Guinea pigs are naturally timid animals, and adjusting to a new home can be a slow process. For some piggies, it might take a few weeks to settle in, while for others it could take months or even longer. Every guinea pig is different, and that’s perfectly okay.
The good news? There are gentle, positive ways to help your guinea pig feel safe, secure, and loved as they adjust to life with you.
Why Is My Guinea Pig So Nervous?
In short, guinea pigs are prey animals by nature. This means their instincts tell them to run, ride, or freeze when they feel unsafe – even if they’re are no predators around. It’s not personal, they’re just doing what comes naturally and it takes time for them to build trust and feel comfortable.
Let Them Take Their Time
Give your guinea pig time to adjust to their new home. It’s best to avoid picking them up right away. Instead, place their house in a secure spot with regular household activity so they can get used to the everyday noises and smells of their new home. Try hand-feeding delicious vegetables like capsicum or cos lettuce and speaking softly when nearby – this helps build trust slowly and gently.
Piggies Are Better Together
Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs and groups. A companion piggy can help your guinea pig feel braver, more active, and mentally enriched. If you’re considering adopting a second guinea pig for your solo piggy, make sure they’re the same sex or properly desexed to prevent accidental litters or health risks. Two females or a bonded male pair are great starter duos.
Bonding With Food
Food is one of the easiest ways to bond with your guinea pig. Offer veggies by hand through their cage and try to stick to a routine feeding time – this helps build routine and shows your guinea pig that good things happen when you’re around.
Try offering small snacks while gently stroking their head or behind the ear, this can be done outside or inside of their cage. Just don’t chase them with your hands while they’re in their home as this can scare them – especially in the beginning.
Lap Time and Cuddles
Once your guinea pig seems more settled (usually after a week or two), you can start offering lap time. Sit quietly with a potty pad or cuddle sack on your lap and let them rest while nibbling on fresh grass, hay or veggies.
Gentle pats on the head and behind the ears can be comforting – avoid their lower back and bum area, which many guinea pigs dislike. They will let you know!
If they’re still nervous, a cosy cuddle sack can help them feel more secure.
Keep Things Cool and Quiet
Guinea pigs have sensitive hearing and can be startled by loud noises. Keep their enclosure away from TVs, speakers, and washing machines. They’re also quite sensitive to heat – an ideal temperature is between 18–24°C (65–75°F). It’s important to ensure their space is well-ventilated, free from drafts (cold wind that might get in) and out of direct sunlight.
Take to Your Piggy
Your guinea pig can’t see very well, but their hearing and sense of smell are excellent. Speaking to them regularly helps them learn your voice and feel safe when you’re nearby. Over time, they may even start to respond to familiar words like “dinner” or “treats” and will certainly remember what the sound of a fridge door opening or crinkle of a plastic bag sounds like!
Floor Time
Letting your guinea pig explore outside their house is a great way to encourage confidence and activity. Set up a secure play area with hideys, food, and tunnels and sit nearby while they explore.
Watching them zoom and popcorn around is a joy – and it’s great enrichment for them too!
Watch sweet little Poppy zoom around her floor-time set up:
Guinea pigs feel safer with predictability. Feed, clean and interact with them around the same time each day to build trust and reduce anxiety. Your piggy will quickly catch on and might even remind you if you’re late for dinner!
Patience is Key
Some guinea pigs feel at home right away. Others, especially those from rescues or pet stores, may take much longer to trust people. Love, consistency, and patience go a long way with piggies and with time, you’ll see your guinea pigs true personality shine through!
Want to help your piggy feel extra cosy? Explore our range of handmade cuddle sacks, lap pads, and hideys all handmade by me.
