Table of Contents
How long does it take for a guinea pig to settle in a new home?
It can take a guinea pig anywhere from three days to as much as three weeks or more to get used to their new owner. While that can sound like a long time, try not to get too discouraged if your guinea pig takes that long or even longer before getting used to you.
How do I relax my new guinea pig?
To keep your guinea pig calm:
- Choose appropriate cage size for how many guinea pigs you have.
- Make sure they have a few places to hide.
- Introduce new things into their cage slowly.
- Minimize loud noises.
- Try not to make sudden movements.
- Speak to them calmly when handling.
- Don’t bother them when they’re anxious.
How do you make a scared guinea pig happy?
3. Hand-feed them veggies, treats, or hay, to increase bonding with guinea pigs
- Be sure to not be too forceful and scare them away.
- If they seem like they are curious but still too scared to take the treat straight from your hand, try lightly tossing over to them so that they know you want to give them the treat.
How do I know if my guinea pig is uncomfortable?
Signs of anxiety/aggression: Likewise, if your guinea pig is scared or unhappy with you, he will find ways to show this. Freezing, fidgeting, or throwing his head up in the air, means he is scared or uncomfortable. Teeth baring and hissing, hair fluffing, and strutting often are signs of aggression.
What do guinea pig squeaks mean?
Here are some examples: Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle, and this noise means your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime. A deep, relaxed one means your guinea pig is content, while a higher pitched one is more likely a sound of annoyance.
How can I make my guinea pig feel comfortable?
Guinea pigs don’t have great sight, which can make it scary for them when someone barges into their space and reaches into their cage. However, they have a strong sense of hearing and smell, so take advantage of these senses to make them comfortable! Talk to your pig quietly as you enter the room and anytime you approach its cage.
How to help your guinea pig adjust to your new environment?
Try to pick a specific time for every activity and stick to it—your guinea pig will feel more safe and secure. A consistent routine is most important with new environments and activities. For example, taking your guinea pig out of its cage and holding it at the same time each day will make these activities less stressful.
What should I put in my guinea pig cage?
Prepare a neutral area outside of the cage where the guinea pigs can meet each other. This area (e.g., bathroom, kitchen) should be new to both guinea pigs. Put hay and fresh veggies in the area, along with some towels (in case they get aggressive).
How often do guinea pigs need to be outside?
Guinea pigs need appropriate room to roam, with separate spaces for a nest, bathroom area and food and water. No animal is meant to live in a cage all the time, so make sure to provide your pig with time outside their enclosures at least once a day to stretch their legs, explore and exercise.