Wondering!

[soo's piggies]

I have three boys , two brothers and a younger one can you explain to me why when I go to pick them up sometimes they squeal bug settle really well once out and purr , the way I get around this is to tickle them and let them know it safe and they come out quietly bug I'm wondering are they really happy on my knee because I really don't want to upset them

 

[Wiebke]

Guinea pigs are prey animals. Picking up cuts very close to those instincts.
You may find these guides here helpful in understanding what is going on and how to make it work for you instead against you:
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

You can find lots more helpful information via this link here: New Owners' " How To" Starter Kit

 

[Freela]

A lot of guinea pigs who enjoy lap time still don't enjoy the feeling of being 'caught' and picked up. They are prey animals by nature, so this cuts very close to their instincts to avoid being snatched up by a predator.

Some pigs who are generally okay being picked up will still squeal if they would rather be doing something else. Hadley will shriek if we try to pick her up when she is in the middle of something else (i.e. eating.) It's her saying, "Not now, hooman, I'm busy!"