SallyG
Junior Guinea Pig
Hi all,
Betty and Bertha (our 1st piggies) have been living with us for almost 2 weeks. They are 18 months old and we got them from a rescue; I aren't sure what sort of background they came from.
They split their time between a cage upstairs and a 4 x 2 C&C in the lounge.
They spend just about all their time in their house when we're around, they have just started coming out when I put veg in but eat and run back in the house. If we make any movements or go too close to them they'll run straight back in.
I am holding them everyday and although they don't like actually being picked up, they settle easily on my knee and will sit for about 30 minutes without trying to run away.
Sometimes when I'm holding Betty she makes a noise which I think must be the teeth chattering noise I've read about on here. She doesn't do it all the time, just occasionally. Do you think I'm scaring her by holding her?
Generally the piggies are quiet, I've hardly heard any noises from them.
I guess what I'm worrying about is that they might not be happy. Am I rushing things a bit, is not quite 2 weeks not enough time for them to be wheeking about happily?
Thanks
x
Betty and Bertha (our 1st piggies) have been living with us for almost 2 weeks. They are 18 months old and we got them from a rescue; I aren't sure what sort of background they came from.
They split their time between a cage upstairs and a 4 x 2 C&C in the lounge.
They spend just about all their time in their house when we're around, they have just started coming out when I put veg in but eat and run back in the house. If we make any movements or go too close to them they'll run straight back in.
I am holding them everyday and although they don't like actually being picked up, they settle easily on my knee and will sit for about 30 minutes without trying to run away.
Sometimes when I'm holding Betty she makes a noise which I think must be the teeth chattering noise I've read about on here. She doesn't do it all the time, just occasionally. Do you think I'm scaring her by holding her?
Generally the piggies are quiet, I've hardly heard any noises from them.
I guess what I'm worrying about is that they might not be happy. Am I rushing things a bit, is not quite 2 weeks not enough time for them to be wheeking about happily?
Thanks
x
It is natural for piggies to run away as they are prey animals and to them everything is scary and means a predator can be about to whisk them away. I have had one of my piggies for four years and she will still run away from me. Settling on your knee for 30 minutes is fantastic! Mine will not really do that. Any longer and the would need to wee anyway so be pleased they will sit that long with you. 