When should I Start Picking Up My Guinea Pigs?

[vlyoung42]

Hello! New Here & New owner!

I adopted a teddy sow pair from a nearby rescue, (Stella & Luna) and I've had them for just over 2 weeks now. I have YouTube Vids of them in a playlist if ppl wanna see them.

I'd like to know when it would be the best time to handle them and get them used to cuddling and what methods ppl like to use. Outside of picking them up in a cozy tunnel or towel. Like do you use floor time to let them explore you, do you let them tell you when they are more ready to receive your attention. I just don't feel like mine are receptive of me just yet and would rather be left alone.

They still stay hidden a lot of the times, and they think twice about coming to see me even if i have yummy veggie treats; without lettuce you may as well forget about seeing them. I have their set up on a table, and i sit in a chair and feed them through the bars as of right now. They will come out and nibble near me if i hold the veggie, but will dart off with it as soon as they can. Not just walking away with it but dart to the nearest hidiey. I have been able to pet one of their noses while they nibbled once, and this same one (Luna) has just started to come check me out if i pass by and have a crinkly bag, with the occasional finger sniff. So i feel as if they are just starting to trust me and id like it if my next steps (if any) are to their comfort.

I don't expect them to jump into my hands by any means and its still super early in our time together. I just want to make sure i am doing the best i can to keep them happy and comfortable while still getting to enjoy their company.

 

[Wiebke]

Hello! New Here & New owner!

I adopted a teddy sow pair from a nearby rescue, (Stella & Luna) and I've had them for just over 2 weeks now. I have YouTube Vids of them in a playlist if ppl wanna see them.

I'd like to know when it would be the best time to handle them and get them used to cuddling and what methods ppl like to use. Outside of picking them up in a cozy tunnel or towel. Like do you use floor time to let them explore you, do you let them tell you when they are more ready to receive your attention. I just don't feel like mine are receptive of me just yet and would rather be left alone.

They still stay hidden a lot of the times, and they think twice about coming to see me even if i have yummy veggie treats; without lettuce you may as well forget about seeing them. I have their set up on a table, and i sit in a chair and feed them through the bars as of right now. They will come out and nibble near me if i hold the veggie, but will dart off with it as soon as they can. Not just walking away with it but dart to the nearest hidiey. I have been able to pet one of their noses while they nibbled once, and this same one (Luna) has just started to come check me out if i pass by and have a crinkly bag, with the occasional finger sniff. So i feel as if they are just starting to trust me and id like it if my next steps (if any) are to their comfort.

I don't expect them to jump into my hands by any means and its still super early in our time together. I just want to make sure i am doing the best i can to keep them happy and comfortable while still getting to enjoy their company.

Hi!

Please take the time to read our settling in and interactive guides; they include information on how prey animal instincts work and how you can avoid triggering them, as well as using a spot of piggy whispering to help make friends in ways that your piggies will understand. Safe pick up and first lap time tips are also included.
You can access them via this link here: Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

We generally recommend to start picking up when your piggies trust you enough to take food off your hand, so you can use food as a lure in the future. Ideally you create a special call with a different melody for each of the regular procedures from feeding, picking and taking home, grooming, cage cleaning/poo patrol etc. Be generous in your encouragement and praise and accept that guinea pigs don't have a concept for human 'No', as it makes usually no sense to them. Be disappointed in your voice but do not shout and keep in mind that to your guinea pigs it is the tone that matters not your words so much.

The above guides, which you will hopefully find very helpful, are part of our much more comprehensive New Owners guide collection, which specifically addresses all the areas we get the most questions and concerns about. They also help you to learn what is normal and what not.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides