Welcome to Gaia! ::

-I am really looking for guidance, I am worried about my piggy. I am a first time pig owner and while I have researched all i can, its not a substitute for time with a piggy.-

Day one

I've just gotten my first piggy! (guinea pig, of course) I've been researching all about their care and needs, and am glad to say the Duke of Wellington (or just Welly) has come to our home in the last few hours.

I have heard that when a guinea first comes home, you should leave them alone for a while to settle, and not expect much contact the first few days.

That being said, I pet him a little, which he allowed for very short intervals and then skuttled away (A sign that he is healthy, no doubt) and I left him a grape which he has not touched, nor has he investigated his hay, food, or water. I hope by tomorrow he will show signs of having had something to eat and drink.

He does not move unless I come towards him, and does not run immediately. he has sat still under his hidy cave for literally, hours.

at one point i dropped something near his cage, and it was rather loud, it made me jump, but he remained still where i think a healthy guinea would have started with surprise.

Is this a sign of fear and normal adjustment, or do you think he may be ill?

I do not know if I trust the pet stores, and would have preferred a younger pig, though they did not tell me his age. he is an adult male.

any guidance on introductions would be appreciated.