Very Nervous Piggies! First Time Owner..

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Hi All,

First time piggie owner! We have two very very scared young piggies.

Surprisingly both of them keep giving out a certain noise, according to youtube they are telling us to go away LOL.

We have had 'Pepper' and 'Fudge' for 4 days now and they are already taking food from our hands so great progress. Unable to pick them up as yet. That will come with time I'm sure.

They have both developed an itch so will keep an eye on this, any suggestions or helpful tips to look out for would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
We've had our boys for two weeks and they still run and hide when we come in the room!

One thing we found really helps is watching a TV program on a laptop nearby, so they get used to hearing human voices, or leaving radio 4 on nearby. They've both been watching so much QI that they start popcorning every time they hear the theme tune play! I think they have a thing for Stephen Fry.

If you want to pick them up so they're used to lap time, you could put in a soft fabric bag and pick them up in that when they run in, then unfold it around them in your lap. That way you can get them used to being handled without having to chase them round the cage and grab them, which is the really scary part :)

I found that the boys also liked to snuggle in my hair on my shoulder which is quite long, but you have to wear a hoodie or something that covers that bit or you get all scratched! I think it makes them less scared.

I don't know if youtube is always right, I honestly think it differs by guinea pig :)

Mine are both itching too, if anyone has any advice on that it would be great?

Hope I helped :)

Annie, Poldark and Sage x
 
The itching could be mites and its hard to say as you won't know whether its more than normal or not. You could always pick up some spot on to treat them with on the safe side.
 
Always worth a consideration. Given that I can buy spot on from Wilko's for £5 (I work above wilko's) and two packs will cover all 4 pigs but one piggy at the vets is £15.50 I will always try spot on first if I think it could be a mite issue. My original two (especially Bea who passed this year) was quite prone to mites and seemed to get an outbreak on every stress such as moving house etc
 
we always have a little game of ' chase me ' when it comes to getting them out for lap time.. it is a 2 person job lol ! they are fine though once out and have got better over time, we have only had them 6 weeks .
 
Thanks all. Much appreciated.

Not as much itching today which is good! They love being out on the floor, loads of popcorning and running about at 100mph! I actually managed to pick up fudge today for the first time, he was very very scared so only managed a few seconds lap time but its progress.

Anyway here is a pic of the new family members, left is Pepper, Fudge is on the posing on the right.

2qlzmac.jpg
 
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Aww they are very cute... A little pop Corning is great to watch.. I just went outside to check on my girlies and I thought they would be in bed but no, sat in their new hay tray stuffing their faces lol..
 
Hi and welcome!
You may find these threads here helpful:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-to-pick-up-your-guinea-pig.126359/

We have got lots of information at the top of our various Care sections, which you may find helpful. You are also most welcome to ask any questions in there. For your itching issue, I would strongly recommend to please open a thread in our Health/Illness section for ongoing support, as this section is specially monitored by medically experienced members.
 
What cuties! When you are able to start picking up, you might find the tunnel trick easiest, round them up into the tunnel, then cover both ends with your hands, now you have them contained! Just be careful when you are transporting them onto your lap :)
 
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