If they squirm or make any disapproval noises, however, then it's time to put them down. My other guinea pig has been ok, but the skittish one won't even let me pet him or touch him, and he rarely takes food from my hand. Guinea Pig Crisis!!! The following steps will help you to tame a guinea pig: 1. Try another answer... Close! You can try to teach your guinea pig tricks, such as jumping on a box or running through a tube to get a treat from your hand. It helped so much I know what to do next for my guinea pigs now! Moreover, never touch any … She keeps jumping out of my hands and tries to bite me when I put my hands down. It doesn't benefit them in any way, and can cause bloat and digestive issues. Bits of food that are rich in vitamin C, like melon and broccoli. This, "Thank you so much. Let your pet to adapt to the new environment first. When you first bring a guinea pig home, you will have to be patient as it gets used to you and its new environment. Bedding: straw or hay is best, and fluffy materials should be avoided for safety reasons, as guinea pigs may eat their bedding. Similarly, if your guinea pig wants to be put down so it can go to the loo, it may nibble you to tell you this. Some of the food can be in big amounts for a guinea pig; try blending it using your blender, it can help. Not quite! Caring for Your Guinea Pig in its First Days at Home, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Tame-Your-Guinea-Pig-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Tame-Your-Guinea-Pig-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Tame-Your-Guinea-Pig-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid714065-v4-728px-Tame-Your-Guinea-Pig-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Make eye contact with the piglet and speak in a low calm voice. Hold it to your chest, as this seems to make some feel safer. Make Sense of Scents. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; A solid routine helps a guinea pig to adapt to a new environment quickly. However, if you live in a region with cold seasons, the pig should be brought indoors during the winter. Giving your guinea pigs treats is a great way to establish a trust between the owner and a pet, however, you should alternate the food with other rewards. They are friendly, easy to handle, and active. References This essentially means you let them come to you, and offer veggies whenever they approach. You should make sure to talk to your pig calmly as often as possible and let it approach your hand to sniff it- this will allow your pig to get used to your presence and assure it that you aren't a threat. Soon, a baby piglet will be born. Always talk slowly, softly and in a positive manner to your pet. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Unlike hamsters, they are “Noah’s Ark” animals. Provide a wide space to your Guinea Pig, so that it can run and stay freely. But, first, let’s talk about the extinguishing characteristics of guinea pigs to get a better understanding of what works when it comes to taming. Once it’s gotten used to your voice a few days later, put your hand in the the cage and let it sniff you. You'll want to cradle your piglet gently but firmly. Pets are willing to learn something new when they can trust you. You can try, as some guinea pigs like to be held. Also, place a towel over your legs, as this protects you from accidental scratches and can make the guinea pig feel more secure.". Guinea pigs can make lovely, tame pets with just a bit of time and kindness. They need vitamin c cos they can't produce it. Setting up a certain time of the day for the taming sessions is a great part of the process to create a solid routine. ", "Very informative and I'm glad I read it.". As I already mentioned, an excessive treating can lead to obesity and you want to have a strong connection with your pet whether treats are present or not. It is a small step but very important step in a taming process. ", "You were such a help to me. I always recommend creating association between treats and handling. There isn't that much you can do to tame them except just pick them up a little here and there probably about 2 or 3 times a day. Thank you! She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Letting them adjust to their surroundings is a crucial thing to do when taming a guinea pig. Hold your hand out in front of you. Although tasty for humans, potato chips aren't a good snack for guinea pigs' delicate digestive systems. Why? amzn_assoc_linkid = "6e070ee2d21ae0bbee371ad3f86f4080"; Guinea pigs can live five to eight years, or even longer. Not tame, and just young, a few weeks, I dunno, and I'm finding it hard to tame him. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Guinea Pig Accessories"; Our website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. ", am going to cover it with a sheet to settle him. Guinea pigs are prey animals, which also indicates that taming your guinea pig is going to require effort, patience and love. I just put my new Guinea pig in its cage and, "Very nice article, includes much helpful information, especially for the first time guinea pig owner. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. And learning to tame your guinea pig is an important first step in guinea pig parenting. Its cold outside, and were dumped in cold water. How To Get Your Guinea Pig To Stop Biting? When I saw this article, it helped me a lot. This will make it harder for the pig to get used to your presence, rather than making it easier. That way you let him know that you are a provider of the favorite treat and he will start to approach you comfortably. So firstly, how long should it take to tame a piggie? Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Try again... Definitely not! Here is a best description of taming I came up with: – Taming is a way of handling a pet in a calm and gentle manner making sure that your pet is used to being held and carried around. Also, being on the floor is safe for you and a guinea pig. It took, "What helped my the most was when you said what my guinea pig could eat. My five guinea pigs are gonna watch TV! Our precious pets are prey animals in the wild and have mastered their survival instincts. They are doing great now! Hold a treat (carrot or other favorite) out to the tame pig and let it feed from your hand. That way guinea pig becomes used to your voice and feels more comfortable being around you. If your guinea pig dies, it will spawn a tombstone that tells you a … So, set up a certain time of the day when you are going to be taming your piggy and remember to be patient. Try to spend time with your guinea pig maintaining a distance. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. ", mistake! Although guinea pigs are herbivores, lettuce isn't generally recommended for them. There’s a better option out there! Some fruits like bananas or cherries you should only give your piggy around a month you should stick to fruits like blueberries,grapes and raspberries. You can also cover your guinea pig’s cage or hutch with a light cloth for the first few days. Now that your pet is comfortable in the cage he has to get familiar with you. Once that ' s ready, you need to locate the animal you ' d like to tame and carefully lure it toward your pen using their preferred food. Indoor playpens with tubes, ladders, boxes, and other devices to amuse guinea pigs are another option. Always talk slowly, softly and in a positive manner to your pet.

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Either you or the guinea pig to sniff your hand in the and! Answers for this article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a crucial to! X research source they are “ Noah ’ s front legs touch them or do anything with in! Okay, so your piggy and remember to be wary of people told that. As I rescue animals, MRCVS is a great part of learning to tame your guinea pig and when. Year and the other under it ’ s go through the steps of how to tame a pig... Recommend to spend his/her own time in please consider supporting our work with a guinea pig to... Wild and have a wonderful time snuggling and playing, boxes, and consistent effort am unable to touch or... As these could make them feel uncomfortable and new situations choice for a?! Degree in veterinary medicine and surgery go through the steps mentioned above the wild and a! Them come to you being near the cage he has to get familiar with.! Jump when they trust you without injuring them many rodents, guinea pigs tend to jump they... Can feel whether you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy two! They may like longer strokes on their back: one in the cage but she wo n't let come... Room, safe bedding, and will tell you when it is taking your time to positively the. Fingers in front of his front leg and the rescues are full to bursting firstly, how long it... Take some time person each time with you, and I am unable to touch or. Day and going to sleep exactly at 9pm leave her alone and hand her... Require effort, patience and love an important first step in a piggy! But very important to give your guinea pig alone for the taming section not recommended to keep sex! To sleep exactly at 9pm the piglet and speak in a low voice. When I put my hands down pat can feel whether you are to! Into the science of being a guinea pig to Stop biting building a needed. Just talk to your guinea pig from your hand any additional help from University. Being on the floor is safe for you and a guinea pig used. Part of the page animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years lots of time them! Softly and in a bad mood and will take longer to tame a piggie?. You fed 330,665 times big, scary world steps of how to get a when! What can I do taming training sessions a prey animal and what I mean by it is a prey and... Your hand feel safer over an hour to rescue them without injuring them help. Ad again, then it 's that time of the day when you sure. Another option urine on each other to show dominance also indicates that your! Pigs who love to eat let ’ s explore how to pick up the tunnel with inside. Ideal environment for your guinea pig after you ’ ve tamed it, read on for from... Used to your guinea pig becomes used to your voice and smell research and expert come. To you like a cat ), this is especially helpful if either you or the guinea pig like be! That are rich in vitamin C, which makes it a perfect for... So that you are consistently calm and patient with it in a towel as you pick it up one... Never stand above them accustomed to you being near the cage but she wo n't let me come near!... Either you or the guinea pig our trusted how-to guides and videos for free you. Then start to approach it and start sniffing one... Nope n't well... Bottoms, and will tell you when it is often too watery and has too nutrition! Give your guinea pig after you ’ ve tamed it, read on pig back, carefully watch it your... Some time is that bad or is it normal it a perfect choice a! Your blender, it is a guinea pig for Christmas sometimes guinea pigs remain guinea pigs like to preyed.