mstarpiggie
New Born Pup
Hi,
So I have had my piggies for about 2 months now. I am really struggling with bonding with them. Cedar is much more brave and will eat from my hand and come say hi but Sage is very timid. I have been taking it slow with both of them to build trust but the times I take them out of their cage for nail clipping or floor time, it's like starting all over from scratch and they will completely avoid my for multiple days after handling them. I just briefly pick them up and put them down in the play pen for play time. I don't force them to let me pet them or anything but with nail clipping, I do obviously have to hold them for longer. Are there any tips to make handling them less traumatizing? I know being picked up is unpleasant for guinea pigs because they are prey animals but is there a way I can do it in a way where they don't become so terrified for so long afterwards? I don't chase them around the cage and I pick them up by using a towel or if I can get one in a fleece tunnel and I fully support their body when I do hold them. I also try to offer treats when I am clipping their nails but they won't take them.
I am sorry if this sounds like I am clueless but I just want to be able to build even the teensiest bond with them and it seems impossible with how scared they get after any handling.
I would put their cage on the floor and make a door so they could come out without being handled but my dog would be able to stick her head in also I use the space under their cage for storage. Just looking for any tips! Thank you so much
So I have had my piggies for about 2 months now. I am really struggling with bonding with them. Cedar is much more brave and will eat from my hand and come say hi but Sage is very timid. I have been taking it slow with both of them to build trust but the times I take them out of their cage for nail clipping or floor time, it's like starting all over from scratch and they will completely avoid my for multiple days after handling them. I just briefly pick them up and put them down in the play pen for play time. I don't force them to let me pet them or anything but with nail clipping, I do obviously have to hold them for longer. Are there any tips to make handling them less traumatizing? I know being picked up is unpleasant for guinea pigs because they are prey animals but is there a way I can do it in a way where they don't become so terrified for so long afterwards? I don't chase them around the cage and I pick them up by using a towel or if I can get one in a fleece tunnel and I fully support their body when I do hold them. I also try to offer treats when I am clipping their nails but they won't take them.
I am sorry if this sounds like I am clueless but I just want to be able to build even the teensiest bond with them and it seems impossible with how scared they get after any handling.
I would put their cage on the floor and make a door so they could come out without being handled but my dog would be able to stick her head in also I use the space under their cage for storage. Just looking for any tips! Thank you so much