Guinea pig leapt out of my arms...

[Chickpea616]

I just brought back my pigs from the vet, getting their nails trimmed. I got the first one back in her cage just fine - but the second one absolutely freaked out in my arms and took a flying leap from my chest into the cage. The distance was about a foot, give or take. (The cage is on a table, so it's raised up off the ground...)

This just happened a little while ago, so I haven't had a chance to witness whether or not she's limping or anything - I thought I'd hop on here and see what signs I should look for and when a vet visit is warranted. I know to look for the obvious sign of limping - but what else should I be on the lookout for?

I feel absolutely horrible - and I'm beating myself up thinking I could've done a million things differently (like gotten a little closer to her enclosure, instead of walking around a table to get there, or having a stronger grip, even though she was propped on my chest and I really thought I had her good, etc.....)

 

[Wiebke]

I just brought back my pigs from the vet, getting their nails trimmed. I got the first one back in her cage just fine - but the second one absolutely freaked out in my arms and took a flying leap from my chest into the cage. The distance was about a foot, give or take. (The cage is on a table, so it's raised up off the ground...)

This just happened a little while ago, so I haven't had a chance to witness whether or not she's limping or anything - I thought I'd hop on here and see what signs I should look for and when a vet visit is warranted. I know to look for the obvious sign of limping - but what else should I be on the lookout for?

I feel absolutely horrible - and I'm beating myself up thinking I could've done a million things differently (like gotten a little closer to her enclosure, instead of walking around a table to get there, or having a stronger grip, even though she was propped on my chest and I really thought I had her good, etc.....)

Hi and welcome

Please take a deep breath, first and foremost. Chances are that your piggy is fine if they have landed on a softer surface.

Lure them out of hiding with fresh hay or a treat and see how they move. Check the mouth area and front teeth for signs of injury, breaks or blood because that is the is the part of the body that is hitting any hard surfaces first in a forward jump and that is therefore at highest risk of an injury.

Thread 'How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)'

Apr 21, 2015

1 Picking up your guinea pigs without chasing or touching (video and pictures)
2 Weighing (video and pictures)


1 Picking up your guinea pigs without chasing or touching

This video shows you what you can train your guinea pig to do for a stress-free pick up.

Alternatively, you can use a small walk-in cardboard box for pick-up and transport. Please make sure that you cover the opening with your hand! If necessary, please cut finger holes into the cardboard box and face the opening...

• sport_billy
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Handling and Making Friends

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Freak jumps are not uncommon when piggies are somewhat upset and running on their prey animal instinct. Your piggies will come round again.