Afraid Of The Dark?

Question
I just got a baby guinea pig. I'm not sure exactly how old but I know no more than a few months. I made her cage 'baby friendly' with a blanket and stuffed toys she likes. She seems to be great in the cage, but when i go to bed (around midnight) the lights go off and she starts squeeking and crying. I try to let her settle in but she really doesn't calm down untill i turn on the light and talk to her. Is this something I should be worrying about? Do you think it's just her age and she will grow out of it?

Answer
She's probably scared.  She was with her mom and siblings every night, and now she has to be alone.  It's kind of like a puppy who has to be alone at night, they whine and whine until you go and let them out of the cage.  My best advice would be to keep the lights off and let her cry.  I know that sounds mean, but obviously she is not in pain or anything, so she has to learn to get used to the dark.  If you turn on the light and talk to her every night, she is just going to learn that you are always going to do that, and she will never get the chance to get used to being alone at night.  You are going to feel bad (I know I would), but that is probably what you are going to have to do.

Some more advice would be to just get a little night light, one that is very dim, but gives her enough light to where to she can see.  She might not be so afraid.  It's not healthy of your guinea pig to leave the lights on all the time, because they need to go through the light and dark cycle just like we do, but a little night light will not hurt her.

My third and final advice would be to buy another guinea pig.  If you have enough cage space, enough money, and enough time to devote to another guinea pig (which really isn't that much more time), I would suggest getting another baby.  This way she won't feel alone, and she will have company at night time.  She will probably feel more comfortable and stop her whining.

Oh, and last but not least, I would be really happy if I were you, because you obviously are able to calm her down.  This means she trusts you and feels comfortable with you.  Good job!