When you first get your guinea pigs, it is important to leave them alone. Guinea pigs are social animals, but they need time to adjust to their new surroundings. If you try to handle them too soon, they may become stressed and unhappy.
After a day or two, you can start to slowly introduce yourself to your guinea pigs. Allow them to sniff your fingers and get used to your presence. Once they seem comfortable, you can gently pet them.
If you have more than one guinea pig, it is important that they form a close bond. Leaving your guinea pigs alone at first will also give them a chance to bond with each other. This will help reduce stress and make them happier overall.
Once they have bonded with each other, you can slowly introduce yourself.
What You'll Learn
Ways To Help Your New Guinea Pig Adjust To New Surroundings
If you’re getting a new guinea pig, there are some things you can do to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Here are a few tips:
Give Them Time
When you first bring your guinea pig home, let them spend some time in their cage to get used to their new environment. Once they seem comfortable, you can start handling them and letting them explore outside of their cage.
Make Their Cage Comfortable
Your guinea pig’s cage should be large enough for them to move around comfortably, and it should be equipped with everything they need, like a water bottle, food dish, and hiding places. You’ll also want to put some hay or shredded paper in their cage to make it easier on their feet.
Introduce Them Gradually to Other Pets
If you have other pets at home, introduce your new guinea pig to them gradually. Start by letting them see and smell each other through the bars of the cage, and then progress to supervised visits.
With a little patience and effort, you can help your new guinea pig feel right at home in their new environment!
How To Introduce Yourself To Your New Guinea Pig
Making friends with your new guinea pig is easier than you think – all you need to do is follow a few simple steps and have patience.
Let Your Guinea Pig Get Used to Your Scent
Let your guinea pig get used to your scent by simply being around them and speaking softly to them. It’s important that they feel comfortable around you before proceeding.
Offer Your Piggie a Treat
Once they seem relaxed, try offering them a treat from your hand. If they take it, great! If not, don’t worry – just try again later.
Gentle Scratches and Rubs
The next step is to start building trust by offering them gentle scratches and rubs. Again, go slowly at first and make sure they’re enjoying it before continuing.
What To Do If Your New Guinea Pigs Seem Stressed
If the guinea pig you just brought home seems stressed, there are a few things you can do to help them feel more comfortable.
Are Their Basic Needs Being Met?
First, take a look at their environment and make sure that it is clean, quiet, and free of any potential hazards. If they have access to plenty of fresh water, hay, and vegetables, then their basic needs are probably being met.
Don’t Startle Them
Handle them gently and avoid making any sudden movements that could startle them. If you need to pick them up, scoop them into your cupped hands so they feel secure.
It’s also important to provide them with plenty of hiding places so they can choose to come out and interact with you on their own terms.
Spend Time Near Their Cage
One of the best things you can do to make your guinea pig feel safe is to simply spend some time around their cage. They will eventually learn that you are friendly and will protect them.
What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Seems Unhappy When Left Alone
As you now know, it’s best to leave your guinea pig alone for the first few days after bringing them home, but what if they seem unhappy being alone?
One thing you can do is provide them with hiding spots, such as tunnels or cardboard boxes, where they can go to feel safe and secure.
You can also try placing their food and water in different areas of their cage so that they have to explore and forage for their meals, which can help keep their minds active.
The goal is to keep their mind occupied. You want to distract them with thoughts other than loneliness.
It also helps if you can get another guinea pig. It’s better to keep guinea pigs in pairs than alone.
Signs Your Guinea Pig Is Ready To Bond With You
When you first get your guinea pig, it is important to give them some time to adjust to their new surroundings. This means leaving them alone for a few days to a week so that they can explore their cage and get used to being around you.
After this adjustment period, you may start to notice some signs that your guinea pig is ready to bond with you.
They Are Excited to See You
One of the first signs is that your guinea pig will start to come up to the front of the cage when they see you. They may even start to squeak or whistle when they see you, which is their way of saying hello!
They Follow You
Another sign that your guinea pig is ready to bond is if they start to follow you around the room when you’re near their cage.
If you notice these signs, it’s a good indication that your guinea pig is ready to start bonding with you.
The best way to bond with your guinea pig is by spending time with them inside their cage. Offer them treats, pet them gently, and talk to them in a soft voice. Bonding with your guinea pig takes time and patience, but it’s definitely worth it when you see the beautiful bond that forms between you and your furry friend!
