🏡 Bringing a Guinea Pig Home: The First Week

What to buy before they arrive, how to settle a nervous new pig, and why they should not be alone.

A little preparation makes the difference between a stressed pig hiding for a week and a confident one popcorning by day three.

Buy this before pickup

Have the cage set up and stocked first: cage, hay, pellets, bedding, two hideouts, water bottle and bowl. See our cage guide for the full list.

Get two, not one

Guinea pigs are herd animals and are genuinely happier in pairs (same sex, or a neutered male with a female). A lone pig is a lonely pig. If you are adopting, a bonded pair is the easy button.

The first few days

• Let them settle quietly. Keep the room calm and let them explore the cage on their own terms.
• Sit nearby and talk softly. Offer a piece of veg by hand, trust is built with food.
• Do not chase or grab from above (that is how predators strike). Scoop from the side with both hands.
• Expect hiding and 'freezing' at first. Popcorning (little jumps of joy) means they feel safe.

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