice

You can find lots more information at the top of our various Care sections, but are always welcome to ask any questions you have along the way. We are a friendly forum and will answer them all in a friendly way!

Are your boys indoor pets? If not, please bring them inside in the current storm!
Click to expand...
They are indoors, there are quite alot of cats in our area so didnt fancy an outdoor cage :)
 
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