I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I hand feed them but once they grab the food they scurry away. They love it when I come near, they squeak and do popcorns but I can't seem to even pet them. I want to carry them but they run off. I have watched every video and looked up every article but a majority just say patience and hand feeding. I've been doing that but nothings changed, what am I doing wrong?
Guinea pigs are still scared after 2 months
- Thread starter Talin
- Start date
I forgot to mention that when I clean their cages I have had to pick them out of the cage and they didn't like that I had to chase after them but they wouldn't have climbed onto my hand so I had no choice. I resorted to cleaning the cage while they were in there cause I didn't want them to think they get picked up to be put in a place they hate. I tried comforting them when I picked them up but I don't know ifthat worked.
This all sounds perfectly normal, I’m afraid. Guinea pigs are prey animals and don’t like to be picked up, some don’t like to be touched and taking food and running away is normal. Mine take food out of their own bowl and run away with it!
You aren’t doing anything wrong though, it is quite normal for them to be skittish.
I’ve had my boys for over a year. One of them will take food from my hands but won’t let me touch him. The other one runs away as soon as he sees me, won’t take food from me and certainly won’t left me touch him. Neither like being picked up so I have to herd them into a pet carrier to be able to move them to their run.
You aren’t doing anything wrong though, it is quite normal for them to be skittish.
I’ve had my boys for over a year. One of them will take food from my hands but won’t let me touch him. The other one runs away as soon as he sees me, won’t take food from me and certainly won’t left me touch him. Neither like being picked up so I have to herd them into a pet carrier to be able to move them to their run.
KathT
Forum Donator 2024/25
Try using a cuddle sack for them to run into and then pick them up in that. Some pigs just hate being picked up and you would be extremely lucky for one ever to just climb on your hand! The only time a couple of mine do it is when they’re coming in from the grass on summer evenings! Patience is always the key.
Thanks, I was worried for a second cause most videos I watch I see people having guinea pigs lay on them without any problems so I had no idea what it is besides breed or personality. most Guinea pigs I see that cuddle are probably american guinea pig breeds
Thanks for the advice, it did feel exciting when one climbed halfway on my hand to reach for food, I thought she was the shy one too
Breed has nothing to do with it. Most guinea pigs just are not naturally cuddly creatures.
flowerfairy
Senior Guinea Pig
My 5 all loathe being caught and refuse to go into anything offered as they now know what that means.
I just take out all beds and hay racks and slowly and gently corner them and scoop them up with my hands. They tooth chatter at me like crazy when I empty their cage as they recognise it as a sign of impending capture.
I clean them out without picking them up and only capture them for fur and nail trims or the very occasional lap time.
I just take out all beds and hay racks and slowly and gently corner them and scoop them up with my hands. They tooth chatter at me like crazy when I empty their cage as they recognise it as a sign of impending capture.
I clean them out without picking them up and only capture them for fur and nail trims or the very occasional lap time.
Siikibam
Forum Donator 2022/23
The misconception of all piggies being cuddly is continually perpetuated. No one seems to go into the fact that not all may not like it.
You will have to get used to the fact that they may never enjoy/want lap time, or to be picked up. I’ve had the boys for two years, and even now they don’t like being picked up. Granted, one will occasionally (2/5 times) stay still and let me pick him up.
I rarely do lap time with them, but I do give them attention (it’s demanded!) every time I pass by the cage. Either saying hello and stopping for a very short chat, or stroking them and letting them smell my hands.
Enjoy them for what they are - small bundles full of character - and not force on them what your preconceptions of them are
PS one of the girls doesn’t really like being stroked, but she will take food from my hand and I can get away with stroking her on occasion. I’ve had them for a year now. However, they settled in quicker than the boys did. Everypig is different.
You will have to get used to the fact that they may never enjoy/want lap time, or to be picked up. I’ve had the boys for two years, and even now they don’t like being picked up. Granted, one will occasionally (2/5 times) stay still and let me pick him up.
I rarely do lap time with them, but I do give them attention (it’s demanded!) every time I pass by the cage. Either saying hello and stopping for a very short chat, or stroking them and letting them smell my hands.
Enjoy them for what they are - small bundles full of character - and not force on them what your preconceptions of them are
PS one of the girls doesn’t really like being stroked, but she will take food from my hand and I can get away with stroking her on occasion. I’ve had them for a year now. However, they settled in quicker than the boys did. Everypig is different.