• Discussions taking place within this forum are intended for the purpose of assisting you in discussing options with your vet. Any other use of advice given here is done so at your risk, is solely your responsibility and not that of this forum or its owner. Before posting it is your responsibility you abide by this Statement

Urgent puffing in a ball why ?

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

runt18

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 11, 2009
Messages
193
Reaction score
0
Points
195
Location
Norfolk/Norwich
Hey when i get my guinea pigs out they go mad like they hate me they dont like being picked up they squiggel and stuff and try and get away and dale is the worst he trys and moves loads and loads why is this i got them about 6 /7 weeks a go and they arnt exaclty babys they were born on pancake day 09 dont exaclty no and sometimes they both go up in the corner of the box and puff up like a ball and shake a lil are they scared? they dont squeak when i get them out tho?
 
guinea pigs can take months to get used to being handled, and some just never take to it.
make sure you're very gentle with them, use veggies to calm them down with while you're holding them and if they start to struggle make sure you're not hurting them. if you struggle back with it you could hurt it, this is usually a sign they've had enough and if you keep handling them carefully the time it takes for this to happen should get longer.



/offtopic slightly
i really think we should have a sticky for this type of question.
 
No guinea pig actually enjoys being picked up - and most don't even tolerate it. I've yet to come across a pig who does not react when you go to pick it up.

The "puffed up" sounds like raised hackles, which is a warning to stay away. The more you persevere and handle them little and often, the less they'll start to do this. But it is unlikely you'll ever have guinea pigs who sit still to be picked up.
 
Of course, there are always such exceptions to the rule! In general most piggies don't like being picked up, but there will be the odd one who doesn't mind so much. Such as Lincoln. :))
I guess some learn what comes right after being lifted through the air (cuddles), while others just hate that experience.
 
AP you make me smile! :))

My first pig, Mr Bojangles, still really hates me yet he got the most attention when he was an only pig, and I had him from a baby. He's just one of those stand-offish pigs. I've got others who like me enough to come and say hello and take food from my hands. .. but would rather not be picked up. I think they still 'like' me!

Sophie
x
 
When picking up a pig put one hand under to support the legs and underbody and gently hold the rib cage with the other.

Reaching in and tearing his house off for a brisk one hand grab is never a good idea, not that you would do it.

Easy and gentle is the best way. Perhaps with a tea towel to hide under or for weeing accidents.

Best of luck
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top