Building Trust

[Mary16866]

If you would give your guinea pig fruits like apple slices by hand would it begin to trust you more? i just wondered im going to be getting a guinea pig here in a few weeks and i want to know how to make it less afraid of me.

[tehdoc809]

Yes, although a very good start is to put him somewhere where you are most of the time, so he get use to the movements. But, other than feeding/fresh water, I would leave him alone for like the first twoish days so he gets use to where he is before you start getting him use to you. Hand feeding also helps, but I wouldn't use fruit. I would use something you can give them a lot of like lettuce or cilantro. Apple slices are too high in sugar

[Mary16866]

I will make sure to remember that! Are there any other tips anyone has for getting your guinea pig more comfortable with you handling it? I would appreciate any advice i can get! I am new at all of this and want to make sure I'm prepared! I don't know if this belongs here and i apologize if it doesn't, but are all guinea pigs a certain breed, or is there such a thing as mixed breeds?

[jenniwat001]

You do get different types, such as abbys and americans but they all guinea pigs. Breed would only matter if you wanted to show or breed your pig (which this forum doesn't agree with). I'm glad you are doing research before getting your pig...it shows you care! My newish pig Scrabble took a while to get used to us, and she still wont let you stroke her whilst she is in her cage but once you've caught her she will sit on you and eat off you. Don't be disheartened if your new piggy wont eat what you offer them at first, for a while they might just sit on you and shake, but keep going and they will soon learn that although you may look big and scary (to them) you are nice bringer of food!

Also don't know where you plan to get your new piggy friend from but please look into adopting from a rescue or shelter if you haven't already.

And lastly, a piggy that has a another piggy friend are often more relaxed and trusting. (and happier).

Good luck.

[ZiggyMama]

I have had Mojo for six months it has been a tough road. I noticed yesterday twice that he didn't run when I came near the cage (which is HUGE!). When I give him lap time I hand feed him. I think when he sees Ziggy so trusting with me it helps as well.

[Mary16866]

Thanks for the information it helps! If anyone has any more advice for a new piggy owner I'm all ears!

[tehdoc809]

Well, it always starts as a bumpy road because cavies are such timid little critters. Becuase you're going to have some successes mixed in with some "assumed" fails. Like, hand feeding is a good way to build trust, however the first few times you clip their nails could set you back a few steps. I know my Sows still don't like me for the next day or so after I clip their nails. And as it will take a very, very long time for them to get use to you, or someone else, walking up to the cage because of the face that you tower over them. Their natrual instinct in that situation is to run and hide. It all takes a good amount of time and patients.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Are you adopting? Rescued guinea pigs tend to be adapted more to people and tamer since they are handled in foster homes: Pet adoption: Want a dog or cat? Adopt a pet on Petfinder Adopt a pair.

[Mary16866]

Yes, I am adopting but I've already found who I am getting them from and they aren't very used to people! The people I am getting them from never really handled them. They took good care of them but didn't pick them up or anything.

[kiwwi]

Guinea's need time to learn to trust. Certainly providing them with treats help (they love food) try using new foods; like a cherry tomato as a treat. They need time, but they come around eventually, and when they do, it's worth it.

[PokeyPig]

I've read that all piggies have different personalities but the more attention you give them the more they will get to know you. Pokey was a bit skittish at first, but now he even cries for me if I leave the room! I no longer need my alarm clock because he wakes me up wheeking every morning at the same time. "Mommy I want food please!" Sometimes I tell him, "Come on give me 5 more minutes," but he insists so I usually give him what he wants because he is so cute.