Have I Ruined My Guinea Pig?

[lilalur]

We got a pair of male piggies a month ago. They generally look happy and sometimes I put them out from their cage to play a little bit as they are still shy and unresponsive when we try to cuddle them. They like to play outside, chasing each other and do a lot of popcorn.

Yesterday I got an urgent call and I had no time to properly collect both as they just went to chill on behind the sofa. I only had a few minutes before go and to put them back into the cage. I could pick up the first one without a problem but the other one figured out what's going on and started to run away and I just grabbed him instinctively.
He started to cry and probably scared to death. I tried to cuddle him a little and when I put him in the cage he ran into the corner.

These things cause deep trauma for them or it's just a temporary effect? I really want to be a good friend with them.

 

[Wiebke]

We got a pair of male piggies a month ago. They generally look happy and sometimes I put them out from their cage to play a little bit as they are still shy and unresponsive when we try to cuddle them. They like to play outside, chasing each other and do a lot of popcorn.

Yesterday I got an urgent call and I had no time to properly collect both as they just went to chill on behind the sofa. I only had a few minutes before go and to put them back into the cage. I could pick up the first one without a problem but the other one figured out what's going on and started to run away and I just grabbed him instinctively.
He started to cry and probably scared to death. I tried to cuddle him a little and when I put him in the cage he ran into the corner.

These things cause deep trauma for them or it's just a temporary effect? I really want to be a good friend with them.

Hi and welcome

It is temporary; you have triggered one of their prey animal instincts. You may find this guide here helpful in understanding what is going on. Just give your piggy time to calm down and don't pressure it; leave it be for the time being.
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language

We have got lots more helpful information for new owners via this link here: New Owners' " How To" Starter Kit

 

[Lady Kelly]

you'll be fine in time. In all fairness my Lily is a screamer, she screams at everything in protest. She can be fine being picked up but a minute later will give a proper scream as shes decided she didn't want to be picked up after all. Nervous piggies take longer to come around but you'll get there

 

[Freela]

It will be okay. Guinea pigs don't like the feeling of being caught (nothing in the wild just wants to hold you when you're a little herbivore!) and it will scare them, but they will get past it. I've occasionally had to grab mine too or otherwise do something they didn't enjoy (meds, wound cleaning, etc.) but the did forgive me as long as I kept on feeding them!

 

[lilalur]

Thanks. He seems already forgiven me as he is doing the same thing as he did before (unresponsive when I am there but otherwise he walking eating and happy with the other pig) These body languages and behavioural advises was really good. I see now that they look at me as a deadly predator and they are just cautious around me.