Scared Cavy?

[Kodiak_daP1G]

So I got this little piggy a couple weeks ago and shes still TERRIFIED. I am well aware it takes time for a new cavy to become relaxed and settle in there new home, and even longer to tame them. when i got her i left her alone for about 4 days, only talking to her softly, and only for a brief moment at a time. She well eat from my hand, but only if i feed her in her house. Ive tried luring her out by slowly moving my hand back, and shell come about halfway out, then goes back in. she will not approach my hand. When she is out of her house, she doesnt mind if i feed her a treat, and she will not hesitate to step on my hand if i hold the treat over it. Some times she will let me softly stroke her, rarely can i use more than a finger to touch her. ive take her out for floor time, but i can only do that by picking up her house i made her. when shes out, and i pet her, she popcorns ALOT and i can tell by her voice she is giving a sign to back off. ive tried using the towel trick, but that freaks her out even more. I am aware she might be lonely as i have only one, but i only have one because i intend to spend alot of time with her as i am home all day. i am never rough with her. always slow and gentle because i know they are naturally skiddish.....any advice?

 

[Tigermoth]

Welcome! Have you worked your way through the care guides? If you open up each forum there are a collection of posts that cover the basics and are well worth reading. It is normal for them to be scared, it can take a long time to earn their trust. I've had my first piggies for 8 months now and we are still very much a work in progress.

I know you feel that you will be interacting with her so you don't need another but with all due respect you can never come close to a piggie friend. It would be as though you were living in a room by yourself and then someone would come in and talk to you in a language you don't understand, cuddle you whether you want it or not and then leave. It is essential for them to have company of their own kind as well as a loving owner. It is lovely watching them interact with each other too, you would get much more out of piggie ownership by having a pair.

Good luck, the guys here are so knowledgeable, I hope you can develop a great relationship with your new friend.

 

[Wiebke]

So I got this little piggy a couple weeks ago and shes still TERRIFIED. I am well aware it takes time for a new cavy to become relaxed and settle in there new home, and even longer to tame them. when i got her i left her alone for about 4 days, only talking to her softly, and only for a brief moment at a time. She well eat from my hand, but only if i feed her in her house. Ive tried luring her out by slowly moving my hand back, and shell come about halfway out, then goes back in. she will not approach my hand. When she is out of her house, she doesnt mind if i feed her a treat, and she will not hesitate to step on my hand if i hold the treat over it. Some times she will let me softly stroke her, rarely can i use more than a finger to touch her. ive take her out for floor time, but i can only do that by picking up her house i made her. when shes out, and i pet her, she popcorns ALOT and i can tell by her voice she is giving a sign to back off. ive tried using the towel trick, but that freaks her out even more. I am aware she might be lonely as i have only one, but i only have one because i intend to spend alot of time with her as i am home all day. i am never rough with her. always slow and gentle because i know they are naturally skiddish.....any advice?

Hi and welcome!

Here are our tips on how settle frightened guinea pigs, understand how they work and make friends in guinea pig language. Please be aware that your girl is much more likely to come out of her shell and be a lot happier with a companion.
As much as you want to, you just can't replace the very differentiated round the clock social interaction. Are you aware that with a single piggy, you are actually missing out on what makes them so special and unique - with a companion, you get twice the fun and your girl has the same species companion she urgently needs. Guinea pigs are wired to be group animals, not to live on their own. That is their worst nightmare!

Please take your time to read our guides; you will find them very helpful! You can find more information on a wide range subjects at the top of our various Care sections, but are welcome to ask any questions you may have in there.
" Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Companionship