i have a question

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

okay well i can finally put my hand in the cage to pet gilbert without him runnning away. but when i go pick him up he runs and runs and runs. does this mean he's the type of guinea pig thats just scared of being picked up? cause he seems used to having me around. ive had him for about two months which is also how long ive been on this forum. boy does time fly:...

 

[gracie]

being picked up is different to being stroked, and i can't remember what other thread it was mentioned in but guinea pigs are programmed to bolt when they feel even slightly threatened. imagine how big you look to him, even if he's used to your smell it's still probably quite scary having your hand looming over him to pick him up!
give him some time, it can often take a lot longer than 2 months for guinea pigs to be completely comfortable with you handling them. keep stroking him and pick him up gently. use a towel to calm him down, and try to remember what it must be like for him!

 

[Mary]

Mine still tend to 'bolt' but once I have hold of them they relax. Often just sitting on my lap being stroked!

 

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

okay thanks i appreciate it :]