How to tame them down

[madstitcher101]

We've had our piggies for just over a week now and due to a lot going on with the kids etc we haven't really handled them much. At the moment we have an igloo type house in the cage (it came with the cage) and thats where they run and hide in whenever we go into the cage. When we lift out the house they run like crazy round the cage and they are quick. I have trouble catching either of them and I don't really want to stress them out by chasing them around the cage. What's the easiest way to catch them? Also, would I be better off getting rid of the igloo house and getting something else (any ideas as to what would be better would be greatly received). Thanks.

 

[PopcornPigs]

You could try using a tube or snuggle sack (guinea pig equivelent of a sleeping bag) to get them out. They will most likely go into them to hide and it's easier to move the object with them in and they'll feel a lot safer rather than someone trying to grab them. I have several guineas trained to go into tubes, as soon as I put it in they walk into it then I cover both sides with my hands and carefully lift/take where I want them. If they're small/young pigs be careful with tubes though, make sure you fully cover both sides with your hands as if they're scared they may try and squeeze through any gap.

 

[guineapigs<3]

My youngest 2 were like that but to get them to get used to us we threw a towel over them to pick them up as they don't run away then as they get confused for a second, the more you pick them up the more likely they will get used to you and then run up to the door when they hear you coming!

 

[Teslington]

My boys were like that at first, but slowly they have come to realise that I'm no threat to them. They have snuggle sacs in the cage, so when it's cuddle time, they run into one and I can pick them up.