Picking up my guinea pigs

Nicola roberts

Nicola roberts

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I have two male guinea pigs ive had them now for four weeks on sunday...they were 6/8 wks old when i got them....they still dont like.being picked up and cuddled at all...is this normal and will they get better.....they let us hand feed them and on a morning stand at there cage when they hear us come down stairs so i no they feel comphy with us...
 
Nicola roberts said:
I have two male guinea pigs ive had them now for four weeks on sunday...they were 6/8 wks old when i got them....they still dont like.being picked up and cuddled at all...is this normal and will they get better.....they let us hand feed them and on a morning stand at there cage when they hear us come down stairs so i no they feel comphy with us...
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Hi!

That is perfectly normal; please be aware that guinea pigs are prey animals. Picking up and handling is cutting very close to these instincts. By far not all piggies will ever enjoy being cuddled for long or at all; that is a perpetuated myth through all those cuddling videos on social media.

The tips in these guide may help you to understand prey animal instincts, how to work around them and not come across as a predator and how to make friends with them in ways that they instinctively understand ('piggy whispering'):
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
 
Hello and welcome to the forum.
Please let's see pics of your piggies.
As @Wiebke said guinea pigs don't always like being picked up and cuddled.
After 3 years I have 2 girls who hate being picked up and cuddled but are happy to be petted on their terms - usually if food is involved.
Enjoy them for who they are.
 
Hello and welcome to the forum. You’ve been given links to some great guides. Not all piggies like being picked up and cuddled, and those that do have to overcome their natural prey reaction to run away and hide from you. Time, patience and kindness are all required to build up a bond with your piggies. Give them time.
 
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