is it normal for guinea pigs to be shy at first?

Question

i just got a guinea pig. she runs from me all the time.lol. is this normal? will she soften up to me later? what an odd question....lol

Answer 1

Yes, it is completely normal for her to be shy. She will soften up to you later as long as you handle her often, talk to her, and allow her to get use to you on her terms not yours.

Best tips to use in helping get her to be less shy, is put a small piece of cloth or an old rag (make sure it has your scent on it) in the cage with her. This will allow her to become use to your smell and will be able to identify you easier.
Talk to her when around the cage, this also allows her to identify you easier as a friend and not foe.
Most of all just handle her, love her and give her a lot of your time and she'll soon accept you.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

Oh certainly. each and all of the failings which you spotted are a hundred% widely used for guinea pigs. regrettably, their way of existence is in simple terms hiding on each and every occasion they see somebody or hear specific noises. they are preys between many predators, so as that they are very used to performing like this. some guinea pigs drink various water, and a few guinea pigs do no longer drink various water. it frequently takes some twelve months or 2 for a guinea pig to truly familiarize with you and love you! digital mail me in case you have from now on questions.

Answer 3

Depends how old and/or how much the guinea pig was handled before you purchased. We purchase our Guinea pigs at 6wks of age and handle frequently but some are still skittish. Generally the pigs we get in for adoption are gentle and used to handling because they have belonged to someone for about a year or more. Unless the guinea pig bites, there is nothing to worry about. One other suggestion, guinea pigs will squirm if they have
to urinate while you are holding them.

Answer 4

This isn't an odd question at all. It is an issue that a lot of guinea pig first time owners find they have. Guinea pigs are naturally shy, and though she will eventually warm up to you (be patient, it takes time) she will most likely run away from you all the time. this doesnt mean she will be a boring pet-my two girls run away when I approach, only to come rushing out of their box when they realise I have food. they will come and snatch treats out of my hand, and wheek really loudly in the morning to let me know that they are hungry!

To help her get used to you you can give her lots of treats (in the form of vegetables and fruits) I find mine like broccoli best, but it is a matter of preference. dont give her lettuce though, it is bad for guinea pigs.

good luck with your new little girl!

Answer 5

i had two guinea pigs. the first one was hand raised by kids and was super friendly. the other i got later from a pet store and it was always shy and never learned to be friendly. if you only have one guinea make sure to get another. they love to be together and will be so much happier. make sure you get the same gender or you will have tons of babies in a short time.

Answer 6

guinea pig are naturally shy. some do come around to there owners if they owners spend alot of time with them but its quiet reassuring time.

Answer 7

Yes, don't worry about it. It's an instinct to them, their prey animals so when they see someone reaching in for them they get scared. Just pet her for a bit then gently pick her up and hold her close to you, I usually just sit with them on my lap while on my bed. Also giving her, fruits or veggies is a great bribe ;).

Answer 8

yea it is normal but most of the time they come around it
spend time with her and try to pet her when you feed her
make a trust bond between her and yourself

hope this helps

Sadie

Answer 9

the guiena pig will probably always be skittish but she will mellow out somewhat with handling.