lump on a log

Question
We have a new guinea from PetSmart - (I tried to find a breeder on-line to no avail). We've had him a week and he only eats his pellet food...no treats, fruit or veg...nor does he chew on wood stuff.  He does not seem to enjoy us...he hides in his house when we come around. His doting "mom" is my 7 year old daughter who takes very good care of him, and has him out of his cage a lot when she's home from school.  Is he just in shock?  Will he grow to love us?  He's not full grown yet.


Answer
Hi Teresa and thanks for the question,

If he is still young, he will need time to adjust. Some GPs NEVER grow to trust humans even ones who take very good care of them (I have a sow like that now LOL). Also, with bad breeders and most pet stores, the young GPs are not HANDLED by humans as much as they should be. This is important to "jumpstart" human trust. Even if the run away or fight it, holding a GP is helpful. Just give your new friend some time and he will come around.

Don't worry about treats (fruits, veggies). When he gets a little older he will LOVE these treats and the person who feeds them. Russeling (sp?) the plastic bag that a known treat is wrapped in is sure to get a "squeeking ovation" from an anxious GP.

It is a good idea to have the GP out of his cage (as your daughter does) and lavish him with affection (peting with not against the fur). Just let your daughter know that he is suspicious by nature (he is MOST OFTEN food for OTHER big animals) because he is a prey animal.

Good luck and have fun,
Ryan
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