new owner

[jebianco]

Hi I just bought the family Kate a brand new guinea and she is very scarred of us. what are some good ways to make her more family friendly. i bought a book but all the things i have tried she still seems to not want to play. she is about 2 weeks new to the fam. am i doing anything wrong?

[Foggycreek]

Most books about guinea pigs are wrong. It would be better to read the Care Guide at Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig , and the sticky's on this site.

Guinea pigs are by nature timid creatures. It takes time and frequent gentle handling to get them used to you. Also, guinea pigs aren't very interested in playing with you.

[Baccalla]

Find out what your piggies favorite fruit or veggie is and try to offer the treat from your hand. Be patient because it takes time for them to trust you.

[Cavymom]

I have found just recently that my girls like for me hum (o.k. so it's Braum's Lullaby) softly to them while holding them close and stroking their hair. You could try talking softly to her while you are picking her up, making sure that her behind is secure. I use the scoop method to pick mine up. I slide my hand under them from either the front or the back, and then place my other hand over their back to secure them for the "lift-off".

I talk to mine a lot. I tell them good-bye every morning and great them with a big "Hey, girly-girls" when I come through the door in the evening. I put my purse down and go straight for the fridge for their romaine. They're usually wheaking before I even get to the fridge. They have me well trained.

Be gentle and patient I suppose is my advice, and soon you too will be a properly trained piggy slave.

[Summer]

If you have young children, make sure that they know how to properly hold and touch your piggy. If a piggy gets frightend, it may be scared for a little bit. Also, Guinea pigs are much happier with another piggy to play with.

[zenkoji]

Definitely agree with the above... piggies like company, and consistent, gentle handling will get them used to you. Even my piggies run away when I want to pick them up, but with gentle cornering (always in the same spot of the condo), and gentle petting, they will sit still enough for me to pick them up.