Very stressed/scared rescue guinea pigs

[Vickyg]

I recently adopted a further two guinea pigs who in time will become part of a bigger group.
When I took on the two girls I knew I was in for a challenge due to what the lovely rescue ladies told me. But I have the facilities and love to take it on.

I know all piggies are different and when they are rescue we will never know exactly the full picture even though I did get some information.

In terms of health they look good and have lovely coats on them

My plan was just to leave them alone for a while and let them get used to me. Just picking them up, just a little at a time so they get used to it as they clearly haven't been handled before. One is starting to become more curious and venturing out but one is petrified. I've never seen a piggy quite as bad as this before.

I would would love to hear from people who have had similar experiences and any tips you could pass on

 

[Merab]

Sorry I can’t help with advice but just wanted to say that I really admire you taking on 2 such needy girls.
I’m sure that if anyone can help the girl who is still petrified then you will.
It sounds as if it will take all the time, patience and love you can give them.

 

[Guineautopia]

Hi, I’m in a simalar situation....
I took on two rescue piggies nearly 4 months ago. They came from a horrible background and would scream blue murder if I tried to pick them up. I had accepted that they may never be friendly piggies, I just wanted to give them a better life.
Well four months on they have mostly stopped squealing if I pick them up. Once I have them on my lap in a towel they relax and make happy noises. And just recently one of them is starting to come much closer when I have food to offer.
I basically talk to them all the time so they get to know my voice and I always announce to them when I am coming in the room.
It may take a year but I think we will get there.
I think routine helps them also.
I wish you lots of luck with your piggies

 

[Vickyg]

That's great thank you so much
I'm in for the challenge and love little Suki and Kiki loads regardless.

Wishing you all the best too x

 

[Vickyg]

Sorry I can’t help with advice but just wanted to say that I really admire you taking on 2 such needy girls.
I’m sure that if anyone can help the girl who is still petrified then you will.
It sounds as if it will take all the time, patience and love you can give them.

Thank you for your kind words x

 

[lauraboara]

I took on one boy from a rescue who had been found in a skip and he was incredibly shy and I am sure had been mistreated. He was very scared of any male voice so who knows what had gone on. I found with him that it just took a great deal of patience from our family and lots of hand feeding. Even just leaving grass close to him and praising him if he didn't freeze or fly off.
As with all our boys, I never tried to pick him up with bare hands for first few months - always coaxed him into a cosy sack with very gentle constant talking.
I am sure you know these things from your existing piggies - it really is just time and routine and food! Also learning from other piggies is really helpful, my boy was paired with a confident boy and although always shy, he learnt from the braver one.
Lots of luck for them!