Opinion on holding guinea pigs?

wafflesandcosmopiggies

wafflesandcosmopiggies

Junior Guinea Pig
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I have had this question for a long time. I know this is very controversial. I used to hold my guinea pigs all the time and they got very comfortable being picked up and held. I heard a few sites say that it scares them too much and could make them have a heart attack so that really scared me, and I stopped holding them. My guinea pigs don't like being picked up anymore, but they don't mind being held or pet. Should I try to hold them again or should I leave them be?
 
You need to follow their lead. Most guinea pigs don’t like being picked up, it’s their prey animal instinct. Once they feel comfortable enough to tell you they don’t like it then that is the time to listen to them - often those who sit the most still are the most scared.
My two hate being handled so it is done purely for health reasons - their weekly weight checks etc. I don’t see the point in forcing them to be held when they don’t like it. They are more than happy to be around me and interact with me, but not through touching them.
 
Piggies&buns said:
You need to follow their lead. Most guinea pigs don’t like being picked up, it’s their prey animal instinct. Once they feel comfortable enough to tell you they don’t like it then that is the time to listen to them - often those who sit the most still are the most scared.
My two hate being handled so it is done purely for health reasons - their weekly weight checks etc. I don’t see the point in forcing them to be held when they don’t like it. They are more than happy to be around me and interact with me, but not through touching them.
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Okay, thank you! I have had a hard time with this decision because they seem to fall asleep on my lap whenever I do hold them, but the process of getting them out of their cage scares them.
 
I usually show them my hands first and then try to pick them up from the side, so I don't look like I'm a scary predator. I will also sometimes use a hidey if available
 
wafflesandcosmopiggies said:
I usually show them my hands first and then try to pick them up from the side, so I don't look like I'm a scary predator. I will also sometimes use a hidey if available
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It’s best to always herd them into a carrier first. Most will never like being picked up directly from their cage
 
Siikibam said:
Use a hide all the time, it’s likely better. And pick some words to associate with getting them out the cage.
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I usually say their name high pitched and they come to the glass for food. Thank you all for the advice on how to get them out of the cage safely!
 
Sorry, my area is kinda messy right now. I may be able to share a picture in a few days after I clean up a bit. I use what I think is called plexiglass on my custom cage. I decided to use this instead of cage material because I didn't have any on me at the moment. I really want to try out a c & c cage soon because I've had my setup for 2 years now and I'm looking to try something a little different for fun. I also have two levels on my cage, which makes it a little difficult to clean!
 
This is the best picture I can get right now from 2 years ago I now have the second floor switched to the other side and the tunnel is against the wall. I will try that get a better picture asapSnapchat-196960031.webp
 
Make sure you only give them a tablespoon a day each of pellets.
 
My guiena pig hated being pciked up but now i have been bonding wiht her more so she is comfortable. But if your guinea pig still kinda runs or hestiteas when you try to pick them up that normal (prey animal instinct). Bassicly you should start picking them up again but dont forcibly do it if that makes sense lol. just let them be comfortable with you and they wont get a heart attack when you try to pick them up. Hope this helped!
 
None of mine like being picked up. The easiest way is if they’re in a fleece pouch or house that I can just lift out the cage.
It’s rarely that easy.
Phoebe hates being held, with a passion. She wriggles! She does like to sit by my when she’s in the cage and let me stroke her.
Priscilla is a diva. Sometimes I am permitted to hold her on my lap, other times she expresses her feelings by viciously attacking my top.
Micah, when he is eventually caught he will sit happily in my lap with his eyes closed.

Every pig has a different personality and if they trust you will tell you what they want, or like.
I only take mine out for their regular weigh and health check.
 
Merab's Slave said:
None of mine like being picked up. The easiest way is if they’re in a fleece pouch or house that I can just lift out the cage.
It’s rarely that easy.
Phoebe hates being held, with a passion. She wriggles! She does like to sit by my when she’s in the cage and let me stroke her.
Priscilla is a diva. Sometimes I am permitted to hold her on my lap, other times she expresses her feelings by viciously attacking my top.
Micah, when he is eventually caught he will sit happily in my lap with his eyes closed.

Every pig has a different personality and if they trust you will tell you what they want, or like.
I only take mine out for their regular weigh and health check.
Click to expand...
Okay thank you!
 
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