Infancy

This is the time when guinea pigs are often scared of their new environment. They are most likely a few months old and have been used to their old pet store surroundings. Do not scare him any further by picking him up from his cage.

It will take awhile for them to get used to you and your home, so do not shock your new baby with frightening sounds. Keep them in a safe and quiet area.

Note:

Whenever you are bringing a new guinea pig home, always make sure you don’t let him stay with all the others in a cramped space. They are very conscious about protecting their own territory. So make sure they will have a space of their own.

Don’t Hover

Avoid acting like a mother and hovering over your baby guinea pig. It will only terrify him.

He will see you as an attacker, ready to swoop down on his cage. Try the friendly approach and communicate with your pet eye to eye.

Bribe and Jive

The best way to get your pet to trust you is, without a doubt, bribery. Sound crazy? Perhaps. But it’s true! Bribing the small animal that you want to love and adore is the best way for trust.

Bring food. Guinea pigs will love this because they eat anything.

Best Bribing Ways?

Ready to bribe your new pet right into your open arms? Good!

Start by showing your pet the delicious treat you’re offering them, then set it at the open door of the cage. Sit just outside, with your hands in your lap, and wait.

If he snubs you at first, repeat the process of laying down the food on the cage door. If he still refuses to acknowledge the gift, go right ahead and take the food away from the cage and leave. You have to condition him into learning that the food will not just be given to him.

After a while he will get the drill. So now you can get to know him a little more. You can get physically nearer to him this time.

After a while, he’s going to be timid, but take the treat from your hand. If you give it enough time and patience, he’s going to even welcome taking the treat from you, and won’t be afraid to run and jump in excitement when he sees you coming.

Exception

Although bribing works most of the time, do not use this method when you want to pick him up and play with your pig.

He will not like this and even distrust you. To create a genuine bond, stoke his hair and play with him often.

The Actual Holding

Be careful when you pick up your guinea pig! Because of the shape of their body, you can damage their lungs if you grasp them too hard.

Gently cup the torso of your guinea pig, and support the rear as you lift up. Don’t hold them too hard, and instead carry them gently, ensuring that you’re supporting their entire body well.

Avoid letting your young kids pick the guinea pigs up, especially when there is the risk that they can drop them. Guinea pigs are really delicate and are hurt easily.

Relaxing Your Pet

A guinea pig will not take to laying on your lap the way puppies do. But if you train them well, they may start to like it.

You should start hanging out with your guinea pig on top of your lap in a peaceful area of the house. Again, bring your bribes.

He will enjoy this and look forward to seeing you often.