Question

[Leah123]

Do guinea pigs always run when its time to take them out of their cage? Also, how long does ot take for guinea pigs to trust you?

 

[BlueVictorian]

If your trying to grab them then yes they might always run or trust you after being picked up a few time. One of my pigs comes out and lets me pick her up while her cage mate waits for me to open the door and runs if my hand gets anywhere near her.

Trust is something that depends on the pig. If you want them too trust you too pick them up them you could try bribery. And if that doesn't work try walking them out a door if you have one on their cage, them trying too pick them up with the door open so they feel they can run if need be.

 

[Leah123]

Do tame guinea pigs also run?

 

[BlueVictorian]

Yes, because it is not natural for them to be grabbed off the ground and as I said before, it depends on the pig. They have different personalities and will react differently even when they are fully tamed and trusting.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

It really depends on your pigs, their previous experiences and you of course. some pigs will love you very quickly and others take longer, you just need to be very patient. I only have one pig that will stand and will climb onto my hand and Jack (Avatar) is the man, but he bonded very quickly with me whilst others will always run away. They are fine once they are being held and stroked. It's just the way it is.

 

[Leah123]

Thanks everyone! I'll be getting a pair of piggies next month from petco or petsmart

 

[BlueVictorian]

Sorry too say this but I highly recommend you don't. All of the guinea pigs there come from pet mills.

 

[BlueVictorian]

You should visit this video if you don't know what pet mills are.

 

[Leah123]

Thanks! I'll watch it! But my family members got theirs from there, and they were healthy

 

[BlueVictorian]

They only sell healthy ones. Other wise they wouldn't make any money. Any unhealthy ones get dumped or killed.

 

[shannonandrosy]

I bought my piggies from petco. As I dont have any reacues near me. Thats absolutely horrifying

 

[Freela]

Most guinea pigs, as prey animals, will be spooked when they are picked up, even ones who are accustomed to humans. In the wild, nothing wants to pick you up for a good reason, and this instinct is very deeply wired. Some pigs are easy to pick up with some practice, others are always a little anxious about it.

 

[Anna Perry]

I've found that letting your guinea pig smell your hand first then stroking them before picking them up makes the less scared

 

[shannonandrosy]

This works with mine

I've found that letting your guinea pig smell your hand first then stroking them before picking them up makes the less scared

 

[Leah123]

Thanks everyone! Also, is it possible to tame pet store guinea pigs?

 

[Reenie]

Absolutely. There's another thread on that which is live just now. BTW, in reference to your original question, my three piggies are about as tame and friendly as it gets - they jump up on my knee to eat from my hand, but they STILL run away if I try to pick them up (even when they're already on my lap lol).