guinea pig moods

Question
My husband and I purchased our guinea pig about a week ago and she is acting very unhappy.  She does kind of a growl when we try to pick her up and stays in her house most of the day.  Is this normal behavior from a five month old piggy?  What can we do to help her?  
Thanks,
Danielle

Answer
Hi Danielle,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have had increasingly problematic issues with my internet as well as having a very busy home life (newborn twins), so I have had delays in responding to all questions in the past two weeks. Apologies if any inconvenience was caused.

It is normal for a piggie to be very scared and wanting to hide all the time. It can go on for a couple more months, as she adjusts to her new environment. Remember, this small thing has been moved into a new place with strange people, strange surroundings, strange smells and sounds, and a strange new routine. It is a major event in a piggie's life, especially when she is alone. Look into adopting a second piggie from a rescue or shelter to pair up with your guinea - it will make her much happier and braver.

Handle her little and often. 3-4 five minute cuddles a day is preferable to a long cuddle once a day. Also give her a small veggie treat when you cuddle her, so she associate you with something good.
Also talk to her a lot. Speak as you approach the cage, as you reach in and pick her up, as you cuddle her and as you put her in her cage and begin to walk away. Talking is not only reassuring to her, but it acts as a warning that you are around, so she doesn't get such a shock when she spots you peering into her space.

The growling sound is probably a simple warning noise - more often known as rumbling - and is something you will want to ignore. As she gets used to being handled, she shouldn't rumble so much, but she may rumble more when she gets a piggie friend as she might assert her dominance by rumblestrutting (rumbling and butt swaying).

Do you keep her in or outdoors? Indoor piggies are known to be more easily "tame-able" and get braver quicker, and there are benefits to you as well as countless plus points for her, living inside.

If you require any further help, let me know and I will be very glad to assist.

Best Wishes,

- Laura
www.cavy-care.com