Picking up for First Time and Nail Clipping...

[Storm1974]

Hi,
We've had our 9 week old boys Bracken & Bramble for 5 days now and they are still quite nervous, so we haven't even attempted to pick them up yet. They aren't living in our house, but in our neighbours utility room which is right next to our garden, so we pop in an out to see them a few times a day, and obviously to feed/spot clean etc. So, my question is, when should we start trying to handle them as they still quite nervous?

Also, I'm worried about their nails needing cutting and obviously we need to pick them up to do this, but no animal likes it's nails being cut, especially baby piggies! So, I'm a bit anxious about this and how we go about checking if they need doing yet, and then if they do, how do we trim their nails without them freaking out and potentially jumping out of our hands and hurting themselves, or even us accidentally hurting them with the clippers?! Is there anything we can put in their cage to keep their nails short for now?

The last small animals I kept (A long time after piggies, which I haven't owned for around 20 years) were pet rats and these animals, especially if afraid, and if they haven't been handled or socialised well as youngsters, would bite very hard, and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about getting bitten by the piggies because of this, even though I know that piggies are much less likely to bite than (Undersocialised) rats, but maybe they will if they are scared!

Sorry if I sound like a big wimp or over worrying about everything, but that is just me (Well the worrying part anyway), unfortunately.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s generally the case not to attempt to handle for the first week - just leave them to settle, doing nothing other than feeding and cleaning.
In the second week, start sitting by their cage and talking to them. However, it also comes that they need their weekly weight checks so they have to be handled for the essentials whether they like it or not.
Most piggies will not like it and a lot of us only do handle for the essentials.

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

I would not think their nails really need doing yet, but if they do it will only be a tiny bit off the tip. It’s obviously good to get them used to it but make sure there is enough for you to clip off without risking catching the quick and making it bleed.
The key is not going in thinking you’re going to get all nails on all feet done. You might only get one nail done, you might only get one foot done!

Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails

Of my four boys, my 10.5 month old Hugo will nip me if I’ve held him too long. It doesn’t hurt, it’s his way of saying he doesn’t like being handled, but it does give you a jump if you aren’t expecting it! The piggy whispering guides will help here.

 

[Storm1974]

It’s generally the case not to attempt to handle for the first week - just leave them to settle, doing nothing other than feeding and cleaning.
In the second week, start sitting by their cage and talking to them. However, it also comes that they need their weekly weight checks so they have to be handled for the essentials whether they like it or not.
Most piggies will not like it and a lot of us only do handle for the essentials.

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

I would not think their nails really need doing yet, but if they do it will only be a tiny bit off the tip. It’s obviously good to get them used to it but make sure there is enough for you to clip off without risking catching the quick and making it bleed.
The key is not going in thinking you’re going to get all nails on all feet done. You might only get one nail done, you might only get one foot done!

Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails

Of my four boys, my 10.5 month old Hugo will nip me if I’ve held him too long. It doesn’t hurt, it’s his way of saying he doesn’t like being handled, but it does give you a jump if you aren’t expecting it! The piggy whispering guides will help here.

Taken on board all that you have said, thank you!

 

[ScrufflesRules]

If it helps to ease your mind about the biting issue, I've never been bitten by a guinea pig. My piggies did bite other people (who said it didn't hurt too much, only one ever drew blood), but I think the key to not getting bitten is to kind of act slowly, gently and firmly/ with purpose around them.

Guinea pigs are prey animals, and will be scared if you suddenly grab them from above to pick them up, but if you're too tentative I think that stresses them out too. The guide Piggies&buns linked is great, and it definitely helps to herd them into a box or tunnel if they're skittish. When you pick them up, make sure you hold them firmly enough that they feel secure and won't accidentally fall out of your hands, but obviously not too tight.

As you get to know your piggies, you'll be able to understand their body language much better which will help strengthen your bond with them.

 

[Cheekypigs]

Some pigs will nip out of nerves or in protest, but it's not hard. Literally just a pinch. The only time I've ever had a pig draw blood was when my finger was covered in grape juice and it mistook me for a grape! Guinea pigs are not aggressive towards humans, and if they are really scared, they are more likely to try and jump than bite.

 

[PiggyPoo]

At this stage sitting by their cage at eye level and rustling wrappers with food in them and just having your hand in the cage will help them get used to you. Then they will start to take veg out of your hand. Then they may allow you a little stroke while they are nibbling. And that’s how the process begins. It’s very slow but if you’re relaxed and patient it will come.

The nails should be ok. Do you have any photos? If the nails are clear you can see the quick but if the nails are black it’s a bit more tricky xx

 

[Storm1974]

At this stage sitting by their cage at eye level and rustling wrappers with food in them and just having your hand in the cage will help them get used to you. Then they will start to take veg out of your hand. Then they may allow you a little stroke while they are nibbling. And that’s how the process begins. It’s very slow but if you’re relaxed and patient it will come.

The nails should be ok. Do you have any photos? If the nails are clear you can see the quick but if the nails are black it’s a bit more tricky xx

Sorry for late reply!

The boys are still very nervous, they eat in the cage with us standing near them, but as soon as we open the cage they run and hide.
Yesterday we got our proper nice big cage for them, as the other one turned out to not be suitable, so put them into the travel box they arrived to us in, and I took them outside for the first time to be in an outdoor run on the lawn, while my husband made their cage up. They were terrified though and just hid in the grass so I sat in the run with them and they hid under me, but still didn't like me picking them up, so I just stroked them, but every time the wind blew through the grass they got quite scared and of the washing blowing on the line too. So, we haven't been able to cut their nails yet, though they don't seem to need doing at the moment, and yes most of their nails are black. I think when the time comes that we need to start cutting their nails, we will wrap them in a towel like we have seen others do on YT, as this seems an easier way to attempt it.

Re putting them outside and sitting in the run with them on the lawn, do you think after how terrified they were yesterday, that I should try that again today? They have to get used to it don't they? Also, it should help with taming them, I hope....

 

[PiggyPoo]

Yeah I would keep having lots of positive interactions with them. I’d put little hideouts in the run and allow them to get used to the environment on their own first xx

 

[Storm1974]

Yeah I would keep having lots of positive interactions with them. I’d put little hideouts in the run and allow them to get used to the environment on their own first xx

Ok thanks, I did do that but they just froze in the long grass and wouldn't move lol, so I thought I would sit in there with them and try to calm them a bit.

 

[Storm1974]

I think actually that we are going to wait until we get their cuddle cups in a couple of days, before we go to take them out again, as this will be less stressful for them than trying to get them into the carry box, which seems to terrify them!