Picking up

[freddy and georgy]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to guinea pig forum so I wasn't exactly sure where to put this thread but I've had my guinea pigs for around 5 weeks now. They absolutley HATE being picked up but whenever I've already picked them up, they're fine and love it. I've always picked them up by lifting their hidey house and piking them up quickly while they're frozen. Now they're getting good at knowing what's about to happen so they run away. It's really hard to pick them up for laptime. Lately I've been aware that what I'm doing might be really mean and scaring for them. Please help? I'm not sure what to do about picking them up anymore.

Thanks
T xx

 

[Piggies&buns]

Most guinea pigs do hate being picked up. As prey animals being picked up is scary . If they are frozen, then that is because of fear. Those who sit still are the most scared. It’s when they struggle to get away or bite/nip to be put down that they have gained the courage to tell you that they don’t like something.

It’s best to herd them into a carrier and pick them up from there.

The guide below will help with information on how to pick them up for the weekly weighing and other health checks as well as lap time (provided your piggies do like lap time - again, a lot dont like it)

How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

 

[freddy and georgy]

ok thank you very much yes sometimes they will wriggle away