First Laptime

[kylehammett32]

hello guys
I want to attempt my first laptime with my two new piggies but I don't know what I should do regarding scooping them up, without stressing them or hurting them any advice for a new guy?

 

[sport_billy]

The above video should help. Do laptime for a short amount of time at first then build up slowly... Make sure you have some food at hand, remember the way to a piggies heart is through the tummy

 

[VickiA]

Great tip from, @sport_billy there. I have kept piggies for years, but still pick up some of them in a hidey house or tube to make it less stressful for them. I also foster piggies and if they aren't used to being handled I always start with picking them up in a snuggle sack so they feel safe and get used to being moved around. It's also safer in case they wriggle as it's easier to contain them. I hope your first laptome goes well, but please don't give up if it feels a bit stresssful at first. These things do get easier with time.

 

[Mhairi]

The above video should help. Do laptime for a short amount of time at first then build up slowly... Make sure you have some food at hand, remember the way to a piggies heart is through the tummy

This video is great and really helped us when we first brought out piggies home in November. Before we watched this, we had numerous unsuccessful chases around the cage - not sure who ended up more stressed, the guinea pigs or us! We always use a cardboard tube or one of their snuggle sacks to pick them up in. So much easier, for them and you! And keep them in there whilst they are on your knee, or place a blanket/towel over them. They always feel safer if they are hidden. Amazing how much more relaxed the girls are around us now in comparison to the early days. Perseverance and patience really pays off. Good luck! Let us know how you get on! PS handfeed them some yummy veg whist they are on your knee, the way to a Piggy's heart is through their tummy!

 

[VickiA]

This video is great and really helped us when we first brought out piggies home in November. Before we watched this, we had numerous unsuccessful chases around the cage - not sure who ended up more stressed, the guinea pigs or us! We always use a cardboard tube or one of their snuggle sacks to pick them up in. So much easier, for them and you! And keep them in there whilst they are on your knee, or place a blanket/towel over them. They always feel safer if they are hidden. Amazing how much more relaxed the girls are around us now in comparison to the early days. Perseverance and patience really pays off. Good luck! Let us know how you get on! PS handfeed them some yummy veg whist they are on your knee, the way to a Piggy's heart is through their tummy!

That's so good to hear @Mhairi.