I am a first time guinea pig owner, and I have had my guinea pig since Tuesday. She is very shy and just sits in her little igloo in her cage, sleeping or bathing herself or thinking or chewing chew toys that she drags in there. She only eats or drinks or comes out when she thinks there is nobody close by. She doesn't like to come out; she puts up a huge fuss when I try and get her to come out (I haven't held her in days because she squeals and cries and I don't want to hurt her) but once she is out she relaxs and becomes very sweet.
What should I do?
Is she sick?
2007-12-08 14:50:55 · 6 answers · asked by Sucre Noir 5 in Pets ➔ Rodents
You've only known each other for a few days & she's still adjusting to her new home. Go ahead & hold her, this will help her to learn that you're her friend. Sit near her cage & talk to her, too. Good luck with your little one.
2007-12-08 18:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by Catkin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is perfectly normal. She's just adjusting to her new surroundings, it can take a while for them to be completely laid back.
You may want to consider getting a same sex guinea pig, as a friend for her. Guinea pigs are social animals and shouldn't be housed alone.
Also, there is a chance that she may have an illness, so you need to pay very close attention to her for the next 3 weeks.
Still hold her, she may not like it, but the more you make a fuss over her the more fond of you she'll grow. Everyday, snuggle her for about 15 minutes. While doing so, check for clear eyes, nose, and good breathing.
This website will help you with detecting and identifying illness. It's always a great emergency, and medical guide for guinea pigs. It's the best care site for them as well.
www.guinealynx.com
2007-12-08 16:42:42 · answer #2 · answered by cavylover90 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, your guinea pig is not sick. Every rodent needs a different amount of time to adjust to their new home. Try to bring her out more, and feed her little treats from your hand. Hold her with gloves on, or with a towel. She will eventually become more outgoing towards you.
2007-12-08 15:12:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for every new animal it takes time to adjust. You are not hurting it by taking it out of it's cage. I would suggest closing off all small spaces in a room and just let it run around freely at least once a day, until it feels comfortable.
2007-12-08 15:02:47 · answer #4 · answered by n.vavaroutsos 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
once i watched my friends guinea pig and she never came out of her igloo only when she thought i wasn't looking. She wasn't sick but just shy, think about it we are so much bigger then they are wouldn't you be scared too???
2007-12-08 14:57:38 · answer #5 · answered by Miley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's not sick, don't worry.
Some animals take some time getting used to human interaction and being domesticated.
2007-12-08 14:58:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋