2007-04-14 10:54:51 · 12 answers · asked by Phyteri W 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Guinea pigs are small and weak, and their tiny claws are neither sharp enough, nor well enough placed in terms of leverage, to effectively defend themselves. The only instincts that can keep them alive are running away and hiding.
The instinct never goes away, but things you can do to help:
-Don't pick him/her up at first. Just reach in and pet him/her in the cage for a while. This will calm him/her down until you reach a time when can more easily scoop him/her up.
-Use a soft voice. Hearing is their "main sense" (in the same way that sight is our main sense...the one we rely on the most), and will easily startle them.
-Give them places to hide. This will calm down their jitters in the long room, as their cage will feel like a safe place.
-Give him/her some time. Moving into a new place is frightening. Sure, they have a giant creature that's being nice and giving them food, but it's still an unnerving experience.
The instinct to run when you want to pick them up will never truly leave, but it'll lessen a bit over time.
2007-04-14 12:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by jtrusnik 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's nervous because it's in new surroundings so don't try to pick it up or pet it just speak to it softly for about a week or so. After that it will be more used to it's new home so then you should try petting it.
Guinea pigs are very sensitive creatures and some are just naturally skittish. If that turns out to be the case, don't give your guinea pig back just because it doesn't like to cuddle. If you don't spend enough time with it each day, it will become anti-social and will scratch and possibly bite. My guinea pigs were skittish until I was nine or ten years old. Now they have just started to warm up to me and when they do, they are some of the best pets.
2007-04-14 12:10:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to put yourself in this little animal's position. You're in this safe, warm place (pet store) where you have lots of friends, but even that place was a new place and you hadn't even been there for very long and then, without even asking you, they grab you and take you away and now, here you are in a whole new strange place entirely. And what's worse, now you're all alone. No friends. Then, here comes this great, big giant sticking its big head in at you and babbling strange noises and blowing breath on you and then, BAM! it tries to grab you! Eeek! Help! Think how you would like to be approached and treated if you were the guinea pig and then I think it will be a lot easier understanding how to deal with your new pet. Good luck!
2007-04-14 11:44:23 · answer #3 · answered by Venice Girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. She merely won't be used to you yet, in case you have had her for a very long term then she merely would be under pressure or isn't very attentive to her atmosphere. If she is in her cage multiple the time and does not get sufficient human interplay, then she must be rather shy, and seeing a clean surrounding could make her act up if so, ending up hiding for risk-free practices. maximum guinea pigs are like this in the commencing up, then because of the fact the get acquainted with their new atmosphere they must be plenty greater lively.
2016-10-03 00:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well a guinea pig is a little creature and you are a giant to it. When it realizs you are it's friend then it will be less shy. Just give it a little time.
2007-04-14 11:02:41 · answer #5 · answered by Gone fishin' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your guinea pig is afraid cuz it doesnt know you. Give it time. Take good care of your guinea pig, love and attention. eventually it will let you pick it up. I had one, and it was so cute, very loving, and loved it's hair combed. It would make these funny noises when it was happy. They love fresh carrots and guinea pig fruit mix. They love hay. Good luck!!
2007-04-14 11:00:31 · answer #6 · answered by Spanish Princess 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You just got it? What do you expect!? Of course it is going to be terrified of you. You must give it more time to settle in. It can take weeks, maybe months for guinea pigs to settle in and get used to you. You have to be patient with new pets. Guinea pigs are lovely animals when they have gained your trust. Mine lick me and wheek at me! They are so sweet.
2007-04-14 10:58:43 · answer #7 · answered by Trina 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't try to pick it up yet. First offer him food from your hand, and just sit nearby to get him used to the idea that you're not going to hurt him and that you're safe.
Think about how scary it is to be his size and to have someone as big as you are come along and pull him up into the air! He will have to learn little by little that you can be trusted. You can't push too hard or he'll remain scared.
2007-04-14 11:03:45 · answer #8 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is frightened being in new surroundings. When you put your hand in the cage do not make sudden movements, let him come over to your hand and sniff. Try not to lower your hand from above let him see your hand coming toward him. Think about how you would feel if a giant hand came down and tried to pick you up! LOL!
2007-04-14 11:00:54 · answer #9 · answered by C M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, since you just got him,he will be afraid of you because he's a little shrimp and you're a monster too him.Once he's used too you he won't be afraid you.
2007-04-14 11:13:36 · answer #10 · answered by Still Life emotion 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋