Skittish guinea pig and lap time

[SavyCavyGirl]

I just had a quick question, should I try to do lap time with a skittish guinea pig that likes to jump out of arms and run?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I wouldn’t. If they aren’t comfortable being held and are likely to jump then, aside from the fact that the piggy is going to be terrified, there is a risk of injuries.
Neither of mine like being handled so being held for lap time would be so traumatic for them and me.

 

[Siikibam]

If they don’t like it don’t force them. How long have you had them? It can take a while for some to warm up to you. Years even! If they eat from your hand then they trust you.

 

[hrsrdr]

If they're skittish, then it's best to hold off on lap-time for now. They can either jump, and get hurt from the fall, and there's a whole other risk associated with them getting away in the house. For right now, it's best to bond with your guinea pig without holding them. My two are pretty comfortable with lap-time, and a few things I did to get them comfortable include:

Hand feeding- letting them eat veggies from your hand makes them associate you with food, and also safety.
Grooming- I loaded a piggy into a hidey, which you may not be able to do if they're too nervous. But, petting and grooming helps them feel pretty comfortable with you.

I also spent time watching them play in the cage, or their floor time area, and by sitting there quietly, watching, and not interfering, they stopped thinking of me as a threat.

These may help, but, some piggies aren't cuddlers, and aren't comfortable with being held for more than a few seconds.

 

[Wiebke]

I just had a quick question, should I try to do lap time with a skittish guinea pig that likes to jump out of arms and run?

Hi!

Please don't until they have become a lot less freaky.

Please use our piggy whispering and lap free enrichment time interaction to create the soil in which trust can really make roots. It is not a quick process but worth taking your time. Also use piggy whispering for any necessary care (like cutting nails whenever that is necessary).

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

 

[SavyCavyGirl]

Yea ok thanks. She takes food out of my hand, and when we clipped her nails her first instinct was to squeeze herself under my shirt to protect herself, so I think she’s pretty good but sometimes she tries to get out of my hands, which is why I always sit in the ground when I have to hold her to weigh her, trim nails, etc. thank you for the advice I’ll try all of your techniques! I’ve had her for about a month.

 

[Wiebke]

Yea ok thanks. She takes food out of my hand, and when we clipped her nails her first instinct was to squeeze herself under my shirt to protect herself, so I think she’s pretty good but sometimes she tries to get out of my hands, which is why I always sit in the ground when I have to hold her to weigh her, trim nails, etc. thank you for the advice I’ll try all of your techniques! I’ve had her for about a month.

It's still early days yet but I have found that the piggy whispering tips really help; especially inviting her as a member of my herd (giving her an group identity while at the same time asserting my friendly authority - this also works for any grooming - and by stroking her around to tell her that she is loved/wanted.

 

[*kate*]

I've had Elsie now for 2 years and she is still terribly skittish so we only pick her up for health checks and nail trims. She just gets so terrified if we pick her up that it isnt fair to her.

 

[HannahMarie517]

My rusty hates being picked up too. I got him a playpen and if I sit on it he’ll climb up and lay on my lap. Maybe try doing something similar for lap time? That way you can still bond with them but they can come and go as they please.

 

[SavyCavyGirl]

Awesome thank you everyone.