crazy pigs

[Ethan3wilson]

My Abyssinian mixed guinea pig is literally a psychopath and never sits still when I take her out for lap/floor time which isn’t really a problem except that she just constantly tries to escape barriers and explore. I have another calmer longer haired breed mix that I’ve been trying to bond with but it’s so difficult since they are bonded and I can’t take the calmer one out without her getting anxious about being away from the crazy one so I end up having to take out the crazy one too which isn’t relaxing at all. Again I understand all this comes with owning guinea pigs but any tips on how to bond with them. Both about a year old.

 

[Wiebke]

My Abyssinian mixed guinea pig is literally a psychopath and never sits still when I take her out for lap/floor time which isn’t really a problem except that she just constantly tries to escape barriers and explore. I have another calmer longer haired breed mix that I’ve been trying to bond with but it’s so difficult since they are bonded and I can’t take the calmer one out without her getting anxious about being away from the crazy one so I end up having to take out the crazy one too which isn’t relaxing at all. Again I understand all this comes with owning guinea pigs but any tips on how to bond with them. Both about a year old.

Hi!

Please try our piggy whispering tips in combination with lots of praise and encouragement to reinforce desired behaviour. If you accept your piggies into the herd you are leading, they will accept your authority. By putting the problem in a frame that guinea pigs with their hierarchical social group structure instinctively understand and by using their own body language and behaviours that their own socially adept group members use, you are making total sense to them.

If you have a youngster who can't cope with being on their own away from the group, then please have them with their companion for moral support until you have your relationship settled. Start with extending the time they are alone with you at the end more and more with plenty of piggy love and praise for sitting still with you. Wanting to go back with their friends and not happy being left on their own is very normal for youngsters that still fully depend on the protection and guidance from their elders.

Please take the time to read these guides here. You will find them highly interesting and surprisingly effective!
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

These guides are part of our New Owners guide collection, which addresses specifically all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about. It makes a great resource in learning to really understand your pets as a species, build up a good relationship with them (they are after all so much more than animated cuddly toys!), with great information on diet, care and housing as well as plenty of help for learning what is normal and what not. Our format allows us to constantly update our information, unlike a book.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides