They are unhappy :(

Poppins&DrPickles

Poppins&DrPickles

Junior Guinea Pig
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I got two babies two days ago and they are frozen to the spot in their hideouts (often alone). I had pigs before and they were this frightened. The cage isn’t filled with hideouts and I’ve covered it in a blanket. What can I do? Is this abnormal?
 
Sounds what would be expected at this stage. They are prey animals, they’re young and you’ve had them for such a short amount of time, they need time to settle into their surroundings, new noises etc - For some piggies we are talking weeks to months. Keep nice and calm and slow around them, places where they feel safe to hide and give them time. Keep an eye on them and make sure they eat.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Sounds what would be expected at this stage. They are prey animals, they’re young and you’ve had them for such a short amount of time, they need time to settle into their surroundings, new noises etc - For some piggies we are talking weeks to months. Keep nice and calm and slow around them, places where they feel safe to hide and give them time. Keep an eye on them and make sure they eat.
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As long as this isn’t normal! My other ones must’ve been unusual! Thanks xx
 
Poppins&DrPickles said:
I got two babies two days ago and they are frozen to the spot in their hideouts (often alone). I had pigs before and they were this frightened. The cage isn’t filled with hideouts and I’ve covered it in a blanket. What can I do? Is this abnormal?
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Hi and welcome!

Please place hay (which should make over 80% of the daily food intake) close by where they are sitting and be careful with feeding veg in case neither they nor their mothers have had it at the commercial supply breeder's or in the shop and their tummies are not used it.
it would be great if you also provided hiding places - even if it is just pegging a couple of old handkerchiefs to the bars or cutting a couple of door openings into a small cardboard box.

Otherwise leave them be and avoid any predatory behaviours/triggering their prey animal instincts.

You may find the various detailed tips and information in our guides helpful; especially understanding how your babies see things, how prey animal instincts work and how you can use their own body language and social expectations to invite them as a welcome part of your group in order to give them identity and a place they belong.
You can access all the relevant guides via this shortcut here, including what to look out with in new piggies from a place without quarantine etc. (sexing and the most common problems pet shop piggies come with): Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

Please be aware that when you choose pet shop piggies for looks and not for who they are hanging out with, your youngsters may not necessarily be best of mates.

All the best!
 
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We have had our pigs since 27th July this year and they were like this at first for a good month or so. It made me really sad. However, they have completely come out their shells now. They squeak, enjoy laptime and one has started to let me stroke him in the cage. Give them time and quiet and they will be fine. We waited a good couple of weeks before handling. Especially if they are babies they can easily be frightened. At this point they just need to learn their new home is safe and they will soon adapt. Take it slowly, see if they take veg out of your hand and talk to them when you are near they will figure out you are not a predator x
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome!

Please place hay (which should make over 80% of the daily food intake) close by where they are sitting and be careful with feeding veg in case neither they nor their mothers have had it at the commercial supply breeder's or in the shop and their tummies are not used it.
it would be great if you also provided hiding places - even if it is just pegging a couple of old handkerchiefs to the bars or cutting a couple of door openings into a small cardboard box.

Otherwise leave them be and avoid any predatory behaviours/triggering their prey animal instincts.

You may find the various detailed tips and information in our guides helpful; especially understanding how your babies see things, how prey animal instincts work and how you can use their own body language and social expectations to invite them as a welcome part of your group in order to give them identity and a place they belong.
You can access all the relevant guides via this shortcut here, including what to look out with in new piggies from a place without quarantine etc. (sexing and the most common problems pet shop piggies come with): Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

Please be aware that when you choose pet shop piggies for looks and not for who they are hanging out with, your youngsters may not necessarily be best of mates.

All the best!
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Thanks for all the info... the pen is littered with hideouts of all sorts and I have a sheet covering it for more seclusion. They had been feeding cucumber and celery so I’ve kept them on those and they’ve got hay at a few points around the Pen.

- I never even thought about who they may be friends with... will they be happy still?
 
They are still settling into their new home so

As with humans, piggies’ compatibility depends on their personalities. We can’t yet tell you (and neither can you decide now) whether they will get on in future once they’ve hit the teenage years. On that note, are they boys or girls?

The threads that @VickiA linked to are very useful indeed. I’d read through a few times and learn to communicate with them in their language. Once they’re settling you will really see them come out of their shell and their personalities start to blossom.

pigtures are always welcome ☺️
 
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