Make Them Welcome Monday
Well whee have heard that two of our readers have recently brought home or will be bringing home some new little piggies this wheek. So whee wanted to give some advice and tips on how to settle shy new piggies. For other information and pieces whee have written on guinea pig care please click here.

Nacho when whee first brought him home
Firstly, like any pet, guinea pigs will take time to settle in their new surroundings; sometimes a bit more than you might think. So don’t forget that patience is a virtue! It can take months before they are relaxed with you.
Now whee know whee piggies are irresistible and impossibly cute but our first tip is that you should really try to resist handling us to start with. The minimum whee would recommend would be 48 hours before trying no matter whether they are from a rescue and have been regularly handled, or from a pet shop with minimal handling. They do need time to settle and adjust. After that there are a few different methods you can use for taming but they vary wildly so whee may do another post on that soon.
Our next tip is to give your piggies lots of hiding houses. These can be plastic pigloos, or cardboard boxes with holes cut in the sides. To start with your piggies will hide all the time and only sneak out to eat when they think there isn’t anyone around. Don’t panic if you don’t see them eating as they are fairly secretive. You can leave little treats to tempt them near the hideys and round the cage.

New piggies will be very shy
Another thing to do is try to make as many normal sounds as possible after a few days of quiet. You don’t want to tip toe round, gain their trust and then find it vanishes when normal things happen such as music playing or the telly being on. Just remember to talk to them whenever you are near the cage, whether it is to feed them or just in passing. This will help them to get used to the sounds of your voice and bond with you.
Next, as least to start with, you will want to move carefully and avoid sudden movements – guinea pigs are prey animals, and in unfamiliar territory you will find that their instincts on high alert. Make sure to kneel or make yourself as low as you can to to make yourself seem less threatening and like a predator about to pounce!
Whee are not sure if these tips apply to other animals but whee want to know, what are your top tips for settling new pets?
Happy Monday efurryone
Nacho, Noah, Buddy & Basil
xxxx
ps. Whee will be adding this to the “Handling & Health” section of our guide, if you have any questions about piggies you would like to see answered please let us know in the comments, whee are happy to try to help answer them!
pps. Thanks for the great feedback of the new blog look. Whee wanted to complete the make-over for our 2nd Blogoversary which is just over a wheek away now. More on that coming soon!
Posted on April 14, 2014, in Piggy Blogs and tagged cavy, cute, guinea pig, guinea pig blog, guinea pig blogger, guinea pigs, how to help shy piggies, how to settle new piggies, pet, pet blog, pet blogger, pets. Bookmark the permalink. 36 Comments.
Great advice guys – you really are building a comprehensive guide. Lots of new piggy households are going to benefit!
Whee hope so. That is the idea!
xxx
Ever thought about writing your own Guinea Guide Book guys? Whee know our hoomans would certainly read it! You have so many fantastic tips!
The Pigs xx
Whee have thought about it but whee prefer to have it online and free in that section so that anyone can access it ^_^
xxxx
That is great for your two new guinea pig owners. I am sure all the information and tips will be gratefully received. Have a marvellous Monday.
Best wishes Molly
Whee do hope so. Have a great day
xxxx
That’s a great post. It’s important to be patient when a new friend moves in. :o)
Patience really is the most impawtent part
xxxx
What great information for new piggy owners…..I know that giving a new pet some “space” instead of constantly wanting to handle or bother us until we feel comfortable in our new home is a good idea. It’s tempting to want to interact with us but we want to get to know our new smells, sounds and surroundings – THEN we’ll be your best buddy!
Hugs, Sammy
Giving them time and space is key for all new pets really. Whee agree!
xxxx
These are good tips. It is smart to get the new kids used to the regular house sounds. Around here that means TV 24 hours a day! 🙂
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Regular sounds are impawtent. There is no point being silent because then normal will be such a big shock and thing to adjust to again
xxxx
Such good tips for new Piggie peeps guys 🙂 and how exciting that there are new piggies going to a new home 🙂 hugs Fozziemum xx
Whee think it’s exciting too ^_^
xxxx
Wonderful tips, some of those can be applied to new cats in the house as well.
Whee are glad they are adaptable, whee hoped they might be!
xxxx
Good morning! Thank you so much for this new post. I am happy to announce I now have my new little piggies. They are called Rick & Phil. (In honor of Ricks Allen & Savage and Phil Collen of Def Leppard. We already have Vivian in honor of Vivian Campbell also from DL.)
They seem to be adjusting well. They are a bonded pair. (They were children’s pets that were no longer wanted.) 😢 I am head over heels already for them. They are beginning to respond to me and it’s only been two days. I read your “Hoomans Guide to Guide to Guinea Pigs” and it has been most helpful. I will send photos after the boys are settled. xoxoxoxo
Congratulations!!!!! Whee cannot wait to see them
xxxx
I don’t know about pigs, but all it took for me after being rescued was a good meal and I knew I was home.
Awww sometimes it is as easy as that but it’s a question of pigsonality
xxxx
well with Rabbits the main thing is lots of attention and socialising with you,but great info my piggy friends,xx Speedy
Socialising is furry impawtent in small doses for piggies too. Glad these tips can suit so many different types of animals
xxxx
doodz….thiz bee a grate post…we troo lee dinna noe piggies kneaded sum a lone time when furst brought home….thiz post haz a lot a good pointerz !!!
Whee are glad you found them interesting
xxxx
Nice of you to offer pointers!
Glad you like them 🙂
xxxx
Yay for new piggie friends!
That’s what whee thought too ^_^
xxxx
For now, we are sticking with Scotties.
Sounds good, Mummy says she is sticking with piggies for now too!
xxxx
I totally agree with putting music on, the TV on, and in particular the hoover was a big challenge that was overcome quickly by just getting on with it.
Getting on with it does seem to be the best way forward ^_^
xxxx
I listen to dance music morning, day and night, and my piggies carry on as though I haven’t got it on. They still sleep and chill. Bless them.
Grrreat tipz G-Piggiez!!! We nott nose about carin fer yer kind so we look to ya fer guud info 😉
Lub frum me Nylablue n Mum too ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
I hope they settle into their new home quickly – I’m sure your advice will help with that.
Whee sure hope so
xxxx