Timid new pigs

[KT_66]

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone could give me a little advice on the correct way to tame very timid young guinea pigs?
Just to give a little background on my animal experience I am a "rabbit person". I've had rabbits my whole life and have always taken great pride in how I care for my animals. A few months ago I sadly lost my two bunnies through illness. I was heartbroken.
I've always loved guinea pigs even though I'd never owned them my self so decided to go ahead and get two. I love learning about animals and I am enjoying the new challenges that come with pig ownership.
My main question is do guinea pigs actually like being handled? Everything I'm reading online is very conflicting. All the rabbits I had tolerated it at best and I chose to not be cuddly with them as they just didn't enjoy it. A fuss and a stroke was welcomed but picking up was mainly about health checks and not cuddles.
As guinea pigs are also prey animals my logic suggests (please correct if I'm wrong) they will be the same. Is this right?
My two girls are only very young (about 13 weeks ish) and are very timid. I've been working hard to settle them into their home and I'm now succeeding in getting them to take carrot peices out of my hand (albeit timidly). Does anyone have any tips on building trust with piggies?
Thanks for reading.

 

[Siikibam]

Not all pigs will enjoy being cuddled. And some never get used to being picked up even if they’re ok once on your lap etc.

How long have you had your girls for? Taking good from your hand is good progress.

A few tips are to speak to them as you approach where they are - a predator won’t make its’ presence known. They can also get used to your voice that way.

You could try different voices/words for feed time, cleaning and things like that.

Here are some threads for you to read, they should be of some help.
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely

Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

 

[KT_66]

Hi thanks for replying!
That's great advice.
Their names are Beryl and Betty and I've had them since last Thursday (5/6).
I've seen a huge difference in their behaviour over the past few days and I think they seem pretty happy. They seem to be settling now.
I don't want to frighten them by handling and squash their new found confidence if that makes sense.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone could give me a little advice on the correct way to tame very timid young guinea pigs?
Just to give a little background on my animal experience I am a "rabbit person". I've had rabbits my whole life and have always taken great pride in how I care for my animals. A few months ago I sadly lost my two bunnies through illness. I was heartbroken.
I've always loved guinea pigs even though I'd never owned them my self so decided to go ahead and get two. I love learning about animals and I am enjoying the new challenges that come with pig ownership.
My main question is do guinea pigs actually like being handled? Everything I'm reading online is very conflicting. All the rabbits I had tolerated it at best and I chose to not be cuddly with them as they just didn't enjoy it. A fuss and a stroke was welcomed but picking up was mainly about health checks and not cuddles.
As guinea pigs are also prey animals my logic suggests (please correct if I'm wrong) they will be the same. Is this right?
My two girls are only very young (about 13 weeks ish) and are very timid. I've been working hard to settle them into their home and I'm now succeeding in getting them to take carrot peices out of my hand (albeit timidly). Does anyone have any tips on building trust with piggies?
Thanks for reading.

Hi and welcome

Most guinea pigs when they are given the choice, are not the cuddle monsters as which they are portrayed although the majority will come to be OK with a pet and being fussed over for a short while.

By using our piggy whispering tips you can make friends with them in their own body language and in a framework that they think in (inviting them into the group that you are leading and telling them that you love them and that they are welcome). This will go a long way to reassure them. The rest is mainly to not behave like a predator and to create daily rituals, each announced with their own call and melody to give structure to their new life that they can learn to anticipate.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics


All these links and many more are part of our new owners's guide collection, in which we specifically address all the areas we get the most questions and concerns from new owners in a practical way. There are quite some significant differences between rabbits and guinea pigs, both in behaviour, interaction and in diet (guinea pigs don't make their own vitamin C, for istance). And of course, guinea pigs are very vocal although their complex communication also includes body language and pheromone exchanges. You will hopefully find the collection both helpful and interesting: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[KT_66]

Thank you for the great advice. I'll be sure read through all this.