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Why wont my pet hamster Twinkle let me pick her up2007-11-24 22:19:33

good luck

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This is an unfortunate problem. I'd better start by explaining what's going on in her mind.

At some point, when you first got her, you may have accidentally injured her just before or after you picked her up. If not, it may be that she injured herself by jumping off the first time you tried to pick her up.

Animal intelligent behavior, or the behavioral characteristics of an animal that are not pre-determined by genes, is based on 'bennies' and 'slaps'. (This is also true for humans!) Pain, lack of food, predators or fear is a form of slap, while comfort, warmth or food is a form of a bennie.

The more these bennies/slaps are repeated, the more ingrained the behavior - that's why it gets easier to teach a dog new tricks, if you teach it constantly. So, since your guinea pig has been injured multiple times, it will have the behavior of avoiding or escaping your hands. (It will not realize that the injuries are caused by its attempt to escape.)

So, how to pick her up? This is absolutely disgusting, but it will help. See if you can find any sleeping material or hay - although dung can work. By rubbing it, it will give you a more natural scent.

Make sure she can't hurt herself if escaping, give her treats, and slowly, she'll be more likely to allow you to pick her up.

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1 month isnt enough

my old hamster was used to me holding it after about 4 months.