Why is My Guinea Pig Always Scared? – What Can I Do?
If you are a new guinea pig parent, you might notice that it is always running away or hiding. It is normal guinea pig behavior to hide when it feels unsafe. It feels terrible to see your furry friend running away from you. However, do not worry. It gets better with time.
So, why is my guinea pig always scared? Cavies, or guinea pigs, are genetically inclined to run and hide. They are aware of their small size, which makes them fearful of being preyed upon. As a result, if you are a new guinea pig owner, it will take some time for the piggie to adjust to you and its new surroundings.
If you have a scared piggie, do not worry about it. Just be patient. So let’s look at why guinea pigs are always afraid and signs that they are scared, among other related topics.
Why is My Guinea Pig Scared All The Time?
![Why is My Guinea Pig Scared All The Time](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Why-is-My-Guinea-Pig-Scared-All-The-Time.webp)
Guinea pigs are tiny furry fellas, which makes them suitable to become prey for any predator. They are naturally inclined to run when anyone or anything approaches them. It is their survival mechanism that is in their DNA. So, why is my guinea pig scared all the time?
These tiny furry critters lack good vision. They depend on their heightened hearing as a tool to identify danger. Therefore, guinea pigs fear anything and anyone. Also, regarding a guinea pig’s physique, they are all furry and cute but cannot fight off their enemies. They have evolved instincts that make them constantly vigilant to avoid danger. Moreover, humans can be frightening to guinea pigs because guinea pigs are much more miniature than us.
They can also sense danger that isn’t present, such as tiny noises. In addition, your pet piggie will be terrified if it has no place to hide and is alone.
In a time your pet pig will trust you and feel at home in its new environment. Consequently, your cavy may require time to feel secure and at ease around you and other family members.
How Do I Know My Guinea Pig Is Scared?
![How Do I Know My Guinea Pig Is Scared](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/How-Do-I-Know-My-Guinea-Pig-Is-Scared.webp)
When a guinea pig is scared, it will exhibit the following signs:
- It is always hiding. Guinea pigs enjoy playing around and even hiding at times. However, when the guinea pig is scared, it will remain hidden and not come out to play or eat.
- It tries to escape. A scared guinea pig will constantly try to escape from its cage.
- It does not move around. A scared cavy will remain in one position as long as it deems the position safe. You will notice that it will be unusually still and quiet. Guinea pigs do this so that they do not attract any unwanted attention.
- It does not eat. A frightened guinea will cease eating and remain hidden.
- No defecation. The guinea pig changes its excretion routines or may defecate more due to fear.
- Constantly moving around. You might observe your cavy being fidgety and constantly on the move.
- Trembling; you might observe the guinea pig shaking like it’s feeling cold, but it could be fear.
- Throwing its head. A scared guinea pig keeps throwing its head in the air, producing a short and anxious purr.
What Causes A Guinea Pig To Be Always Scared
![What Causes A Guinea Pig To Be Always Scared](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/What-Causes-A-Guinea-Pig-To-Be-Always-Scared.webp)
Here are several reasons why your cavy is scared.
● New environment
When in a new environment, the guinea pig will be more fearful. It tends to be highly cautious and may flee into hiding whenever it senses activity or perhaps remains hidden at all times. It will hide whenever it senses your presence and keep as far away from you as possible. This is because it hasn’t determined whether or not you are a threat to it.
● Loud noises
Guinea pigs have an incredible sense of hearing. It helps them in the wild to hear when predators are approaching. However, when they are captive, their sense of hearing can be a downside when confined. Why? Because they will listen to the subtlest of sounds. Sudden loud noises such as shouting, high volumes from radios and TVs, vibrating speakers, door banging, and car alarms can scare guinea pigs.
● Loneliness
![](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Guinea-Pig-Scared-For-Loneliness.jpg)
Guinea pigs feel safer around their kind because they can look out for each other. When alone, they feel exposed and vulnerable. Also, a lonely guinea pig can have paranoia and may sense danger even when there is no danger.
● No hiding spots
![Guinea pigs need hiding spots](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Guinea-pigs-need-hiding-spots.jpg)
Guinea pigs need hiding spots so that they can run and hide there when they sense danger. If there are no hideouts in the cage, they will feel too exposed to predators hence the fear.
● Presence of predators
If your guinea pig’s cage is near another pet’s resting area, such as a cat, the guinea pig will remain scared. This is because it considers cats or dogs as predators. So ensure you put hideouts so that if a cat or dog is near, the guinea pig can hide there.
● Lack of mental stimulation
If its surroundings aren’t stimulating, the guinea pig can become bored. Guinea pigs are intelligent and social animals, so they need something to keep them captivated. Boredom can lead to an increase in stress and health problems.
● Sudden temperature fluctuations
If the room is too hot, your guinea pigs will start panicking. Temperature changes can also cause respiratory problems for young cavies. An ideal room temperature for a guinea pig is 18-24 degrees celsius.
● Not enough space
![Not enough space in guinea pigs cage](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Not-enough-space-in-guinea-pigs-cage.jpg)
Guinea pigs love to play and move around. If the cage is too small, the guinea pigs become stressed, which leads to fear. So ensure you meet the required housing recommendations when setting up a hutch for your guinea pig.
● Rough handling
How you handle your guinea pig can make it afraid of you. If you carelessly throw them around or forcefully grab them, they will run away from you. Also, guinea pigs have poor depth perception and do not like being lifted.
● Changes in schedule
Guinea pigs are creatures of habit. They rely on a fixed routine, so the guinea pig becomes very stressed if it deviates.
What Can I Do To Help My Scared Guinea Pig?
![What Can I Do To Help My Scared Guinea Pig](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/What-Can-I-Do-To-Help-My-Scared-Guinea-Pig.webp)
Here is how you can stop your guinea pig from being scared:
- Add a companion; guinea pigs thrive when they are not alone. They feel more secure in numbers. So by adding another cavy, your guinea pig will no longer be scared. Also, your guinea pig will not be bored.
- Provide hideouts; ensure your piggies have plenty of hideaways in their cage. This will assist them in remaining calm when they are afraid.
- Enough space; ensure your cavy’s hutch is big enough to accommodate separate areas to rest and play in.
- Handle the cavy carefully; do not shout at the guinea pig or punish it. Also, when petting it, let it come to you. Do not throw it up or lift it too high. If your guinea pig seems afraid, do not pet it then. Wait till it is calm.
- Keep a quiet environment; guinea pigs do not like loud noises. A calm environment means a safe environment for a guinea pig.
- Keep other pets away from your guinea pig; keep the guinea pigs in a room with no other pets. Cats and dogs scare guinea pigs and can also eat them.
- Be patient; if it is a new guinea pig, give it time and space to acclimate to its new home.
- Develop a bond; you can build a bond with your guinea pig by hand feeding its favorite treats. However, ensure you provide it with foods that have the required nutrients. Also, try talking softly to it or playing soft music while spending time with it.
- Provide toys; toys will keep your cavy mentally stimulated, alleviating boredom and fear.
- Maintain a consistent room temperature; an ideal room temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 24 degrees Celsius) will do.
- Follow the same schedule; a guinea pig will be less scared if it gets its snacks and playtime at the same periods every day.
Here are other frequently asked questions.
Why is my guinea pig suddenly scared?
A guinea pig can become suddenly scared because of loud noises, presence of other, predators, someone sneaking up on them, sudden temperature changes, new surroundings
Why is my baby guinea pig scared of me
As we said earlier, guinea pigs are naturally inclined to be fearful. It is no different with baby guinea pigs. It is embedded in their DNA to be always alert of anyone or anything. Therefore, that is why your baby guinea pig is scared of you.
Conclusion
We hope we have answered the question, “why is my guinea pig always scared.” Remember, if your guinea pig is new, you only have to give it time to get used to the new environment. Be patient, and in no time, the guinea pig will be your best friend.
Ensure you remove triggers that might make your guinea pig scared,e.g., cats and dogs, loud noises, or even sudden temperature changes. Create a bond with your guinea pig to stop being scared of you—all the best with your furry little friend.