Sitemaps

Picking up a guinea pig2007-11-24 22:14:31

my guinea pig is fairly skittish but if you touch her very softly on her side for a few seconds, she lets you pet her. what's the best/easiest/safest way to pick her up so it doesn't scare her?

Answers:

You have to scoop her up so her tummy and legs are supported. Once she is used to being picked up you should have no problem. Pigs are the best, aren't they. Love that weep weep noise they make

---

pet her for a while then slowly start to pick her up

---

You've got the right idea petting her first. Pet her until she is calm. Once you feel she is relaxed, scoop her up with both hands. Hold her close to your chest with one hand supporting her bottom and the other resting over her back (almost like you would hold a baby to burp it). Continue to pet her with the hand that is over her back. This will make her feel nice and safe. And it will also make you feel very close to her which is awesome!

---

Always approach your piggie from an angle so that she can see you coming. Also as important, is to talk to her so she hears you as well.

Always reach in s-l-o-w-l-y. Quick movements scare them. If during these initial months you make a habit of slowly reaching in to pet her, without taking her out of the cage, she'll learn to relax in your presence. If she thinks you're going to chase her around the cage with your big scary hand everytime she sees you, she will *always* run. Also try always having little treats available so that she associates YOU with "good" things. Try having a few baby carrots or a sprig of parsley in your hand during petting sessions. Before long, she'll be running to the side of the cage to see you when you walk in the room.