Quick Way to Trust

[genie.kim8]

Hi!
I am a new member on this forum but have been reading other people’s posts for a long time. Right now I am looking after my friends’ two guinea pigs as she is going away. They are re only staying for around a week. I know how to take care of them as I have researched extensively on the subject because I was going to get guinea pigs before.
I don’t want them to live in fear for their whole time at my place so do you know of some quicker ways to make them more comfortable? I am not looking to completely trust train them as I am not their owner and they are going back home soon but I want methods that will make them more comfortable and allow me to interact with them without terrifying them.
So far they have both taken veggies from my hand and I have let them out for floor time and lap time. I realise that it might have been too soon as I have only gotten them today but I thought rather than letting them live in fear for the whole week, I would go straight into it even if it’s a little scary at first so they are more relaxed later on. Is this ok to do or is the only method the being patient and giving veggies way?
Other than to pop out for a bit of hay or veggies or something they have been mostly living in their hide.
If it helps at all I currently have two pet rats that I am working in taking right now.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!
I am a new member on this forum but have been reading other people’s posts for a long time. Right now I am looking after my friends’ two guinea pigs as she is going away. They are re only staying for around a week. I know how to take care of them as I have researched extensively on the subject because I was going to get guinea pigs before.
I don’t want them to live in fear for their whole time at my place so do you know of some quicker ways to make them more comfortable? I am not looking to completely trust train them as I am not their owner and they are going back home soon but I want methods that will make them more comfortable and allow me to interact with them without terrifying them.
So far they have both taken veggies from my hand and I have let them out for floor time and lap time. I realise that it might have been too soon as I have only gotten them today but I thought rather than letting them live in fear for the whole week, I would go straight into it even if it’s a little scary at first so they are more relaxed later on. Is this ok to do or is the only method the being patient and giving veggies way?
Other than to pop out for a bit of hay or veggies or something they have been mostly living in their hide.
If it helps at all I currently have two pet rats that I am working in taking right now.
Thanks in advance!

Hi!

Have a read through these guides here. A spot of piggy whispering can really help as you communicate in their language. Avoiding any predatory behaviours and triggering prey animal instincts can also help, as can understanding their social behaviours.
Talking gently to them as soon as you enter the room means that you are not a hunting predator.
Lure them with food; that is the best way of making friends.

How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics



It is great that you care so much about your holiday guests!

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Sounds as if the piggies are in excellent hands for their holiday.
Be gentle with them, talk to them so they are used to your voice.
It doesn’t matter what you say it’s the sound that matters.
Feed them - the quickest way to a guinea pig’s heart is through its stomach.

 

[genie.kim8]

Thank you very much!
Should I give them free access to veggies or will it make it faster of their only source of food is from me? I feel like this will make it easier but I worry they don’t take the veggies from me they will miss out on their daily portion of fresh food.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you very much!
Should I give them free access to veggies or will it make it faster of their only source of food is from me? I feel like this will make it easier but I worry they don’t take the veggies from me they will miss out on their daily portion of fresh food.

I always offer them the first veg of each meal by hand, but if they don't come out at first, I just put it on the floor and and let them pick it up. It depends on how confident your guests are. There is a fine balance between luring and pushing to hard. If you have pushed too far, then go two steps back and start again from a lower level next time. The piggies should come round faster with each time.

 

[genie.kim8]

Oh and do you think I need more hides? My friend gave me two: an upturned ice cream container with a hole cut out and a willow bridge. Neither seem big enough to comfortably hold both pigs. I have given them hay in piles to also bonus as nesting material and they seem to like that too. But when they are in the ice cream container hide they often squeal and shift and climb over each other and the container is usually shifted.
I don’t have any guinea pig friendly hides as my rats are much smaller but do you think they need one more, like a cardboard box? If there are more hiding places they will probably feel more secure. Or is what they have enough?

 

[Siikibam]

Any cardboard box will make them happy. Just make sure there’s no tape they can chew on it.

 

[Betsy]

A cardboard box will be fine just cut at least 2 entrances in it. If you stuff it with hay so much the better as they can hide in it and eat their way out! Mine like large paper bags filled with hay too that they can go and hide in.