i've had my guinea-pigs for over two years now.
when i stroke them they stay still like a statue and then run away.
when i try to pick them up they run around in their cage so i can't get hold of them.
but when i have food for them, they're not scared at all.
what is a good way of taming them?
2007-02-11 03:01:30 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It is normal for them to run around in their cage, Guinea Pigs don't like to be taken out of their comfort zones and that is what their cage is. I find that it helps to talk to them before reaching in to get them and also petting them before pick them up helps. Mine seem less likely to run if I do that first.
A good way of taming them further is, talking to them first while in their cage, that allows them to get use to your voice. While still talking to them put your hand in the cage for them to smell it. After that pet them for a few minutes while talking to them still. It allows them to get use to your voice, your smell and your touch. They are a lot calmer that way. We use this technique at the Guinea Pig rescue I volunteer at, it works great on abused and neglected Guinea Pigs. You may want to try it, just remember to take it slow. To a Guinea Pig your huge and can frighten them easily with fast movement. Also hold them on your lap and pet them and talk to them.
Good Luck.
2007-02-13 11:16:49 · answer #1 · answered by rainbowlillie3587 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well like most rodents, taming takes time, bcuz most rodents are prey in the wild, and so they are easily scared. honestly i've never met a friendly guinea pig, but that's just me. if you've had this guinea pig for 2 years, then it's going to be even harder, maybe impossible, especially with guinea pigs. because in order to tame rodents you have to hold them a lot, and guinea pigs are VERY HARD to get a hold of. just feed it treats out of your hands, and show it that you can be trusted.
best of luck!!
2007-02-11 03:07:04 · answer #2 · answered by ferrets4ever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, I totally agree with rainbow. Since guinea pigs are typically prey animals, it is their natural instinct to escape, run and hide. Unfortunately, they absolutely abhor the feeling of being in the air. I have a piggie that use to run, but now she has gotten better. I hand-fed her until she got use to my scent. Also, talking to them will generally calm them down also. I've learned that piggies respond to music quite well; nice calming music generally puts a piggy at ease. Also, con them with plenty of food, they are greedy. Taming will take time, but it will be well worth the wait. Good Luck with your piggies.
2007-02-13 11:42:20 · answer #3 · answered by wonderfullyhuman_99 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are patently careful I surely have owned 5 in complete and all at that age were skidish, even as they commence starting to be older they'll study a thanks to trust that you propose them no damage. i stumbled on that brushing them on my knee relaxes them or once you do manage them perchance have a towel on your knee with a view to snuggle into it, it provides them a sense of protection. it receives to the point the position they'll comprehend your voice and that you will be able to regulate them conveniently, it in basic terms takes endurance, like with all youthful animals. good success, am certain they'll come round with time =]
2016-11-27 00:47:45 · answer #4 · answered by treat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hold them often and hand feed them their treats. This will teach them to trust you, and they will associate being held with something positive.
2007-02-11 20:37:59 · answer #5 · answered by Oblivia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋