Guinea pig bonding???!!?

Question

ok i just recently got my guinea pig (friday) and i know its going to take some time for her to get used to me. but ill have her out of the cage and floor time and she does the chattering but then when i try to pet her or pick her up she jumps and runs away

and when im just sitting she'll be snuggling on my lap and purring but the second i put her down to do something and try to pick her back up she runs away again.

what should i do to help her get less scared of me and hopefully bond with me more. she does eat out of my hand but if i come close to the cage she runs into her hide-away

help!

Answer 1

I have three guinea pigs and when I first got them they acted this way.  It's hard for them 2 adjust 2 new people and a new environment.  Your guinea pig is reacting like any other.  When I first got my guinea pigs it took about 3-4 weeks for them to get used to me.  Always speak quietly and calmly towards your guinea pig.  You could be picking him/her up the incorrect way.  If your guinea pig feels as if it's going to fall, of course it will run away!  You have to place one hand on there back and one underneath their bottom.  But eventually your guinea pig will feel safe and comfortable being handled by you.

Answer 2

Hi. Guinea pigs are prey animals so it is perfectly natural for her to run from you. She is not doing it deliberately, she just can't help herself - it's instinct. With lots of cuddles and love she will soon realise that there is nothing to be scared of and she should soon settle down. I have 13 pigs at the moment and they ALL scoot away when I go to pick them up! Here is a little idea you could try : Open the cage door (being careful piggie doesn't fall out!) and gently place your hand into the cage behind your pig saying " Go to your corner". At the same time gently move your hand behind her to encourage her to move into the corner of the cage. When you have her 'cornered' if you like, you can then pick her up easily. It won't take very long before she will 'go to her corner' of her own accord and you can then catch her easily every time. All of my pigs 'go to their corners' when I tell them and it makes life SO much easier! Perseverance is the key word - be kind to her and you will soon be rewarded. It's early days yet and she will be nervous of her new surroundings and smells. Have you thought of getting another piggie as a friend for her? Good luck!

Answer 3

my guinea pigs (i have 4) did the same thing when i first got them. but they get use to you if u are nice to them. it only takes maybe a maximum of... 3 weeks? my guinea pigs love me now :))

Answer 4

Hi. I'm glad that you decided to care for a guinea pig. They really are sweet little guys. How long it takes for them to warm up to you depends on the pig. Mine was instantly friendly (I got him from PetSmart). My other one was adopted from a shelter and it took him weeks. He's still very skitterish.

My advice to you is to talk to her while she's in her cage. just talk to her in a calm, nice tone. They really love the interaction and they'll come up to you while you talk to them. They're very friendly. I wouldn't necessarily suggest taking her out of her cage right now. Guinea pigs are prey animals and your hand coming at them is like a predator that's going to eat them. Not only that, but she's chattering at you because she feels threatened and doesn't want to be bothered, especially since she's in an environment that she's unsure of.

Your other best bet would be to get her a friend. Guinea pigs are social animals and need to be with a partner of the same gender. You'd do good getting her a girlfriend. Guaranteed that she'll be a lot friendlier and outgoing with a buddy.

You can refer to www.guineapigcages.com for more advice on housing, nutrition, etc.

Answer 5

It ok, my new guinea pigs do this too. I got two males two weeks ago and now they are letting me put my hand in their cage and pet them without running away. Make sure that when you grab for her, dont go above her because if you look at their eyes, they're facing up. This help them know if there is a hawk or another animal coming down to eat them. Always just talk to them so they know your there and reach for them on the sides. But if your guinea pig is normal, it will run away from you. :) Good luck with your new friend!

Answer 6

she is afraid you'll drop her. When you pick her up, put her very close to your chest right away so she knows she is secure. They dont like the feeling of being lifted. My little guy (that's his name) took about a month before he stopped flipping out when i would pick him up. Good luck.

Answer 7

My 11 yr. old adopted a guinea pig about 2 yrs. ago and she acts the exact same way your new one does.  I haven't figured out why she does it but she does. I'm not sure if it's their instinct or what. Just thought I would let you know it's not just your pig that does it either..... Good Luck with your new pet!!!