New piggies, new owner!

[Heffalump]

Hey up

We've had our girls for a week now, after having a pair of rats who have died. Blimey they are different animals! Almost the complete opposites behaviour wise. They are 9 weeks old now, so I suppose they are still babies, and still very skittish and scared, they won't take treats from the hand, and hide every time we come near them. I THINK they are getting better, but it's hard to tell. We're trying to get them out for lots of handling time to get them used to us, but they're very scared. Frankie decided she'd had enough today and took a chunk out of my palm.

I hope they get used to us soon!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Please be aware that guinea pigs are prey animals (unlike rats) and that most shop animals have virtually not had any human contact. It takes quite some time for them to get used to their new homes and to build up trust with humans - so be patient!

Most piggies don't like the act of being being picked up (it cuts too close to their prey animal instincts), even though they can learn to enjoy being cuddled. You can train them to come into some kind of conveyance, like a tunnel, an upturned house, a cosy or a padded cardboard box.

Here are more tips on how to deal with skittish piggies: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have in our Care subsections for best results.

With members from all over the world, we would be grateful if you added your country/general area to your details, so we can give you appropriate advice and links straight away. You can do so in User CP/edit profile/location. Thanks!

 

[Heffalump]

^^^ Thanks for your reply! I've tried to add Frankie to my avatar but it says its the wrong kind of file. (Jpg)

I'll update my info now, and thanks for the link

Jim ((& Emma) & Frankie & Wiggle)