I have two questions about my guinea pigs...?

Question

I have two guinea pigs (male) that I boought about three weeks ago

1. Its been three weeks so far but they still run away from me every time I come near (By run away, I mean the cage is pretty big, so they run to the other end). Whats wrong? How long will it take for them to get used to me?

2. One guinea pig's fur looks like its coming out. When I pet him, I get some fur in my hand, more than the other guinea pig's. Whats wrong with him?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

well. when i first got my guniea pig. he was very scared. the running away just means that he isn't ready to be picked up yet

Answer 2

well the loosing of the fur is properly mites which is easily treated  and some people go years and there guinea pig still does this best thing is talk to them so they get use to your voice and pet them gentle to know your not gonna hurt them

Answer 3

Guinea pigs do shed their hair - even in the absence of mites. You can buy a small animal shampoo at the pet store and shampoo your pigs about every couple of months. Make sure you dry them off thoroughly (hairdryer on low heat after towel drying) and never put them outside after a bath - wait at least 12 hours.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and therefore will always remain nervous to a large extent. I've had mine for 4 years now and they still run away from me. You won't be able to tame them in the same way you can tame a cat or dog. It's just part of their nature.

Make sure they have a continuous supply of hay for their teeth and digestive system and some specially formulated guinea pig mix with added vitamin C. Never use straw for their bedding and saw shavings can irritate their respiratory passages - I cover mine with a layer of newspaper then cover with hay for their bedding.

Watch out for: overgrown teeth and claws and urinary tract infection.

Guinea pigs are quite fragile animals and need a fair amount of care in order to keep them healthy and long lived. Always protect them from accidents - particularly being dropped - and becoming damp or sitting in drafts. They can go into shock easily if they have an accident. They also go off their food when they're sick. You can hand feed them by mashing up some of their guinea pig mix with orange juice and syringing it into their mouths. Give plenty of water and keep warm, but not overheat.

Hope you enjoy your pigs! :-D