Taming baby guinea pigs

[claire8234]

Hi

I bought two seven week old male guinea pigs yesterday (from a breeder not a pet shop).

I have settled them into their hutch and have just left them alone to get used to being in there.

What is the best way to start taming them? So far they are snuggled up together in the nesting area of the hutch under a ton of hay! (they haven't come out of the nesting area for anything to eat yet).

I don't want to chase them round to try and pick them up but would like to try to encourage them to come out of their bed and learn to get used to me without scaring them to death

Also is it normal for them to hide in their bed for a day or two - I don't want them not eating and getting hungry?

I have lifted the hay to check on them and they sit fairly still until you look as though you are going to touch them or offer them anything

Thank you

 

[Lady Kelly]

they will come out when they are hungry don't worry, they won't let themselves starve

Just spend time sat by the cage chatting to them so they get used to your voice. I used to hold a piece of romanie lettuce or a stick of celery so the end was resting on the floor just to the doorway of their house so they could nibble (without getting anywhere near my fingers as they are too scared hehe). Try using a padded box or cosy to pick them up in as it takes out the stress although my two mostly get picked up by hand now they are used to me.

Everytime you give them veg make sure you show them the veg and show them your hand so they learn to associate you with something they love hehe

 

[Sonia]

I left my 2 Girls alone and then i saw them popping heads out and nicking hay lol

After a few days i picked them up in a tunnel..i still do as its less stressful than having the chase.

I just say in the tunnel a few times until they get in.

I have had them for 9 weeks now and getting better each day.

It just takes a little time and lots of talking to them and offering veg on your hand.

 

[Wiebke]

It is a matter of patience and persistence. Most shop and breeder piggies have virtually not had much/any human contact, unlike guinea pigs from a reputable rescue. Try not to act like a predator (looming, swooping down, sneaking up to the cage/hutch and turn everything into a ritual, so the youngsters can figure out what to expect.

Here are more tips: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239