What to do the first few days

In the first few days that your cavy (s) has been brought to their new home is a rather kinda scary time for them. It’s all new and they need time to adjust and get used to their new home. It may be tempting to want to cuddle them, but it’s good to overcome the temptation until they have adjusted a bit.

Here are some tips to help your new piggie (s) adjust and settle in:

• Give them 3 to 4 days to adjust to their new home area and surroundings
• Remember this is stressful to them, try to avoid loud noises
• Avoid hovering over and around them
• A little patience goes along way!

Take note:

If your bringing home more than one guinea at the same time, it’s good to provide each with a great area to hide for each one, within their cage. This gives them a place they can call their own and somewhere to hide if a fight should break out!

Avoid casting shadows over their cage!

• Just by hanging around and looming over your new piggies home can cast shadows over them and
  scare them!
• Shadows reminds your pet that it could be danger for them, like a eagle swooping down to attack
  and they are scared!

If you want to observe your pet, try kneeling down beside the cage at eye level. This position allows your
pet to see you more as a friend and less of an threat.

Bribery!

The best way to get your pet to trust you is, without a doubt, bribery. Sound crazy? Perhaps. But it’s true! Bribing the small animal that you want to love and adore is the best way for trust.

What are the best things to bribe your pet with?

Treats, of course! And it’s easy because the guinea pig has so many things it loves to eat, so there is no shortage of bribing tools! In the book – Chapter Five there is alot more information on your pets favorite things to eat.

What is the Best Bribing Ways?

• Are you ready to bribe your new pet right into your open arms, good!
• First start with giving your pet a view of the delicious treat you’re offering them, then place it
  in the open door of the cage. Sit just still outside, with your hands on your lap, and wait.
• Give your pet a bit of time and if they haven’t come to get the treat, carefully and slowly pick
  it up again, close the cage door, and leave. Try this several times a day until they get the idea that they
  have to come and get it.
• Now each time they come, move a little closer to your pet’s cage. This slowly allows your pet
  to get used to your presence.
• After a while, and still timid, you pet will take the treat from your hand. if you are patient and give your pet enough. With time, they will welcome taking the treat from you, and won’t be afraid to run
  and jump in excitement when he sees you coming.

How to Pick Your Guinea Pig Up…

If you try luring your cavy with treats in order to be able to pick him up you will damage the cause the bond of trust that you have created to become damaged. It’s better to gain their trust by stroking and talking to your new cavy. Show him/her that you are not a scary predator, but are instead a true friend. You have to remember that to your pet you are someone that if you were out in the wilds would possibly eat this poor little fellow.

Holding Your Guinea Pig

It is very important that when you are picking up your pet to be extremely careful! Because of the size and shape of their bodies you could easily hurt their small lungs if you hold them to hard. Very gently place your hand under your pets stomach and remember to support his rear when lifting him up. Never
hold them to hard and instead carry them ever so gently. Please remember as well to support their entire body when doing so. It is important to remember to carry them with tender loving care. If you are young you should always make sure an adult is with you when handling or picking up your new piggie. Since they have small bone structures they could easily be hurt if you were to drop them.

Relaxing Your Pet

Doesn’t it sound like a lot of fun to be holding your cavy in your lap while watching TV and cartoons?
After a bit of practice you will be able to do this but it will take a little time. The first time you hold your pet you need to be in a quiet room, also make sure that there is nothing going on around you. Have your special treat ready and see if you can get him to eat it while sitting on your lap.

If you are patient, he will do this and then you’ll see he’s going to love it when you hold him. In fact he
might be start squealing when he sees you coming near him.

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