Question: Guinea Pig Settling in

[kat04kt]

Hello,

Very quick question.

I picked up my two guinea's yesterday

One is 6 weeks old, the other almost 8 weeks old. They were from a breeder and have already been introduced and know each other well. They are very used to being handled.

I collected them in a pet carrier - a good sized one. When I brought them home (5pm last night) I set the carrier down in their C&C cage and left the door open.

Food, water, hay, etc all been provided - however they haven't yet ventured out of the carrier for a look around, instead they have buried themselves under the hay in the pet carrier and haven't eaten or drunk anything.

I put two small pieces of carrot in the carrier, and this morning could see that only one had been slightly nibbled at. I put two more fresh pieces in.

I was just wondering - how long does it generally take for guinea's to start to come out and explore their new home? They are sooooo quite and still, they have barely moved and they haven't made any noise or queaks whatsoever.

Any idea?

Many thanks
K

 

[Toffeewoffee]

It will take time, no doubt they have ventured out when you weren't looking, they are very nervous little animals, and they dont really like being low down, they feel intimidated, so if you can try to raise them until they are mosre comfortable, sit near the cage and talk softly to them, they may be used to handling but try to to handle them much to begin with, let them get used to the new, surroundings, smell, noises etc, they will soon get used to the sound of you voice and feel more confident, maybe sit with your hand in their cage so they get used to it and your smell. try to offer them some cucumber or a lettuce leaf, or some spinach (tend to be the fav's) and see if they will take it, if not just leave it near them and i'll be surprised if they dont munch it up.

It just takes time for them to get used to new surroundings, be patient and take things at their pace.

Good luck.