Need help with my new Guinea Pig?

Question

I just got my guinea pig today from a lady from Craigslist. She has had them for over a year and she said that he is very loving. That he would purr when they would walk buy and very cuddly. But, I know that he is under stress from switching home environments. I am trying to have him get used to me and he is letting me pet him and will eat treats out of my hand. But, still very scared. I am wondering how long it may take for him to trust me enough to pick him up. He came with a cage and supplies when I got him. I also got a way bigger cage that has levels and toys that will make a guinea pig more happy when I am not around. What should I do because I am too afraid to pick him up yet. Should I just keep him in his main cage til he gets used to me? Anyways, if you have any information that can help me, that will be very nice. Additional information is awesome too! Thanks [=

? · Accepted Answer

You should leave him alone for a few days! Guinea pigs are afraid of heights so a cage with more than one level might be dangerous and ever scary to him! You should consider building a C&C cage! Go to www.guineapigcages.com and you can find out everything about them! 

Most guinea pigs will take a long time to get used to being picked up! I have had my guinea pig for about 2-3 months and she still doesn't liked to be picked up. 

You guinea pig will probably hide and be freaked out for a week or so. It is good that he is eating from you hand though! What I did was sit next to my guinea pigs cage and just talk! I told her everything about me and just random stuff like the weather! :) Just do it in a nice calm voice! Also, before she gets her 1 cup of veggies (they need at least 1 cup of fresh veggies daily) I hand feed her a piece or two and that makes her a little more social! 

DO NOT PUT A HARNESS OR COLLAR OR LEASH ON A GUINEA PIG! This can damage their backs!!! They should never be used! 

For more great information on caring for a guinea pig go to www.guineapigcages.com/forum 

It's a great website and I have learned so much from it! 

Good luck!

My Pets · Answer

just leave him for a few weeks most guinea pigs are like that but i only had 2 out of 8 that were like this and the other 6 didn't care being picked up and they didnt run and hide and stuff but he will come around u just have to wait

? · Answer

Give the little guy a couple of weeks in his current cage, at least until he is used to you patting him and picking him up.  Then once he is adjusted to the new routine and family you can give him a new cage.

Always wash your hands before handling him.  If they smell food they will bite and not realize they are biting you.

Never feed them raw potatoes with green on them.  The green is poisonous.  

Use plain shavings.  They have sensitive respiratory systems and cedar can cause them infections.

They do very well walking on a ferret leash, at least my daughters did.

Cuddling on your bed with you while you are relaxing will help you bond with him.  My daughter used to fall asleep at night with hers right next to her head on the pillow.

They are one of my favorite pets!  Enjoy!

Yebin · Answer

the exact same situation happened to me about half a year ago
i highly advise you to keep him in his current cage until he gets used to th enviroment and you( about a month)
and dont be afraid to hold him 
but you should let him know your safe first by feeding him treats or by petting him
genie pigs needs to be bathed once a month
and needs their nails cut off but not too much
keep it genually long
and guenie pigs are friendly animals and most likely not harm you

hope this helped:)

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Need help with my new Guinea Pig?

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