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piggie info

21 14:40:12

Question
Hi there,  We are first time owners of two 4-week old female guinea pigs.  You seem very knowledgable and we would appreciate any feedback!
Here we go, sorry for all the questions.
1-how long does it take for the piggies to get used to their new home (i.e. get less skittish) and is there anything we can do to help make them more trusting?
2-One of the girls has a small scab-like welt on her rear.  I haven't seen any scratching by her but I have seen the other pig nip at her.  Is nipping normal and should I worry about the sore?
3- what is the best way to introduce fruits and veggies and which are the best for vit c?  Right now they have timothy hay and pellets.  They had small pieces of carrot and apple too.
4-do they have the ability to learn their name?
Thanks so much!  Looking forward to hearing your reply!  Any tips would be helpful!
Ally


Answer
Hello Ally and thanks for the questions,

Welcome to the world of the GP! You will find them fun and lovable pets. To start with, viewing some of my past answers to questions will help you out (there are many so you have to have some time on your hands).

I will give you a brief answer to all of your questions now:
1 - The best way that I have learned to make the GP comfortable in their new home is to ACT NORMALLY around them. Running the dreaded vacuum cleaner and listening to music will get them used to these sounds. A GP is a prey animal and will ALWAYS be skitish but you can mildly overcome this. You, in turn, will also feel more relaxed around your pet. What kind of fun is it to "tip toe" around your pet? You will start to see them as a burden.

2 - The nipping and ear wounds are normal. Females will set up a "pecking order". This is normal and instinctual. Only seperate the two if they are SERIOUSLY hurting each other or not allowing access to food and water. Some GPs will just NEVER get along (rare). PS: USE GLOVES as GPs can rip you up.

3 - Oranges rock for C! A pup can eat fruits and veggies right from birth but usually won't for a few weeks.

4 - Yes, they CAN "recognize" their names (or any word) if it is called to them in association with FOOD/TREATS. This is the classic Pavlovian Result (dog drooling at sound of a dinner bell). Does the GP actually KNOW it's name? Probably not but it IS fun to think it does.

Tips can be found in my past answers. If you have more questions, please ask.
Thanks,
Ryan
PS: If this info helps you, please rate me.