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My guinea pig is new and terrified. How can I make him feel safe?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male

Good Morning! We just adopted George W, our Guinea pig on Friday April 27th. The store clerk said he is about 3 months old. I was told to give him a few days to get accustomed to our noises and home. George seems to only want to come out & eat when we are not around & will not take food from our hands. He seems to be terrified of us. I need to know how he was previously obtained - he seems so afraid. I've never had a piggy so I am just worried about our pet.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2018

Don’t worry, this is very normal behavior for guinea pig in a new environment. It will take a few weeks or maybe even a couple of months until George is fully comfortable in his new place. You can try to encourage him to interact with you by making sure you play with him throughout the day, and offer him his favorite treats and toys whenever he is playing with you, and leave his cage door open to allow him to roam and explore when you are in the room with him. Encourage him to interact with you more by offering him his favorite treats and toys while he’s out with you. Just continue to be patient with him and keep the environment he is in his calm and quiet as possible and he will warm up to you soon. Congratulations on the new addition to your family! I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Churchill. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Coming to a new home is stressful to a guinea pig. He will likely just need more time to adjust. He is young which will make him more impressionable. So that will help. Keep up all your efforts, but know that it make take several weeks from him to adjust to his new surroundings and you. I hope this information helps!

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