scrapbabe Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 We got three guinea pigs from my bil yesterday. They lived in a tiny cage in a cold garage. We are putting them in a big play area/cage with lots of room to run and play. But my kids are sad that when they try to pull the piggies out to hold them they start squealing and kicking. Will they warm up to us? Is there anything we can do to help them feel more at home and secure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK_Mom4 Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Give them a little time and keep handling them daily. It they aren't used to being handled, they probably are afraid they are going to be hurt. Feeding them while you hol dthem would probably not hurt.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GingerPoppy Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I have limited experience with gp, but lots with rodents in general (hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils). Gp do tend to be a bit squealy, and when I held friends' gp, they struggled a bit. Basically, rodents want to feel safe. Approach them slowly, so they see your hand coming. Stroke them for a while (I think gp like a nice rubbing behind the ears). Scoop them slowly and gently, so they feel supported under their entire body. Sit on the floor so they don't have far to fall if they did. Let them sit on your lap while you pet them and feed them little treats by hand, so they can begin to trust in your relationship. Handle them daily! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Give them a little time and keep handling them daily. It they aren't used to being handled, they probably are afraid they are going to be hurt. Feeding them while you hol dthem would probably not hurt.... :iagree: also, look into treats to feed them, and eventually try to get them to eat out of your hand. Half an orange, greens, carrot.... They will get better. Make sure the environment is calm and quiet when you're handling them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Do you have an area they can go into for security and privacy? Something like this:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002DJ4P2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00068K132&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1KD3MP61074X2S2TGDTQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 My dd talks to hers a lot too. She uses her highest, squeakiest baby-voice and they will squeak and squeal at her. Then pop-corn around all over the cage. Ours are not afraid of us, but they are skittish still when first getting them out of their cage. They always run and hide. It's just the way a creature used to running from predators is. But they will warm up to you. Ours adore their salad (they get a romaine, carrot, kale salad daily) but with extra treats like cantaloupe, green peppers, celery, orange slices, etc once in a while. They love those treats and will eat them out of our hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in CA Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Our piggies have loved to be held and have our attention. With that said, they still run away and try to wiggle out of our hands as we pick them up. At this point, I think they're doing it just for fun. They aren't scared, they just seem to delight in the game. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 They should! Most piggys love people and being handled. Just dont freak them out. We rescued some and they LOVE to be held, but they still freak out when we reach for them and for a few mins as we hold them. Hold them in a blanket or towel and then set it on your lap and talk to them and feed em treats and then lead up to a little petting. Just go slow and do a little at a time. Mine feel secure in a blanket and then they come out of their shells and just chill out on our laps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 Our piggies have loved to be held and have our attention.With that said, they still run away and try to wiggle out of our hands as we pick them up. At this point, I think they're doing it just for fun. They aren't scared, they just seem to delight in the game. :001_smile: Whoops...didnt read this first....thats exactly how ours are. I call them the little wackos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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