Having a bit of trouble................

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Janjen

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We have only had our seven week old baby girls for about a week. They are taking food out of our hands in the cage and are happy to brush past our hand if we just hold it still, however as soon as we try to pick them up for a cuddle they run off at great speed, I have managed to catch them a few times but am I just frightening them more? Should we leave them in the cage and not try and catch them?

We were told to hold them as much as we can in the first few weeks to tame them but I think I am doing more harm than good. They seem quite happy, running and jumping around and eating and drinking well - can anyone offer any advice? :)
 
I would keep trying, just be very gentle and slow and maybe just try it a few times a week, instead of daily, incase they're getting stressed out. Try not to 'attack from above' too much, try and approach as piggies are prey animals and will run for cover the same as they would in the wild.

Only 2 out of my 4 piggies don't mind being picked up, Flinn squeals like I'm murdering him every time! and he's a year old! rolleyes
Some never quite like it but most will calm down once you have them settled and they realise they're getting cuddled.

Talk to them all the while so they know the sound of your voice. I try and offer food, or pretend to offer food then have my other hand behind them to scoop. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Also, if they're outdoors then this can take longer as they're not getting daily interaction where as indoor piggies are around you all the time so adapt to your sounds, smells etc. Mine live in the kitchen and barely bat an eye when I turn the hoover on lol

It just takes time, it's very early days, most piggies do take a few months to become more comfortable so don't worry too much :)
 
Oh okay, thanks for the reply. The cage is large and two story (they haven't ventured upstairs yet) and its hard to 'scoop' the up as I cant get both hands in - I will continue to talk to them and try and stroke them inside the cage and see if they become less upset !
 
This is how guinea pigs are. They are prey animals and when we swoop down and pick them up they feel a predator is going to eat them. My girls are always running away from me especially Peronel and I have had her for over three years! I would just hold them each day for short periods and once they get used to it build up the time. They will soon enjoy lap time. It may be an idea to have a fleece on your lap so they can hide under as they will feel more confident.
 
Thanks all, I am glad to know this is normal behavior - I thought I was terrifying them. Its been a week since we brought them home and they are definitely becoming more used to us!
 
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