Very nervous guinea pigs!

[GuineaPiggles18]

I recently got two New Guinea pigs from a lady who didn’t really do much with them apart from feed them(no interaction) and they are extremely nervous of people. Mavis is 4 months and Orwin is 10 months. I was hoping for some advice on how to make them feel safe. They are with two 6 year old girls who have always been very tame so I don’t really know what to do!
When ever I go near the enclosure they run and hide whereas the older ones come running up squeaking. Some advice is desperately needed as I feel really guilty for constantly scaring them!

 

[Betsy]

Have you covered up part of the cage with a towel or piece of fleece? This will help them to feel braver as they will be under cover. New piggies are naturally nervous of new situations as they are prey animals and they think they will get eaten until they learn that they won't. They need to get used to new smells and new noises and new people and ...... Your other girls will teach them that you are not to be feared although it may take a while. These tips are good to follow

How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?

 

[GuineaPiggles18]

Thank you I will put in some fleece hideys one they are clean and hopefully they will feel a bit better

 

[Wiebke]

I recently got two New Guinea pigs from a lady who didn’t really do much with them apart from feed them(no interaction) and they are extremely nervous of people. Mavis is 4 months and Orwin is 10 months. I was hoping for some advice on how to make them feel safe. They are with two 6 year old girls who have always been very tame so I don’t really know what to do!
When ever I go near the enclosure they run and hide whereas the older ones come running up squeaking. Some advice is desperately needed as I feel really guilty for constantly scaring them!

Hi!

Please take the time to also read these guides here. Be patient; it can take quite a long time to work past trigger-happy prey animal instincts. But it is really worth it!
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
It takes time and patience with nervous young piggies.
There’s lots of good advice already given.
All I can say is be patient. Talk to them so they get to know your voice and associate you with food and safety.
I gained 2 youngsters in July - little Phoebe was very nervous but now is a confident young lady.
It only took 4 months.

Please can we see pictures of all your piggies

 

[VickiA]

Hello and welcome. Great advice above. Patience, kindness and bribery will win them round in the end. But in the meantime I agree with offering them plenty of hidey holes and talking to them so they know you are coming/nearby and don’t startle when they suddenly become aware of your presence.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I absolutely agree - patience.
I have had my two boys six months. my dominant pig took about four months and he was a lot happier to be around me. My submissive pig it still getting there - for the last couple of weeks he has gained more confidence and is staying out and about when I’m putting the food in.

 

[GuineaPiggles18]

Welcome to the forum.
It takes time and patience with nervous young piggies.
There’s lots of good advice already given.
All I can say is be patient. Talk to them so they get to know your voice and associate you with food and safety.
I gained 2 youngsters in July - little Phoebe was very nervous but now is a confident young lady.
It only took 4 months.

Please can we see pictures of all your piggies

Hi. Unfortunately I can’t give you pictures of Orwin and Mavis as they are too skittish and hide in the dark places,bless them. But I do have some of my 2 older ones ,Cottontail and Jemima

 

[Merab]

They are beautiful

 

[VickiA]

Scrumptious

 

[GuineaPiggles18]

They are beautiful

I knooow! I can’t believe they will be 7 this summer!