Need Guinea Pig help!?

Question

I bought him 4 days ago and he is 2 months old. We found lice on him the first day. Took him to the vet the second day and it was traumatic to him and then had to give him a bath which he also did NOT like. Since then he doesn't want us to hold him (can't blame him). But I want to know how much is normal considering he is still new to us or did we traumatize him that much? Should we not try to pick him up and leave him alone? Or should we still try to pet him to reassure him and prevent him from feeling isolated?

Answer 1

As with any pet, it may take a few days before a guinea pig is comfortable enough in it's new environment. If you got him from a pet store, he probably wasn't handled much and thus isn't used to hands in the first place (so it isn't your fault).
In time he will learn to associate you with food. Come with lil treats a few times each day and he'll LOVE you soon enough. In a few days, start handling him a few minutes each day but don't pick him off the ground too high etc yet. He'd freak out naturally.. He'll soon to love your attention.. Good luck!!

Answer 2

I agree with the first answer, you need to be gentle and patient with your new friend. He is probably very scared about being in a new place with new people, and it sounds like he was rather traumatized after you first got him. Give him treats and lots of fresh fruit/veggies. Let him sniff you a lot and let him get used to your smell. After a little bit you can start trying to hold him (sitting on the ground will probably make him more comfortable) for short periods of time. Beware though... guinea pigs will pee when they feel stressed. Please do not leave him alone. Guinea pigs can die if they are too isolated. Good luck with him!

Answer 3

Some guinea pigs never really like being held, so it is perfectly normal what you are experiencing at the moment. Going to the vets is a traumatic experience, however he probably feels much better for having treatment, which in turn will help him settle in.
As you have had him only 4 days don't expect miracles-guinea pigs are slow to trust people. There are many things you can try, such as sitting next to the cage so he gets used to your presence, and giving him treats in his cage, out of your hand. he will gradually learn to associate you with food, which for guinea pigs is always a good thing! :)

Good luck :)

Answer 4

He is acting completely normal. Just try to pet him and make him feel comfortable around you. Try not to hold him too much....just put him somewhere comfy and pet him to get him to warm up to you. Of course, don't interact with him constantly, since he does need time to himself so he doesn't become overwhelmed.

I'm so sorry your piggy was sick. My piggy was contracted mites (which almost killed him, btw) and had to get a skin scrape on the top of his ear at the vet office.....it hurt him so much he just screamed in pain....it hurt me so much to see him hurting that I almost screamed too. Anyway, after it was over, I just petted him while he laid there and he seemed to be okay after awhile. Having someone there really helped.

Good Luck!!

Answer 5

Guinea pigs are very shy pets, they need alot of love and care from their owners which is why bonding is very important. Since you got him not long ago, it is quite common for him to be scared of his new environment. For now, you have to spend more time with him. Stroking him and talking to him will help in the bonding with him. If possible, carry him near your chest and talk to him in a soft tone. Hope this will help you!

Answer 6

take everything slowly by first giving them soome veggies, then when it stays in your sight when you move your hand toward it, then slowly move your hand as close as possible without him running away. repeat this and he'll eventually let you pet him. in time, he'll let you pick him up too.

good luck!!! ^.^ (this is from experience)