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Apr 14, 2016 2:08:35 GMT
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Post by littlelulu on Apr 14, 2016 2:08:35 GMT
We just got a new guinea pig for our daughter. She is young....but the problem we are having is that she is not eating. We've had her approximately a week and she's drank some water, and very little hay, but no food. She's not very active. How long does it take them to adjust? And can we do something to help her eat?
Thanks!
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Apr 14, 2016 2:28:47 GMT
Post by bazookagoof on Apr 14, 2016 2:28:47 GMT
What about vegetables? Have you tried any? My piggies love baby carrots and Romaine lettuce. Granted, that's not what they should live on, but they should be eating something.
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Post by Bean on Apr 14, 2016 9:38:34 GMT
Hi and welcome to Wheekers. Sorry your new pig doesn't seem to be settling in as well as you'd hoped. They are social animals who thrive with company, so while it's quite normal for a guinea pig in a new home to be quiet and skittish, very young pigs suddenly finding themselves on their own can struggle a bit without company. They don't really know what to do with themselves without a playmate and a lot of the time it's the perceived competition for food that encourages them to nibble at things they'd otherwise ignore!
Are you finding evidence of her pooing and weeing in the cage? Sometimes nervy pigs will only eat when they're not being watched so can be eating more than you think. The hay is the most important part of her diet, so hopefully she's eating enough to keep her innards going, long with the water you've noticed going down. If nothing seems to be going through then I'd definitely have her checked over by a vet, especially if she's not that active or there are any other signs of ill health such as crusty eyes/ nose or flaky skin.
But assuming that's all okay and she is moving about, I'd just make sure she feels safe (does she have a hidey in her cage?) and then make sure you're spending lots of time with and around her, talking to her and getting her used to you and all the household noises and sights. Keep offering small amounts of a variety of fresh veg to tempt her - freshly picked grass is usually far too tempting for them to refuse! When guinea pigs enter new homes, especially if they're young or haven't had mush socialisation with people before, they can take a while to win around so lots of patience can be needed before you stop feeling like you're traumatising them by interacting with them! They're prey animals so it serves them to be nervous and wary in strange situations.
Long term, are you thinking of getting her a friend? I really think that will make her a lot happier and eager to interact with her environment and you. It's so much fun to watch them playing together too, and you know that when you're not around they're not just sitting around, they have a life of their own to get on with.
Good luck and please let us know how she gets on.
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Apr 14, 2016 13:05:38 GMT
Post by 3piggles on Apr 14, 2016 13:05:38 GMT
Hello and welcome I'm sorry your new baby isn't settling in very quickly. I second everything Bean said, and really can't add much. Good luck, and I hope you can find her a pal to share her cage and help her relax
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Apr 15, 2016 19:54:19 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 15, 2016 19:54:19 GMT
Welcome to our happy family love and I wish you luck with your new piggy.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by wyvernsmile on Apr 16, 2016 14:49:44 GMT
I hope your little one comes around! My new resident piggy Flint had trouble adjusting too. It took me changing the type of bedding in his cage for him to feel more at home. Picky piggy.
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Post by 3piggles on Apr 16, 2016 20:20:07 GMT
When I got my current girls, they had a cage full of hay, and a couple of pigloos. Since I added them to an existing neutered boar, they were fine with the way his cage was. When he died, they seemed a bit lost, so I filled the cage with hay. They love it! They make nests or burrow in it, depending on their moods. Sometimes it's bouncing around like crazy, and other times they're pouncing on it. They really do have favorites. It has something to do with what they're used to, but I also think it has a lot to do with what keeps them entertained and satisfied the longest.
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Apr 16, 2016 20:33:29 GMT
Post by jolovespiggies on Apr 16, 2016 20:33:29 GMT
Great post Piggles love, as usual. Hope your new piggy is getting on well Wyvernsmile hun.
Hugs JO xx
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