How to not be a wimp

[<3hay]

Hello everyone!
Basically, I’m a huge wimp and I can’t really pick up my Guinea pigs because I’m too scared of hurting them they’re really squirmy and there only way to do it is picking up the toy they’re in, but even that’s kinda hard since they start not going to the toys I want them to or flat out squeezing past to make things worse my hands are pretty small and I can’t have a secure grip at all, so if they squirm hard enough they will definitely win. Any advice would be super super appreciated! I’ve been told gloves could help or to use a transfer box and also wanted to know if those are viable!
Thanks!

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. How long have you had them and how old are they? I find the older (and heavier) they get the slower they run.

If you are a new owner then you need to get used to them too.

I sometimes use one of these to pick up my piggies. I also weigh them in it too.



Good luck. I’m sure with practice you’ll soon be able to confidently handle them.

 

[Piggies&buns]

This guide may also help you
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

 

[Cheekypigs]

It can be tricky. If they're getting nervous of your attempts to pick them up, maybe stop trying for a while and do a lot of hand-feeding and just hanging out near the cage so that they start feeling calmer around you before trying again.

It is difficult, there is a knack to picking them up, and a guinea pig that really doesn't want picked up is like a bar of soap in the bath. Read the advice above and just keep trying. You will get there!

Edit to add: also make it a habit to give them a treat right away every time you pick them up. Try to create a good association with it. It won't stop them running away but it might make them a bit less determined.