How Hard To Hold Guinea Pigs?

[imaanzg]

I've had my guinea pigs for about a month and a half now, but I'm still struggling to pick them up. Mainly because I'm scared I'll squeeze them too hard.I have this trick that allows me to pick them up without touching their bellies, which gets them really scared for some reason, but then they just manage to escape because, again, I'm afraid I'll squeeze them too hard. Any suggestions on how hard to hold them?

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, Welcome to the forum. It is all about practice we use this technique to pick them up. It is less stressful for them and you

How many piggies do you have?

 

[LisaAli]

Hi to the forum...

Have a look at our videos at the top of the main menu.. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/videos/ No 2.

In the meantime can you please add your location to your profile as it helps fellow members give any answers to questions you may have that may be area/country specific. This can be done by clicking on your username, then personal details, then add location......

Lisa & Ali..

 

[Julesie]

I had the exact same fear when I first got my piggies. It took me a few months before I felt safe with picking them up.

You'd be surprised at just how strong the little piggies can be. Don't be too wary. As long as you aren't purposely squeezing them with strength they will be fine. =)

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Good luck, the video looks very useful!
Don't be worried about hurting them, you won't.
I use the technique of cornering them with my hand, then getting my left hand to put in front of their face to stop them from sneeking away, then stroking them with my right hand on their sides to prepare them for the lift. Then with the both hands scoop them up before they run off!

 

[imaanzg]

Thank you! I usually use the technique shown in the video for lap time, but then they just escape from my arms. I`ll hold them harder next time.

 

[Holly_Bramble]

The more they get used to you and being picked up the easier this will be obviously.
All my pigs ran at first and the one I have now was especially bad for it but I just sat stroking her for a while before I actually picked her up and that seemed to calm her, I think it's all about building trust.

Don't worry about 'squeezing' them too hard, there way more durable than they look.

 

[hidey_hi]

Hi - I'm new to the forum. Pleased to meet you!

I do have a trick with my more skittish pig when I first pick her up, which I discovered by accident one day. If I'm wearing a cardigan, I open up one side and let her burrow in there for as long as she likes, and pretty soon she decides everything's fine and comes out of her own accord. She responds really well to it, although it tickles if she tries to get down the sleeve!

 

[smileyface:)]

Freckles, the shy one, but doesn't mind being picked up, once he's cornered he's happy to sit and let me put my hand under him, but Spud the forward one will wriggle more - one thing I have learned is they might stick out their back legs a good bit when lifting so give the legs good clearance is bringing them through a hutch door! lol!