New Guinea Pig owner - Questions!

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mrs.dotcotton

Hi

I am new to this forum. My family and I brought home two female guinea pigs to our home about one month ago. They run when we pick them up but will tolerate a quick cuddle. My first question - how long will it take them to relax around us? We want to love and spoil them so much ... we can't wait for them to like us back!

My daughter and I give them the most attention - we dote on them like crazy. In July, however, we will be going to visit family for a month and my husband will be in charge. My second question - will the piggies remember us when we come back? Will our hard work of getting them used to us be in vain? It will be sad to come back and have to start from square one!

Thanks so much!
 
Hi,

It can take quite a while for Guineas to properly relax and get used to you. I also find that as they grow older and chill out a bit their personalities come out more. I guess they're all different but mine are usually relaxing and coming to the bars for treats etc... by about 4 months old (or sooner) and by a year (or sooner) don't run away when I go to pick them up and are happy to lay down and nap on me (very very cute!). Don't know if that's normal or not, just what I have experienced with my 9...? Also it may just be because they're scatty and full of beans when they're little not becasue they're afraid or unsure...?

Also do you keep them inside or outside? If they're in your home you might see this happening a lot quicker, the ones I got over winter when my piggies are all inside became tame a lot sooner than when I've got them over summer and they're out, even tho I spend equal amounts of time cuddling them all year round. I guess they become familiar with you more quickly when they're indoors and about your sounds/smell 247.

I’m sure someone who runs a rescue and sees lots of different guineas all the time will have a better idea!

I’ve never been away for more than 10 days but they still knew me when |I got back so think you should be ok on that one. Especially if you’re husband gives them lots of tasty veggie treats whilst you’re gone! :))
 
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Hi! Welcome to this board!

Try not to tower over them like a predator and talk to them a lot. Try to make friends with the help of little treats.

It helps if you can develop a litle ritual when you pick them up, so it doesn't look like random violence to them. I always ask "May I have a cuddle with you?" with its own melody. Then they know...

They also react really well when you praise them like you would a dog and tell them what beauties they are... You can give them little cuddles in your mind, so they won't be afraid of your touch.

They won't forget you when you go away, but don't expect big welcome scenes when you come back. They just pick up where you left, especially if you happen to smell of a little welcome treat...

Have fun - they know when they are loved and will come round pretty soon! It takes some patience to win their trust - after all we DO smell like giants predators!
 
Thanks so much. Daisyd, our guinea pigs are indoors so here's hoping they'll warm to us soon.

Thank you both for your tips and reassurance.
 
My two skittish boys (the ones in my avatar) have recently become so laid back on my lap, they almost went to sleep on my today! It's taken just over 18 months for them to reach that stage, although other pigs will chill out straightaway...it's all down to personality.

All four boys are still sometimes a pain to catch - Ben and Dave are the worst. Minty will just squeek at you and amazing, nervy boy Garry stayed laying down today as I scooped him up from his cage! Pigs eh?!:))
 
I use an upturned pigloo to shift my skittish new girls with thier razor sharp claws.

I lure them in with some hay and a treat at the far end, and, if necessary, with a gentle prod to the back. That way I don't have to hunt them down and wear gloves to hang onto a wiggling, scratching hurricane - and the piggies are a LOT less stressed out as well! Whether its out on the lawn, the bed or my sofa...
 
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