Handling Help, Advice!

[Catherine P.]

Hi I'm kinda new here and I was wondering if I could ask questions about guinea pigs. I'm sure I could so um how can you tell if your guinea pig Is blind? I have two guinea pigs and when I take them out of their cage its always a chase! Like my fat little american pig Sally (female) always freaks out when I reach for her. My other one isn't as skittish cause I show her my hand like I brush her whiskers. I can't hardly tell if they're both blind or if one of them is blind. I know how to handle them properly but I'm thinking I'm doin something wrong. <=( Am I?

 

[helen105281]

How long have your pigs been with you? it can take a long time to get them used to being caught and handled. If they were blind, there would not really be a reaction when you wave your hand in front of their face though they would be able to sense it there. If you are worried you can get them vet checked but it does sound like typical new piggy behaviour. Have a look at the links in this section

New and Wannabe Guinea Pig Owners Corner

 

[Catherine P.]

I've had them for a little over a year now. There not that new.

 

[Elwickcavies]

This running away is pretty hard wired into guinea pigs, as they are prey animals, and some never stop! Once you have caught them, are they still skittish? Most of my piggies don't want me to catch them, but are very happy for cuddles once I do. Food bribes, gentle handling and patience are the best ways I have found to gain a guinea pig's trust. They are all different!