Simba is 6 months old and we've had him about 4 weeks. At first, he would happily be picked up and sit on our lap and enjoy being stroked but the past few days, he has been really hard to catch and very restless when we try and hold him. Should we not pick him up if he is running about the cage when we try? I fear we would never be able to get him if this is the case. Basically, is it OK to pick them up even if they are trying to run away?
Advice On Holding My Guinea Pig
- Thread starter Simba
- Start date
- Status
You may find this thread here helpful to understand what is going on: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/
For picking up, I would use a tunnel, a suitable cosy or a walk-in cardboard box with a bit of soft hay in, in order to lure him in. Picking up cuts very close to prey animal instincts, so may piggies will never really love it, but by using a conveyance instead of huntin dow a piggy, you can take quite a lot of the stress out. It takes a bit of time to create a proper pick-up ritual with saying the same words in the same tone and lot of encouragement and praise.
For picking up, I would use a tunnel, a suitable cosy or a walk-in cardboard box with a bit of soft hay in, in order to lure him in. Picking up cuts very close to prey animal instincts, so may piggies will never really love it, but by using a conveyance instead of huntin dow a piggy, you can take quite a lot of the stress out. It takes a bit of time to create a proper pick-up ritual with saying the same words in the same tone and lot of encouragement and praise.
Ma7ie
Junior Guinea Pig
Sorry I can't help. We're in the same situation. We rescued 2, one year old boars and I don't think they have had much handling, so I'm interested in some advice too.
Galaxy&nibbles
Adult Guinea Pig
I have four piggies and Roddy is the only one who will just stand there waiting to be picked up lol, the others all run for their lives!
Galaxy&nibbles
Adult Guinea Pig
Though I find stroking them first helps, especially If they have a favourite spot
ha ha that makes me feel much better, thank you. Simba barely lets us touch him now without going bananas! Funny cos he loves interacting through the bars, sniffs us, licks us but runs away as soon as we try to stroke him!
- Status