My guineas don't seem to want to come out!

[gingerpig]

When I open up the hutch to get them out to go in the run they all dart to the back of the hutch or even upstairs in the hutch (where they know jolly well I have real trouble getting to them!) The hutch is double depth as well (we bought it when our rabbit was still alive so there was plenty of room) so I have to practically crawl in myself to get them sometimes!

I put them in a box to carry them to the run (there's 4 of them), it's the box from the pet shop (quite big), and the top shuts up and I carry them safely in that to the run. Do you think they are scared of the dark when I close the lid? :-\

I know guinea pigs are by nature timid. It just makes putting them out such an ordeal, takes quite a long time and I often end of covered in hay etc! Once in the run they are as happy as Larry.

I've tried tempting them with food but to no avail.

Can anyone help?

 

[spudnik]

mine are all like this, shakey and duke even squeak at the cage door like 'get us out!' then as soon as i go in then leg it! although yday i was very suprised, shakey jumped out on to my arm by himself for a cuddle

 

[michellemuffin]

they sound a little nervous try taking one at a time to the run cuddling them and offering titbits as well, so they associate it with good things

 

[gingerpig]

You're right, they are nervous. I'll try taking them one by one . . .

They are handled daily, they live outside but come in a lot and have lots of cuddles. Still so scared though. Can't imagine one of them jumping on my arm for a cuddle! If only! That would be lovely :smitten:

 

[Glynis]

LOL you poor thing don't worry, Duke still runs away : and he knows that he's getting his food, i think it's nature as well as them :smitten:
When he was younger he was shocking to try to pick up, ran around like a hairy goat, then i'd be laughing so much i'd take twice as long to catch him ;D ;D

Good advice Michelle O0

 

[maisydaisystar]

How long have you had them? This will get better in time, patience and lots of handling, talking etc: all my three were the same to start with, and eventually they will know your smell, and voice and they won't hide away as soon as you go near. Saying that some never like to be caught, one of my sows (toffee) always gives me the run around, but once I have caught her she loves to cuddle up to me.
Because they are prey animals they will always to some degree run and hide. Sometimes it can take months until they are less skittish. The dark wont scare them if they are in the box, This is the best way to carry them to and fro, especially if they are escape artists.

 

[gingerpig]

How long have you had them? This will get better in time, patience and lots of handling, talking etc: all my three were the same to start with, and eventually they will know your smell, and voice and they won't hide away as soon as you go near. Saying that some never like to be caught, one of my sows (toffee) always gives me the run around, but once I have caught her she loves to cuddle up to me.
Because they are prey animals they will always to some degree run and hide. Sometimes it can take months until they are less skittish. The dark wont scare them if they are in the box, This is the best way to carry them to and fro, especially if they are escape artists.

Thanks for all your replies so far. . .

Molly is 2 (actually she is much better at being picked up and occasionally won't run away at all!), Smudge is 6 months and Bella and Truffle are 5 months. As you say, maisydaisystar, once caught they love to cuddle up! They just like playing hard to get ;D little devils

 

[Cavy Crazy]

It will get better in time but it's a natural instinct to run and hide, even if they are pretty sure it is you guineas will run just to be on the safe side.