So skittish

Gizmosis

Gizmosis

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Feb 1, 2018
Messages
86
Reaction score
41
Points
165
Location
Massachusetts
So I have four guinea pigs. It all started when I adopted one off of Facebook off of a group in my area a woman was getting rid of a guinea pig and she said is she needed it gone by the morning or it was going to the pound... Me and my daughter picked it up because my husband is allergic to cats and dogs and we figured we'd give it a try he is not allergic to guinea pigs so we fell in love and this is our new Choice pet we went out and got three more babies in the months to come not all at once... Gizmo the one that we adopted who is 1 years old was somewhat less skittish before we got him a mate I attributed that to he gets play time with his own kind now and he doesn't need me as much that's fine... But I noticed that out of all the guinea pigs he is the only one who doesn't really allow me to show him affection at all or pick him up he is uncomfortable the whole time you can tell (did something happen to him?)trying to get out of my hands almost wiggling around so I have of course put him back I don't want to stress him... It just really sucks because I really feel I have no connection to him and I don't want to feel like I'm just giving him food and water and that's the only purpose of him being around is for me to supply things to him I want to have a connection with him I hope you guys understand I want a connection with my pet I know that it's always not up to me and he has his own personality but there's got to be a way for me to get a connection with him as I said before he was housed with his friend he would sit on my lap without wiggling like that and he would let me pet him so the behavior change almost makes me think maybe he doesn't like having a friend I don't know... any and all advice welcome... and he doesn't really play with the other guinea pig I just noticed that ever since he's been in the cage with another guinea pig he doesn't allow me near him he doesn't really let the other guinea pig near him either but he's not aggressive he's become more skittish!
 
Like with any new pet, it takes time to build a trusting relationship. You won't become instant besties - guinea pigs are naturally shy and skittish so it may take a while for him or her to adjust to the new environment. Depending on your cavy's personality this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months or more. A rare few are naturally outgoing and will run up to greet you from the start but the majority take time to come around.

So what can you do to encourage your pigs to come out of their shell cozy? Provide affection, positive reinforcement... and edible bribes.
SOCIALIZATION TIPS Pick a quiet location for their cage. Preferably away from other pets, boisterous kids, and other startling noises. Your pigs are likely nervous and overwhelmed so they will certainly appreciate a peaceful place to settle in.

Provide pigloos, huts, cozies, and other hiding places. Make them as comfortable as possible while they get used to their new surroundings. Speak to them so they become used to the sound of your voice.

Avoid grabbing them without warning. Slowly extend a hand first so they can see you and smell your scent. Some will let you pet them before picking them up. Carry them in a cozy or cuddle cup. Many guineas dislike being picked up, even if they enjoy being petted. This will help them feel more secure so they'll be less likely to squirm while being transported. Plus, the fabric provides a barrier from grumpy midair nibbles. I'm looking at you, Truffle!

Indulge in shameless bribery. The way to a pig's heart is through their stomach, so veggie treats are definitely in order! Greens, grass, and the occasional bit of fruit will go a long way towards winning your pig's trust. Bonus points for using bribes during cuddle time. Spend time with them regularly. Even fifteen minutes a day can help a lot with bonding. Don't be discouraged if your guinea's behavior doesn't change right away - have patience and keep up the good work! They'll be wheeking their hellos and demanding food before you know it.

Read more at: Cali Cavy Collective: a blog about all things guinea pig: 7 Tips for Bonding With Your Guinea Pig

These are some great tips to start out bonding process. It takes some time. Some don't ever get to where they want to be held and cuddled but you can still have a wonderful bond with them as they can show affection in many different ways.

Congratulations on your new babies! You are a wonderful piggy parent in giving these little ones a very good home.
 
It may well be that Gizmo had poor experience of handling before you rescued him and so it will take him much longer to bond with you.
Having said that a lot of piggies never like being handled or petted much anyway.
We have to accept them for who they are and their own likes and dislikes.
Don’t knock yourself about being merely a provider of food and water.
For a guinea pig that’s important.
Please don’t feel guilty about your relationship with him - it’s just different.
 
Definitely give him time, he needs to get used to you, his new home and surroundings. With some pigs it can take longer than others too.
 
fanniephina said:
Like with any new pet, it takes time to build a trusting relationship. You won't become instant besties - guinea pigs are naturally shy and skittish so it may take a while for him or her to adjust to the new environment. Depending on your cavy's personality this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months or more. A rare few are naturally outgoing and will run up to greet you from the start but the majority take time to come around.

So what can you do to encourage your pigs to come out of their shell cozy? Provide affection, positive reinforcement... and edible bribes.
SOCIALIZATION TIPS Pick a quiet location for their cage. Preferably away from other pets, boisterous kids, and other startling noises. Your pigs are likely nervous and overwhelmed so they will certainly appreciate a peaceful place to settle in.

Provide pigloos, huts, cozies, and other hiding places. Make them as comfortable as possible while they get used to their new surroundings. Speak to them so they become used to the sound of your voice.

Avoid grabbing them without warning. Slowly extend a hand first so they can see you and smell your scent. Some will let you pet them before picking them up. Carry them in a cozy or cuddle cup. Many guineas dislike being picked up, even if they enjoy being petted. This will help them feel more secure so they'll be less likely to squirm while being transported. Plus, the fabric provides a barrier from grumpy midair nibbles. I'm looking at you, Truffle!

Indulge in shameless bribery. The way to a pig's heart is through their stomach, so veggie treats are definitely in order! Greens, grass, and the occasional bit of fruit will go a long way towards winning your pig's trust. Bonus points for using bribes during cuddle time. Spend time with them regularly. Even fifteen minutes a day can help a lot with bonding. Don't be discouraged if your guinea's behavior doesn't change right away - have patience and keep up the good work! They'll be wheeking their hellos and demanding food before you know it.

Read more at: Cali Cavy Collective: a blog about all things guinea pig: 7 Tips for Bonding With Your Guinea Pig

These are some great tips to start out bonding process. It takes some time. Some don't ever get to where they want to be held and cuddled but you can still have a wonderful bond with them as they can show affection in many different ways.

Congratulations on your new babies! You are a wonderful piggy parent in giving these little ones a very good home.
Click to expand...
When i slowly reach for them they run!
 
Gizmosis said:
I have seen this and like this article i wish gizmo would come around i have had him longer then the others.
Click to expand...

It just takes time and endless patience. From day 1 we would have 10 mins "lap time" a day with each piggy and I'd do the stroking under the eye thing that apparently means "I love you" in Piggy. My daughter was 10 and the time and even though she was very good and soon became confident handling them, I could tell she was just a bit too wriggly for Silk, so we'd swap pigs after a few minutes and I'd hold Silk really still because that's what she likes.

Clover, on the other hand, likes to be a bit more interactive! She likes eye contact and gets very wriggly and nervous if you just sit still with her in the way that Silk loves! She loves to meet new people and be chatted to.

They are all different and apparently some never like being cuddled though I find that hard to imagine. I've blethered on long enough but what I'm trying to say is that I'm sure in time you will find the way to Gizmo's heart.
 
Pigwhisperer said:
It just takes time and endless patience. From day 1 we would have 10 mins "lap time" a day with each piggy and I'd do the stroking under the eye thing that apparently means "I love you" in Piggy. My daughter was 10 and the time and even though she was very good and soon became confident handling them, I could tell she was just a bit too wriggly for Silk, so we'd swap pigs after a few minutes and I'd hold Silk really still because that's what she likes.

Clover, on the other hand, likes to be a bit more interactive! She likes eye contact and gets very wriggly and nervous if you just sit still with her in the way that Silk loves! She loves to meet new people and be chatted to.

They are all different and apparently some never like being cuddled though I find that hard to imagine. I've blethered on long enough but what I'm trying to say is that I'm sure in time you will find the way to Gizmo's heart.
Click to expand...
I really hope i do haha. Hes at least co existing well w his cage mate unlike my two most loving pigs.. who dont get along haha. Seems like the more my piga trust me the more they dislike one another
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top