Hello everyone! Welcome back to our website! Today, I’m excited to share five top tips for picking up and handling your guinea pigs. These tips will help you become a better guinea pig handler. I know it can be tricky at first, especially with nervous little piggies who seem to escape at every turn. However, it’s really important for us as owners to learn how to pick up and handle our guinea pigs correctly. This is not just for cuddle time and bonding, but also for health checks, weighing, and nail trimming, among other things.
Some of these tips are simple hacks to make lifting your guinea pigs out of their enclosure easier. I also want to share advice on how to pick them up barehanded, as nature intended. These techniques may take a bit of practice and understanding of your guinea pig’s behavior, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to handle your piggies with ease!
Tip 1: Get into the Guinea Pig Mindset
First, it’s important to understand that guinea pigs are prey animals. Their natural instincts tell them that we are big, scary predators to be avoided. So, how does this affect our desire to pick them up and cuddle them? If we think like a guinea pig, we can anticipate what they might do when they feel scared. They will likely look for an escape route or a safe hiding place.
This means we need to be strategic when picking them up. Think about blocking off escape routes and access to hiding spots. The type of cage you have is important here. An open-top cage is best because it makes it easier for us to interact with our piggies. Remembering the prey mindset is crucial as we go through the techniques.
Tip 2: Use a Transporter
One effective method is to use a transporter, like a soft fabric tunnel or a snuggle sack with a single entrance. Place it in the cage and wait for your piggies to explore it. They may go inside, allowing you to scoop them up with the transporter. However, some clever piggies might catch on to this trick. If that happens, don’t be discouraged! It just means you have smart piggies. You can still encourage them to use the transporter by gently guiding them into it with your hands.
Tip 3: Picking Up Barehanded
Once you’re comfortable with the transporter, you can try picking up your guinea pigs barehanded. This is my preferred method. Start by introducing yourself to your piggy. Hold out your hand for them to sniff. Don’t worry if they run away at first! Next, assess the cage for escape routes and hiding places. Can you block any of them off before attempting to pick them up?
For example, if your guinea pig is near a hiding spot, you can lift the roof off and use it to block the entrance. If they are hiding in a tunnel, gently lift it to expose them while blocking other escape routes. If they are in the middle of the cage, try to encourage them to move to a spot that’s easier for you to pick them up from, like a cuddle cup.
Tip 4: Holding Your Guinea Pig Correctly
Once you have your piggy in a good position, always use both hands to pick them up. If you’re right-handed, place your right hand in front of them and your left hand behind. Encourage them to place their paws on your right hand so you can scoop them up securely.
When lifting them out of the cage, support their body horizontally. Use one hand to support their front and the other for their bottom. Hold them close to your body, as this will help them feel more secure, especially if you need to walk with them. Avoid trying to reposition them while standing; it’s best to sit down with them in your lap. A blanket can help them feel more comfortable.
When putting them back in the cage, always lower them gently and never headfirst. This can cause scared piggies to jump out and potentially hurt themselves. If you’re a parent, please supervise your children when they handle guinea pigs to ensure they are safe and secure.
Tip 5: Practice Makes Perfect
If all of this sounds a bit overwhelming, remember that practice is key! Here are some ways to improve your skills:
1. Interact with your guinea pigs regularly. Try to pick them up every day, especially when you’re learning these techniques.
2. Use the transporter method to get them out, spend some lap time with them, and practice holding them close to your body.
3. Set up some floor time to encourage them to come to you naturally. This can help them feel more comfortable being picked up.
Ultimately, guinea pigs are not afraid of being cuddled; they are just wary of being picked up. When they are out for floor time and lap time, they will learn to relax with you, and that’s when you can truly bond with them.
Thank you for visiting our website! I hope these tips help you become more confident in handling your guinea pigs. If you’d like more tips on taming and step-by-step techniques that I’ve successfully used with my guinea pigs, feel free to explore our other resources. Happy piggy parenting!
