Shrieking when picked up

[Harmonypiggy]

I picked up one of my sows today, she was shrieking as soon as I picked her up and fighting to be released, I held her close to calm her down and stroked her and she relaxed. I won't pick this girl up again she was wrestling for a bit until she had calmed down. I had not heard the noise like this before was a real shrieking sound so obviously scared. I've used cardboard tube to pick up before and with for example my sheltie sow and she is fine with it and being groomed but I think this girl doesn't like it.

Babies have sharp nails too, a few cuts from them. Soon as I put her back in cage she was happily in the hay pile.

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

That is a perfectly normal, frightened response from her. She (like most piggies) probably doesn’t like being picked up. Please try not to chase, grab or enforce the issue as it will only distress her more.

can you pick her up in a hidey instead? And use gentle encouragement?

 

[Wiebke]

I picked up one of my sows today, she was shrieking as soon as I picked her up and fighting to be released, I held her close to calm her down and stroked her and she relaxed. I won't pick this girl up again she was wrestling for a bit until she had calmed down. I had not heard the noise like this before was a real shrieking sound so obviously scared. I've used cardboard tube to pick up before and with for example my sheltie sow and she is fine with it and being groomed but I think this girl doesn't like it.

Babies have sharp nails too, a few cuts from them. Soon as I put her back in cage she was happily in the hay pile.

Hi!

Please take the time to read these guide links here. you will find them very interesting in helping you understand where guinea pigs come from and how you can work around their prey animal instincts. Picking up a piggy is cutting very, very closely to triggering one but there are ways you can do so without being hands-on.
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely