Scared guinea pigs

[cucumberpiggies]

Hi. - I got my guinea pigs about 4.5 months ago.
They are healthy and all, but I have one question.
So whenever I try to pick up my guinea pigs they run away. I know that this is normal behavior of young guinea pigs and all..
When I have them on my lab, petting them, and feeding them veggies, they tend to love it.
And one (I have 2) of them also licks my hand, which I heard should be a sign of love. And they look happy! Why do they then run away when I try to pick them up? I let them smell my fingers first to let them know it is me. But they still run away.

 

[cucumberpiggies]

Any tips?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi. - I got my guinea pigs about 4.5 months ago.
They are healthy and all, but I have one question.
So whenever I try to pick up my guinea pigs they run away. I know that this is normal behavior of young guinea pigs and all..
When I have them on my lab, petting them, and feeding them veggies, they tend to love it.
And one (I have 2) of them also licks my hand, which I heard should be a sign of love. And they look happy! Why do they then run away when I try to pick them up? I let them smell my fingers first to let them know it is me. But they still run away.

Hi!

Please take the time to read these guides here; the picking up guide also contains a video. The two guides will answer your question as to why and how you can work around it. You will hopefully them helpful and interesting.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

Both guides are part of our New Owners information collection, which is specifically addressing all the areas we get the most questions and concerns in a practical and precise way. You may find the various guides hopefully very helpful in learning more about your guinea pigs, from behaviour, long term care and diet, learning what is normal and what not, spotting early signs of illness, what to do in an emergency and how to avoid some major problems in the future etc.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[cucumberpiggies]

Thank you so much for the early reply - this will definitely help me!