RavenRed
Junior Guinea Pig
This forum has been really helpful since I joined but i'm hoping to get some advice on bonding with my piggies.
They were both about 4 months when I got them and we've had them with us for 6 weeks.
Caramac is more active and doesn't mind a head scratch or chin rub or two, but it's always been very difficult to get anywhere near Ghillie.
We're able to get them out of the cage without too much hassle by using boxes and cozies, but have only picked them up a handful of times.
Today I had them in the hall for floor time and Ghillie was reluctant to come out of the box I transported her from the cage in.
I sat in their area for a while talking to them and then slowly opened the lid of the box.
Ghillie sat very still, in the "play dead" stance and only moved very occasionally.
I continued to talk lightly to her and then very lightly stroked her head and chin.
She didn't move much but I'm assuming this is more out of fear than contentment.
My question is, should I be trying to touch/hold/pick up at this stage(whilst is easier for me but seemingly frightening/new for them) or should I wait until they're more settled and happy to tell me when they're had enough?
Caramac is happy to wander around me when I sit in their area, but isn't keen on getting picked up either.
My worry is that if I don't actively try to bond with them that it won't happen, but it feels bittersweet at the moment only being able to stroke them when they're "in the zone"
Any tips would be appreciated.
I've read the guides and I've tried acting like a guinea pig, "washing my face" etc but just looking for some clarity on how best to go about this.
I understand it can take several months but just wanting to check i'm doing everything right.
They were both about 4 months when I got them and we've had them with us for 6 weeks.
Caramac is more active and doesn't mind a head scratch or chin rub or two, but it's always been very difficult to get anywhere near Ghillie.
We're able to get them out of the cage without too much hassle by using boxes and cozies, but have only picked them up a handful of times.
Today I had them in the hall for floor time and Ghillie was reluctant to come out of the box I transported her from the cage in.
I sat in their area for a while talking to them and then slowly opened the lid of the box.
Ghillie sat very still, in the "play dead" stance and only moved very occasionally.
I continued to talk lightly to her and then very lightly stroked her head and chin.
She didn't move much but I'm assuming this is more out of fear than contentment.
My question is, should I be trying to touch/hold/pick up at this stage(whilst is easier for me but seemingly frightening/new for them) or should I wait until they're more settled and happy to tell me when they're had enough?
Caramac is happy to wander around me when I sit in their area, but isn't keen on getting picked up either.
My worry is that if I don't actively try to bond with them that it won't happen, but it feels bittersweet at the moment only being able to stroke them when they're "in the zone"
Any tips would be appreciated.
I've read the guides and I've tried acting like a guinea pig, "washing my face" etc but just looking for some clarity on how best to go about this.
I understand it can take several months but just wanting to check i'm doing everything right.