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One of the guinea pigs keep running away :(

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happycheeks93

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I know they run away easily but I feel like she dislikes me. What can I do to prevent from her running away? This is their third day and I think they are becoming comfortable with their surroundings but I'm the problem. :)) I don't scare them on purpose :(. Today, this morning I said hello and I put hay and food into their bowl. Is that okay still? Will they know I'm their friend and I don't want to eat them?
 
I then added lettuce into their cage and I said "here's some veggies.". In a soft voice. Then, they both come out to eat the lettuce. :):)
 
happycheeks93 said:
I know they run away easily but I feel like she dislikes me. What can I do to prevent from her running away? This is their third day and I think they are becoming comfortable with their surroundings but I'm the problem. :)) I don't scare them on purpose :(. Today, this morning I said hello and I put hay and food into their bowl. Is that okay still? Will they know I'm their friend and I don't want to eat them?
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As guinea pigs are naturally prey animal they are always frightened of their owners at first , of course we are huge compared to them. It can take months for them to really trust you but keep offering small treats in your hand and they will soon learn that you're not so scary. I got 3 of my girls from a rescue in May, one is very friendly and will climb on the wire of the cage to be fed, the other two are very timid but they are making progress. It just will take a little time.
 
klee said:
As guinea pigs are naturally prey animal they are always frightened of their owners at first , of course we are huge compared to them. It can take months for them to really trust you but keep offering small treats in your hand and they will soon learn that you're not so scary. I got 3 of my girls from a rescue in May, one is very friendly and will climb on the wire of the cage to be fed, the other two are very timid but they are making progress. It just will take a little time.
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Thanks :) I'll do that. Yeah, I will have to wait I guess. Aww that's sweet :)
 
You have only had them for such a short time so they will run away as they do not know you. I have had my Amelia Jane for almost four years and she still runs away. This is just normal guinea pig behaviour.
 
piggyfan said:
You have only had them for such a short time so they will run away as they do not know you. I have had my Amelia Jane for almost four years and she still runs away. This is just normal guinea pig behaviour.
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Ok I understand :) Sorry I'm still new to all this :p :)
 
Don't panic my two sows run a mile from me. They even scream when I handle them (so I keep it to the necessary cage cleaning ritual). However, when I feed them they're by best fur friends.:(|)

Guinea's have quirky personalities. My two sows are really frosty. Where Chocolate, boar, will climb up and lay on you and go to sleep.

It takes time and patience xx
 
Your little piggy is just doing what is natural for a prey animal.
She will gradually get used to you but it might take a long time.
Some piggies always run away but once they're safely on your lap they settle down ok.
I'm glad you asked about this because your post might have helped somebody else who is worried about the same thing! :)
 
I'm a believer in taking any kind of love that's going -c So what if it's only cupboard love rolleyes Keep offering tasty treats (not necessarily unhealthy ones) they will be perfectly happy with veg, long things are great, green beans, carrots cut into matchsticks, or peppers sliced long ways, anything that lets them get closer to your hand, while feeling a happy feeling, once the connection is made your in x) x)

But don't ever expect them not to run if you turn up suddenly, or approach them from above, it would just be against every instinct in their body to do that! and there are some who will just never be comfortable with close human contact, but most will come and get the treats, even if they run away after ;)

They are just like us, each one is different, and each one has a personality of there own, I hope you all enjoy getting to know each other. :)
 
Thanks everyone for your advice. :) I may have to see what there is to give to the guinea pigs. I'll wait another 2 or 4 days and see if they come out for food when it's in my hand. I can hear them going around the cage, so that's a good start I think.
 
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