Well... I just got my first guinea pig and everyone say you should pick it up. I'm not exactly sure how to pick it up so I can't. I really want to make really great friends with my guinea pig, Rocky, but I just can't seem to.
I got him two days ago, but I can't manage to pet him. I move my hand slowly towards him and gently talk to him, but he just leaps and runs when I hardly touch him.
Are all guinea pigs that way?
I also bought him an Igloo Hut and he likes to run around it...?
2007-07-27 16:03:29 · 5 answers · asked by bri 1 in Pets ➔ Rodents
Firstly let's attack holding techniques. The recommended one on Guinea Lynx is somewhat different to the one that I use, I scoop them up, one hand supporting the bottom, one hand over the shoulder blades with a finger between the legs (confused?). This is just because my girls didn't seem to like the way Guinea Lynx recommend.
http://www.guinealynx.info/handling.html
Guinea Lynx suggest to wrap one hand securely around the chest. Restrain one front leg by placing a finger in front of it and use your other hand to support the hind feet and rump. It is supposedly good for nervous or scared guinea pigs.
Secondly, try to imagine this. In South America amongst the long grass there is lot's of hiding places yet there are also lot's of birds. These birds are big (from a guinea pigs point of view) and they come from above, swoop and attack. Now you are this big bird, coming from above, swooping but instead of attacking you are picking him up. My first tip is too come from a horizontal level, always have a food treat like a piece of parsley handy and talk. Why talk? Guinea pigs have eyes on the side of their head so their range is some what limited, by talking they know that you are there. For a while you will probably have to block of hiding spots so that you can confine him to a corner so that you can get him. Your guinea pig is scared, unsure of his surroundings and probably quite confused. Building a relationship with a guinea pig takes time and alot of patience, but if you are willing to give this than it can happen.
Thirdly, almost all guinea pigs are like this at the start but like I said with time and patience they come right out of their shells. I know this person who has a guinea pig who hangs his head over the side of the cage waiting for a cuddle!!
Don't worry about him running around the hut. He probably does not know what to do with it. Give him time.
Good Luck!!
2007-07-27 16:17:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would wait one more day. Then, put his cage on the floor. Take the top off. Let him be able to climb out, or, you can scoop him out. When the lid is off, and everything (like his toys and food bowl and such!), are cleared out of the cage, it's A WHOLE lot easier to pick up your guinea pig! Once you have picked him up, bring him close to your chest. Hold him with one hand, and then gently pet him with the other hand. Talk to him. Tell him things like "It's ok!" and stuff like that. Once you have calmed him down a bit, put your petting hand under his butt, make sure that your other holding hand is right passed his front legs! And then gently put him to the ground. Do the same thing until he knows that you are NOT going to hurt him! Also, hand feed him treats, veggies and fruits everyday!
The Igloo Hut, is PERFECT for guinea pigs! Expecially new guinea pigs, that tend to be scared more often! If your guinea pig gets scared, let him go into his Igloo Hut, and try not to disturb him. This is the best thing that you can do for him.
I hope that this answers your question, and good luck with your guinea pig! Thanks, and GOOD LUCK!
2007-07-27 17:42:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have a guinea pig who hides in her igloo 2 u should pick the igloo up to get him (hold him close to your stomach) until he gets used to u holding him then he will let u pick him up all the time PS he might scratch u
2007-07-27 18:19:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are tricky to catch sometimes! It is instinct for them to always run a little when you approach. Put one hand over his shoulders and scoop him up with the other hand. They like to feel secure, so hold him up against your chest or securely on your lap (you can put a towel on your lap first). Guinea pigs don't jump or land well, so please prevent falls. :)
2007-07-27 16:07:04 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes my pig is like that, too. you have to hold/pet him every day till he gets used to you. when your holding him make sure his four paws are on your stomach when your carring him or on somthing when your playing w/ him. try asking a pet care person how to pick him up cuz its hard to explain.
2007-07-27 16:39:15 · answer #5 · answered by demeezy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋