Guinea pigs who don't like to be handled.

[Abirose]

Hello, just some advice please. I have posted before about my two girls Abigail and Rosie, the advice you gave me was brilliant and they are now getting on well together. They are both getting more confident and will take food from my hand, sit and look at me when I talk gentle to them and come right up near me when in their cage or playpen, but as soon as I go to stroke them gently, they go into melt down and start trying to dig under the hay, get themselves in such a state. The only way I can move them is in a tube holding both ends but even then it takes a while each time to encourage them into it. I took them to the vets as I read on here that sometimes skin/fur problems can cause them to not like to be touched, although their fur looks really healthy, I thought I would rule this out, That was a fun outing for all, I think people in the waiting room at the vets wondered what terrible things we were doing to them, he was really lovely with them and said there were no problems. It only took about three hours for me and the girls to recover from that experience. The rescue centre said they were about 18 months old and have never been handled, they had a real problem trying to catch them when I collected them. I have had them about 8 weeks. Do some guinea pigs never like to be handled? or is it a matter of time and patience? I just want what is best for my girls. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Hops_in_Heaven]

Some pigs have preferences regarding where they like and dislike being touched. For example, one of my pig, Caramel, likes being patted on her head, right between her ears. Frolic likes it when you gently scratch her back. Bliss loves full body strokes. Both Caramel and Cuddles will flee if you touch their bums.

But some pigs are naturally more shy and dislike being touched. Tickles is so shy. Nine times out of ten, my attempts to pet her result in her running away. We found our own way to interact anyway. For her, gently sniffing my hand is enough. She also loves it when I hand her a single piece of hay here and there for her to snack on. I think it makes her feel special.

This advice has likely already been given to you, but I'll share it anyway, just in case. To socialize my pigs, I hand fed them everything. I still do. When they became totally comfortable eating from my hand, I started using using my other hand to try and pet them while they were eating. It was a slow and gradual thing, and I started by just moving my hand around them while they were eating. Maybe move my hand and rest it somewhere. When they seemed comfortable with that, I would try and bring my hand closer to pet them. They fled from me a lot at first, but since they really, really want to eat those veggies, they got used to it. This took weeks though. Celebrate any progress you get. I give each of my pigs a stroke when the eat lettuce now, even Tickles.

I also would park myself right next to my cage with a book. I'd read it for hours while dangling my hand in the cage. I wouldn't try to touch them. I also didn't always want to be doing this, but I kept at it. The pigs eventually got really used to my hands being around and would just ignore them as they went about their business.

Those are my two best pieces of advice. About being picked up, mine aren't fans either. I don't think it's anybody's fault. They're prey animals so if something picks them up, no matter who it is, it's scary.

I would recommend continuing to do it anyway. Last summer, Cuddles had gotten two hay pokes, basically one right after the other. To help her get better, I had to give her eye drops three times per day. Additionally, a half hour after each eye drop, I had to put some eye lubricant tear things in. That meant I had to pick her up six times per day until she got better. She hated being picked up and would flee and hide and chatter her teeth. She still tries to hide when I have to pick her up and always will, but ever since that experience she's been much better. When she's actually in my arms, she's so calm and trusting. She knows that she'll go back in the cage very soon because that's what always happens.

Hope some of this helps. Remember that these things take time. I think it took a month or two before I started to feel like I was making any significant progress.

 

[Siikibam]

Some piggies don’t like being handled. But as your girls never were, they need to get used to it. As suggested on a thread somewhere, picking them up using a tube or sack etc is a good way to not stress them out. Maybe you could also give them a treat/something to eat each time you take them out.

You also need to be patient. It will take time for them to trust you not to eat them! How long have you had them for?

 

[cavylover2002]

Hi. Completely normal, guinea pigs are prey animals so it is only their instinct to run! Mine let me stroke them but usually when I go to pick them up, they dash.
Some guinea pigs like to cuddle, some don't and some only prefer a short lap session. When I first got my gp's, I didn't feel like I was making progress all the way to the second or third month and a year later, they still dash when I attempt to pick them up, but remember that it's okay if they don't want to be held. Just let them do their own piggy 'thing' and keep doing what your doing in the tunnel or buy them a cuddle sack designed for lap time. best of luck x

 

[Nassala]

I've had the same experience as Hops in Heaven, I've found that while some (most) of my pigs will run away from being picked up, those that I've been forced to handle much more because of meds and syringe feeding are almost always much more loving and trusting after. It's hard knowing how to get that balance between not stressing them out and scaring them, and handling too little, or stressing them but taming them. I think I err too much with caution. Either way, it shows that with being handled every day, a piggie will come to trust you eventually.

 

[Merab]

Each piggy is an individual character and some will always be more relaxed about petting than others.
My youngest sow - Phoebe- has been with me about 8 months and it took the first 6 for her to stop being scared and hiding all the time.
She hates being caught with a passion, she will not be held willingly however if I sit on the floor with some veggies in a bowl she’s now quite happy to climb up and help herself.
She doesn’t mind being petted in the cage so this is what we do .
Patience is the key

 

[Wiebke]

Hello, just some advice please. I have posted before about my two girls Abigail and Rosie, the advice you gave me was brilliant and they are now getting on well together. They are both getting more confident and will take food from my hand, sit and look at me when I talk gentle to them and come right up near me when in their cage or playpen, but as soon as I go to stroke them gently, they go into melt down and start trying to dig under the hay, get themselves in such a state. The only way I can move them is in a tube holding both ends but even then it takes a while each time to encourage them into it. I took them to the vets as I read on here that sometimes skin/fur problems can cause them to not like to be touched, although their fur looks really healthy, I thought I would rule this out, That was a fun outing for all, I think people in the waiting room at the vets wondered what terrible things we were doing to them, he was really lovely with them and said there were no problems. It only took about three hours for me and the girls to recover from that experience. The rescue centre said they were about 18 months old and have never been handled, they had a real problem trying to catch them when I collected them. I have had them about 8 weeks. Do some guinea pigs never like to be handled? or is it a matter of time and patience? I just want what is best for my girls. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Hi!

Many piggies will never like being picked up as that is cutting too close to their prey animal instincts. If your piggies are coming from a stressful and/or non-handling background, then it is an uphill battle. Try a larger lidded cardboard box with hand holes for safe transport and place a little veg or fresh grass treat at the far end. Create a call with a distinctive melody to train them with lots of praise if they get it right. There is always a little chivvying with some piggies but the majority will catch on over the course of several months.

Also use our piggy whispering tips to make your piggies feel as a welcome part of the herd you are leading and be very generous with your praise. If things go wrong, show your disappointment in your voice, but never show any anger or upset.

By far not all piggies like being handled and petted; that is a human-centric myth and misconception. However if you concentrate on interaction and playtime instead, you will get more out of your relationship that is willingly given and allows your piggies to have a say in just how much interaction they want and in learning to trust you because you respect them and their wishes, too.

I have got a traumatised ex-toddler's pet who has a real thing about hands even after nearly 4 years with me and even though she is trusting me implicitly, especially after a bad hay poke. Briallen will come into a conveyance with very little chivvying, simply to avoid being picked up and handled. But that is an extreme case; while I have some piggies that hate human interaction, the majority is fine with being handled for a short time and will accept grooming. I have my cuddle pigs and my hands-off piggies, but I enjoy other ways of interacting where this doesn't matter.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

 

[Abirose]

Hi!

Many piggies will never like being picked up, as that is cutting too close to their prey animal instincts. If your piggies are coming from a stressful nd/or non-handling background, then it is an uphill battle. Try a larger cardboard box with hand holes for safe transport and place a little veg or fresh grass treat at the far end. Create a call with a distinctive melody to train them with lots of praise if the get it right. There is always a little chivvying with some piggies but the majority will catch on over the course of several months.

Also use our piggy whispering tips to make your piggies feel as a welcome part of the herd you are leading.

By far not all piggies like being handled and petted; that is a human-centric myth and misconception. However if you concentrate on interaction and playtime instead, you will get more out of your relationship that is willingly given and allows your piggies to have a say in just how much they want.

I have got a traumatised ex-toddler's pet who has a real thing about hands even after nearly 4 years with me and even though she is trusting me implicitly. Briallen will come into a conveyance with very little chivvying, simply to avoid being picked up and handled. But that is an extreme case; while I have some piggies that hate human interaction, the majority is fine with being handled. I have my cuddle pigs and my hands-off piggies, but I enjoy other ways of interacting where this doesn't matter.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pig

Thank you for your help and advice and thank you for the Enrichment ideas for Guinea pigs, I loved Gareth's big popcorn, bless him i watched it twice made me laugh both times.

I took the girls to the vets in a Plastic pet carrier with loads of hay, which Rosie hid underneath, really stressed bless her. Abigail started wheeking from the time the vet looked at her until the moment I paid, he said it was the loudest Guinea pig squeak he had ever heard. When we Got home the girls hid for the rest of the day.

I think I just worry about stressing them out by handling them and need to find what they like. They are becoming such big personalities especially Abigail, they are so funny. I adore them both so much already.

 

[Abirose]

Hi. Completely normal, guinea pigs are prey animals so it is only their instinct to run! Mine let me stroke them but usually when I go to pick them up, they dash.
Some guinea pigs like to cuddle, some don't and some only prefer a short lap session. When I first got my gp's, I didn't feel like I was making progress all the way to the second or third month and a year later, they still dash when I attempt to pick them up, but remember that it's okay if they don't want to be held. Just let them do their own piggy 'thing' and keep doing what your doing in the tunnel or buy them a cuddle sack designed for lap time. best of luck x

Thank you, Where can I buy a cuddle sack from please? I haven't seen one before.

 

[cavylover2002]

I buy mine from amazon!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your help and advice and thank you for the Enrichment ideas for Guinea pigs, I loved Gareth's big popcorn, bless him i watched it twice made me laugh both times.

I took the girls to the vets in a Plastic pet carrier with loads of hay, which Rosie hid underneath, really stressed bless her. Abigail started wheeking from the time the vet looked at her until the moment I paid, he said it was the loudest Guinea pig squeak he had ever heard. When we Got home the girls hid for the rest of the day.

I think I just worry about stressing them out by handling them and need to find what they like. They are becoming such big personalities especially Abigail, they are so funny. I adore them both so much already.

Use the carrier for other things as well (like during a cage clean with some fresh hay and a treat) so they learn to associate it with postive things as well. The first vet visit is always worst; old paws with chronic illnesses get pretty chilled about travelling and seeing uncle doctor.

Piggies are such funny characters! Give yours the opportunity to come out of themselves and you'll find new layers of enjoyment that vastly surpass the narrow confines of a 'cuddly pet'.

Here is a little video I took yesterday evening after cage clean. Gareth again with his wives begging for his pellets. You have to watch it several times to appreciate the different begging styles, including the piggies in the background. None of these piggies is a great cuddler or picker-upper (apart from Teggy who is simply too fat after arriving in rescue as a severely malnourished adult the size of a month old baby and her body clinging to every calorie it can get hold of), but there is so much fun that I am not hung up about it!

 

[Merab]

Thank you, Where can I buy a cuddle sack from please? I haven't seen one before.

You can look on Etsy - there are a few sellers of lovely snuggle sacks there.

 

[Abirose]

Some pigs have preferences regarding where they like and dislike being touched. For example, one of my pig, Caramel, likes being patted on her head, right between her ears. Frolic likes it when you gently scratch her back. Bliss loves full body strokes. Both Caramel and Cuddles will flee if you touch their bums.

But some pigs are naturally more shy and dislike being touched. Tickles is so shy. Nine times out of ten, my attempts to pet her result in her running away. We found our own way to interact anyway. For her, gently sniffing my hand is enough. She also loves it when I hand her a single piece of hay here and there for her to snack on. I think it makes her feel special.

This advice has likely already been given to you, but I'll share it anyway, just in case. To socialize my pigs, I hand fed them everything. I still do. When they became totally comfortable eating from my hand, I started using using my other hand to try and pet them while they were eating. It was a slow and gradual thing, and I started by just moving my hand around them while they were eating. Maybe move my hand and rest it somewhere. When they seemed comfortable with that, I would try and bring my hand closer to pet them. They fled from me a lot at first, but since they really, really want to eat those veggies, they got used to it. This took weeks though. Celebrate any progress you get. I give each of my pigs a stroke when the eat lettuce now, even Tickles.

I also would park myself right next to my cage with a book. I'd read it for hours while dangling my hand in the cage. I wouldn't try to touch them. I also didn't always want to be doing this, but I kept at it. The pigs eventually got really used to my hands being around and would just ignore them as they went about their business.

Those are my two best pieces of advice. About being picked up, mine aren't fans either. I don't think it's anybody's fault. They're prey animals so if something picks them up, no matter who it is, it's scary.

I would recommend continuing to do it anyway. Last summer, Cuddles had gotten two hay pokes, basically one right after the other. To help her get better, I had to give her eye drops three times per day. Additionally, a half hour after each eye drop, I had to put some eye lubricant tear things in. That meant I had to pick her up six times per day until she got better. She hated being picked up and would flee and hide and chatter her teeth. She still tries to hide when I have to pick her up and always will, but ever since that experience she's been much better. When she's actually in my arms, she's so calm and trusting. She knows that she'll go back in the cage very soon because that's what always happens.

Hope some of this helps. Remember that these things take time. I think it took a month or two before I started to feel like I was making any significant progress.

Thank you for your help and advice. I will try the things you recommend.

 

[Abirose]

Some piggies don’t like being handled. But as your girls never were, they need to get used to it. As suggested on a thread somewhere, picking them up using a tube or sack etc is a good way to not stress them out. Maybe you could also give them a treat/something to eat each time you take them out.

You also need to be patient. It will take time for them to trust you not to eat them! How long have you had them for?

Thank you for your help and advice.

 

[Abirose]

Hi. Completely normal, guinea pigs are prey animals so it is only their instinct to run! Mine let me stroke them but usually when I go to pick them up, they dash.
Some guinea pigs like to cuddle, some don't and some only prefer a short lap session. When I first got my gp's, I didn't feel like I was making progress all the way to the second or third month and a year later, they still dash when I attempt to pick them up, but remember that it's okay if they don't want to be held. Just let them do their own piggy 'thing' and keep doing what your doing in the tunnel or buy them a cuddle sack designed for lap time. best of luck x

Thank you for your advice, I have ordered some cuddle sacks.

 

[Abirose]

I've had the same experience as Hops in Heaven, I've found that while some (most) of my pigs will run away from being picked up, those that I've been forced to handle much more because of meds and syringe feeding are almost always much more loving and trusting after. It's hard knowing how to get that balance between not stressing them out and scaring them, and handling too little, or stressing them but taming them. I think I err too much with caution. Either way, it shows that with being handled every day, a piggie will come to trust you eventually.

Thank you for your help and advice.

 

[Abirose]

Each piggy is an individual character and some will always be more relaxed about petting than others.
My youngest sow - Phoebe- has been with me about 8 months and it took the first 6 for her to stop being scared and hiding all the time.
She hates being caught with a passion, she will not be held willingly however if I sit on the floor with some veggies in a bowl she’s now quite happy to climb up and help herself.
She doesn’t mind being petted in the cage so this is what we do .
Patience is the key

Thank you for your help and advice.

 

[Abirose]

Use the carrier for other things as well (like during a cage clean with some fresh hay and a treat) so they learn to associate it with postive things as well. The first vet visit is always worst; old paws with chronic illnesses get pretty chilled about travelling and seeing uncle doctor.

Piggies are such funny characters! Give yours the opportunity to come out of themselves and you'll find new layers of enjoyment that vastly surpass the narrow confines of a 'cuddly pet'.

Here is a little video I took yesterday evening after cage clean. Gareth again with his wives begging for his pellets. You have to watch it several times to appreciate the different begging styles, including the piggies in the background. None of these piggies is a great cuddler or picker-upper (apart from Teggy who is simply too fat after arriving in rescue as a severely malnourished adult the size of a month old baby and her body clinging to every calorie it can get hold of), but there is so much fun that I am not hung up about it!

What hungry piggies, so cute!
I love your cage set up. I wish I had got a bigger cage, I didn't find this forum until after I got my girls or I would have, the cage looked quite big in pets at home, but once you have 2 of everything in it looks a bit small, I am thinking of getting a bigger cage as i have the room for one. How many Guinea pigs have you got?
I will definitely try using the carrier with some treats to get them use to it. Thank you.

 

[Wiebke]

What hungry piggies, so cute!
I love your cage set up. I wish I had got a bigger cage, I didn't find this forum until after I got my girls or I would have, the cage looked quite big in pets at home, but once you have 2 of everything in it looks a bit small, I am thinking of getting a bigger cage as i have the room for one. How many Guinea pigs have you got?
I will definitely try using the carrier with some treats to get them use to it. Thank you.

I have currently got 29 piggies; that is pretty much my upper limit!

Take the time to save up for a C&C cage (unless you have larger pets) and do your research. There are also cheaper larger rabbit cages around, which you can get a lot cheaper online than from p@h. Personally I couldn't have as many piggies with out C&C grids and fleece bedding as my layout changes constantly depending on who is getting on with who (or not) or if there is an emergency intake etc.
Also note that the number has gradually built up over the last decade when I finally was able to realise my childhood dream of having a group of piggies. I couldn't have so many piggies if I wasn't working from home.

 

[cavylover2002]

I have currently got 29 piggies; that is pretty much my upper limit!

Take the time to save up for a C&C cage (unless you have larger pets) and do your research. There are also cheaper larger rabbit cages around, which you can get a lot cheaper online than from p@h. Personally I couldn't have as many piggies with out C&C grids and fleece bedding as my layout changes constantly depending on who is getting on with who (or not) or if there is an emergency intake etc.
Also note that the number has gradually built up over the last decade when I finally was able to realise my childhood dream of having a group of piggies. I couldn't have so many piggies if I wasn't working from home.

You certainly got your hands full