my guineas hate me?

[laurelandhardy]

hey, so ive had my two guinea pigs for nearly 7 weeks, (they are four months old and i got them at 10 weeks)
and they really dont like me? its like a battle of wills, with who gives up first (nine times out of ten its me)
they growl at me, nip, wont let me catch them, wont sit still, and are ALWAYS trying to escape once ive picked them up. they fight the whole time to get away from me. they wont take any treats from my hand- they only tolerate me if i sit by their cage and dont move a muscle. as soon as i move they dive for cover.
does anyone have any advice? its really quite disheartening and i worry when the time comes when they may need veterinary attention. ive also considered cutting my loses and selling them on- but who would take un tamed guinea pigs?

thank you x

 

[sport_billy]

Hi, don't feel bad. We all go through this and I promise you everyone on the forum has felt like you do at some point.

Have a read of this guide on settling piggies http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?36239-FAQ-How-do-I-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs

Piggies are prey animals so it take a while for them to trust us, always approach the cage slowly and take to them in a soft soothing voice. Try feeding them at the bars it may take a while for them to take food off you but they will eventually. When you collect them for laptime, try and collect them in a cavy cosy or something you h=can herd them safely into this takes the stress out of picking them up for them and you

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Be patient and persistent and they will come round.

Lure them with some treats stuck in the bars; once that works, have the treat at the end of your fingers etc... Don't hover over over them, meet them more on head height. Talk to them constantly and praise them lavishly if they come out, express your disappointment when they dive in.

When you pick them up, do so in a tunnel or another covered conveyance like a carboard box with a lid and a doorway (and a treat at the end).

Cuddle them between two blankets; a confined, cosy space will calm them down. At first, just let them relax and if possible fall asleep on you - even that takes trust! Encourage them and praise them lots. Touch them first "by accident" and then, when they are no longer too bothered, you start stroking them for as much and as long as they can stand. Always praise them afterwards and give them a little veg or herb treat.

If they panic, take two steps back and work up to it again. it is a slow process, but it can be done - and when you finally get that first certain proof of trust, you know that you have achieved something special. It is a unique feeling that will make up for it all. I have been there, too.