is my guinea pig normal?

Question
Hi there!
My brothers and I just got a guinea pig about 2 weeks ago. He's great for them and we love him very much. I just wanted to know if his behavior is normal. You see, he's still very shy and doesn't come out of his castle unless he senses everyone is gone and its dark. Sometimes he comes out and plays with my brothers but then he eats, drinks, then runs back into his castle. The only way we can get him out to check on him is to lift his castle, but im worried that it only stresses him out more. Since we've had him, he's had a few problems since. First, I noticed that his eye had crust on them. But it cleared up eventually and now his eyes are fine. Now, it seems that one of his legs are injured. We noticed it today, his right leg is sticking out and not under him as usual and when he crawls around in his cage...I noticed that he kind of limps around. I'm worried because I think one of my brothers may have pulled his leg while taking him out. My last concern are his teeth, I read that a guinea pig needs to chew on something to keep his teeth from growing execissively. But he doesn't seem to be chewing on the chew sticks we provide for him. Is that normal? Will his shyness eventually go away and will he be fine if he doesn't chew on his chewsticks? And do I need to take him to a vet immediatley to check on his leg and his behavior? He's our first family pet and we love him very much...and I hope that it's nothing too serious. I just need some advice on how to handle him properly so he will be fine in the long run. -Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Jordan,

The shyness is very normal and is definitely to be expected. It can take up to 6 months for a guinea pig to become fully comfortable with his new surroundings and even longer for him to be happy with being picked up and handled. Just keep doing what you are doing, handle him little and often even if he runs away from you, and he will begin to get braver.

A same-sex or spayed female friend would help greatly in building his confidence and overall wellbeing. See if there are any homeless guineas near you in rescues or shelters - adoption is the way to go!
www.cavyrescue.com

Since you recently got your piggie, I would get a vet check up. Not just for his leg (which will need seeing to ASAP anyway), but to check he is fine is other aspects of his health - and to be sure he is definitely a "He"! Guinea pigs from pet stores and some breeders are very often pregnant, sick or mis-sexed, so it's better to be safe than sorry in these cases.

As far as teeth go, unlimited amounts of hay do everything necessary. Grass hays are the highest recommended for guineas of all ages - varieties of grass hays include orchard grass, timothy, meadow, oat and brome. Alfalfa is a legume hay so is high in calcium - good for youngsters (under 6-8 months) but you should still offer grass hays alongside any legume hays.
Unlimited = more than they will eat. Hay is very important to digestion as well as teeth, so it's important they have it available to them 24/7 and get fresh hay (or wet/soiled areas of hay replaced) daily.

For more tips on guinea pig care, see the following websites:-

www.cavy-care.com
www.cavycages.com
www.guinealynx.info

I am also happy to help you if you need further guidance.

Best Wishes,

- Laura
www.cavy-care.com