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My new guinea pigs won't eat or drink and are hiding. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 2 days old

I got my guinniea pigs about 2 days ago and their not eating or drinking there just staying in a dark corner not making any sounds :( what should i do ??

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on October 3rd, 2018

Hi, change can be stressful in guinea pigs and they need the time to adjust to it. Are they caged in a quiet location ? I am not sure if you have tried to handle them yet but you should just offer them food and water for the first few days, then gradually handling them for a couple of minutes at a time once a day, then twice a day.Have you offered cucumbers as a treat ? See if they are interested in cucumber and other veggies that are suitable for Guinea Pigs. Also make sure you are sticking to the food and diet that they were used to previously. Hope this helps !

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Andrea

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 20th, 2018

    Hi, I'm Dr Andrea and I see a lot of Guinea Pigs. Your poor babies might just need some time to adjust. Put their cage in a quiet place and maybe even put a towel over the back of it so they have a "safe" place to go. Make sure their is a hide box and a tube in their cage so they have a place to hide. You can leave food in there as well. Remove any noise and make sure dogs, cats and loud kids can't bug them until they adjust.. Slowly, once they adjust more you can start putting your hands in the cage and placing yummy treats on your palm for them to come and sniff at. You can also try to gently stroke them as well.

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