Guinea Pig Troubles...

[catiebug]

What about one of those exercise balls where you put the guinea pig inside and he runs around in it?

[windinthewillow]

She sounds terrified. I think she just needs more socialization. Think of it from her point of view. She's in a small cage where she can feel secure. Remember, guinea pigs are prey animals. When you take her out, you put her on the floor and all of a sudden, she's in an unfamiliar place with giant people. Do you get down on her level with her?

Do you take her out and put her on your lap and feed her? Pet her and speak softly to her.

Here's what I would do. I would first keep her in her cage and get her used to your voice. Feed her her favorite foods (carrots? Spinach?)

Once she associates your hand with good things, try to gently pet her. Do this for a few weeks. Let her know your hand is not threatening and you are not threatening.

Then, see if she'll allow you to pick her up without trembling. Next step is putting her in your lap and feeding her and petting her.

I wouldn't put her in an exercise ball. She'll be even more terrified.

This is all going to take a long time, but will be worth it. Good luck!

Here's a couple of forums which you might find helpful
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Guinea_Pigs_Society/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/GabbingAboutPiggies/

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by windinthewillow

Remember, guinea pigs are prey animals. When you take her out, you put her on the floor and all of a sudden, she's in an unfamiliar place with giant people.

Exactly. A prey animal will instinctively like small, secure areas. A deer won't just dart into an open plain full of huge creatures. That's how a piggy thinks--out on that open plain anything can happen and, without some structure to go hide in, the corner is the best she can do. Try getting some material (wiring or something--I don't recommend things like books that might fall on her) that'll fence off a little part of the floor. As time goes on, you could try widening it as she gets more comfortable. Or, does she have a 'house" in her cage? You could take it out and put it on the floor so that if she starts to get uncomfortable in the open, she can go hide and come out again when she's comfortable. It may take weeks for this (or any) method to work, but as she learns there's no predators in your house, she'll come around.

[windinthewillow]

I'm sorry, Alpha, but the balls are not fine for guinea pigs. Please see this link
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Guinea-Pi...se-balls-6.htm

ChristianGirl, I think that's good advice.

[christiangirl]

Originally Posted by windinthewillow

I'm sorry, Alpha, but the balls are not fine for guinea pigs. Please see this link
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Guinea-Pi...se-balls-6.htm

ChristianGirl, I think that's good advice.

Thanks. I read the link and that sounds plausible. I don't know much about piggy bone structure and stuff, but the descrip was dead on. My Zoe refused to use her ball. When I put her in it, she'd just sit there like stone until I finally just took her out. I thought it was just her, but maybe it was just a waste of money?