Witnessed their first popcorns! When is it alright to try to take them out of their house?

[floatingzoo]

Aahh! Last night we witnessed our first two guinea pigs both popcorn! It was very exciting as the past couple of days they have mostly been hiding, especially if we walked into the room. However, they knew we were in the room and they both ran and popped around!

They are still rather timid, however, and I was wondering when it would be alright to take them out of their house, and perhaps try to hand feed them while holding them? They allow us to touch them if needed (like if we need to take a bowl out that they are currently sitting in haha) but they stay very still and seem afraid. What do you think? Thank you so much!

 

[Piggies&buns]

That’s lovely!
I would try hand feeding them while they are still in their cage rather than taking them out to hand feed. They will likely be more comfortable that way to begin with.

 

[Wiebke]

Aahh! Last night we witnessed our first two guinea pigs both popcorn! It was very exciting as the past couple of days they have mostly been hiding, especially if we walked into the room. However, they knew we were in the room and they both ran and popped around!

They are still rather timid, however, and I was wondering when it would be alright to take them out of their house, and perhaps try to hand feed them while holding them? They allow us to touch them if needed (like if we need to take a bowl out that they are currently sitting in haha) but they stay very still and seem afraid. What do you think? Thank you so much!

I would wait until they come out and take food off your hands in the cage, so they do not associate you and your hands with grabbing but with dispensing food.

I know that the temptation is near irresistible, but by allowing trust to make roots now, you will reap the rewards later on.