I recently purchased two Guinnea Pigs from PetSmart and they are extremely shy. I know they need time to get used to their new enviroment, and probably use to the new attention that they weren't getting before. How long does it usually take for a Guinnea Pig to really warm up and become affectionate to its owner with normal handling and care?
2007-01-03 15:59:35 · 3 answers · asked by Jason 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Guinea pigs are, first and foremost, prey animals. Their instincts to run are the strongest. Most will never "warm up" to you in the way that many pets will. I have owned my six for three years now, and they still run and hide under a pigloo when I come into the room, although if I've got food they'll come out and take it from me with gusto.
2007-01-03 23:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Lotus Effect 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally Guinea Pigs that are not warehouse raised are more social because they've had the interaction of people all along. That is exactly why I do not buy pigs from live animal suppliers but rather locally raised ones. We raise some occasionally also and are able to handle them from the day of birth. We don't sell them until at least 6 weeks of age either. That means ours stay with the mother all that time. This is really important for the babies. Was a wonderful idea for you to purchase 2 because pigs love to have a friend and when one of them dies, the other will mourn for it until you get a replacement. Guinea Pigs can live up to 8 years. You will be able to tell in a couple of weeks when they want to return to the cage because they get restless. This is usually an indication they are about to urinate. You can't prevent them from pooping anytime though so keep a towel on your lap.
Please remember to supplement their meals with Timothy Hay. It is excellent nutrition and good for wearing down the front teeth. Please do not use cedar bedding as this is not good for the respiratory system. Enjoy your pigs.
2007-01-04 00:22:59 · answer #2 · answered by kriend 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had a couple of Guinea Pigs a few years ago. It took a few days, maybe about 10 to 14 days. Routine is very important for these critters -- try to feed / water them at the same time every day. Soon, they'll begin to squeak when they hear you coming!
Get a towel or soft cloth, and take one out at a time, and just sit with it on your lap (they do pee!). Stroke it and soon it will begin to calm down, and may even lie down in your lap and take a snooze. Then, you know it's beginning to know you and trust you!
They also like special treats like carrots, lettuce, grass, and apples.
2007-01-04 00:06:30 · answer #3 · answered by Joya 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋