New Guinea Pig owner

[Debx]

Hi, I'm hoping someone can help. I got my guinea pigs, 3 bonded girls from the same litter about 10 days ago. The day I picked them up, the lady (breeder) said that 1 of them had a ear issue from what she said was her other sister ( she kept ) nibbling her ear but it was on the mend drying up. Being a complete novice, I accepted this, as she seemed very sure it wasnt a problem and took them home. Since then, I have purchased Leucillin spray on her advice. The area feels dry and a little scabby. I contacted her again re my concerns and she was very nice but said she couldn't be sure if it was indeed something else now. There now seems to be a tiny patch under her eye, like a little dry scab. I'm extremely worried its ringworm or something else. The other 2 seem fine, but I now believe that it's not a simple nibbling episode. Also they are very very skittish around us.They are only 4 months old from the same litter but they are afraid of everything. On top of this I'm really worried it will spread to the other girls if it is ringworm or something else (parasites) . I'm also having a really hard time settling them in, as they hide when we are nearby. I can't believe that I might need a vet visit this soon. Thank you for any advice x

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’m sorry one of your piggies is unwell. Definitely get them seen by a vet. It’s probably something easily treatable. The sooner any treatment can be started the better. Sometimes the stress of being rehomed can cause their immune system to weaken so they pick up things more easily.

With regards to them being afraid of you this is completely normal. It will take them a little while before they trust you. Just take things slowly and hopefully they will be eating out of your hands in no time.

There are lots of really helpful guides on here about new owners. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[weepweeps]

New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

New Guinea Pigs: How to Best Manage Arrival and Settling In

 

[Debx]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’m sorry one of your piggies is unwell. Definitely get them seen by a vet. It’s probably something easily treatable. The sooner any treatment can be started the better. Sometimes the stress of being rehomed can cause their immune system to weaken so they pick up things more easily.

With regards to them being afraid of you this is completely normal. It will take them a little while before they trust you. Just take things slowly and hopefully they will be eating out of your hands in no time.

There are lots of really helpful guides on here about new owners. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Thank you Weepweeps... I want to give them the best care possible. Just not the start I expected, I will take her to the vets see what they say. Better treat sooner than later. I'm finding my feet with these little guys.

 

[weepweeps]

I’ve had to take piggies to the vets early on. As you say you got them from a breeder (like I did) they are sometimes not the healthiest. Now they are in your care you can spoil them rotten.

 

[fluffysal]

It really is little steps in earning their trust and can be a long process. However every small bit of progress eg; taking food from your hand or the first wheek feels like a magic moment

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please don’t use the spray - never treat anything on spec as you can hide tell tale signs a vet needs to make a diagnosis but it can also interfere with the correct treatment.
Please do go straight to the vet.

I will link in our ringworm guide which explains signs, treatment and the stringent hygiene you would need to undertake for a ringworm diagnosis

Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Sadly it’s not uncommon to bring home piggies from breeders or pet shops and then find they are harbouring an illness of some sort.

10 days is no time at all for them to have settled in so what you are seeing is totally normal.
You should expect weeks to months before they start to become less afraid. One of mine took a year and a half!
Please do read the settling in green links which were posted in a previous reply. It gives a lot of information on how to settle them and bond with them. Once they start taking food from your hand then that is a very good sign of trust. Do bear in mind though that most piggies (no matter how settled they are) dont like to be picked up. In

 

[Debx]

Please don’t use the spray - never treat anything on spec as you can hide tell tale signs a vet needs to make a diagnosis but it can also interfere with the correct treatment.
Please do go straight to the vet.

I will link in our ringworm guide which explains signs, treatment and the stringent hygiene you would need to undertake for a ringworm diagnosis

Ringworm: Hygiene, Care And Pictures

Sadly it’s not uncommon to bring home piggies from breeders or pet shops and then find they are harbouring an illness of some sort.

10 days is no time at all for them to have settled in so what you are seeing is totally normal.
You should expect weeks to months before they start to become less afraid. One of mine took a year and a half!
Please do read the settling in green links which were posted in a previous reply. It gives a lot of information on how to settle them and bond with them. Once they start taking food from your hand then that is a very good sign of trust. Do bear in mind though that most piggies (no matter how settled they are) dont like to be picked up. In

Thank you for your replies. I will book her in. So glad I've found this site it's been very informative and helpful x