New to Piggies, A few general behaviour questions

Hi! 3 days ago we got 2 male longhaired guinea pigs. They are adorable and we love them allready. As I was new to GP's I looked online for care information and the like and am currently building a C&C cage for them. The poor guys have a commercial cage that is only about 5 sq ft!

They are approximately 2 years old and we got them from someone who was getting married to someone who is allergic. She apparently got them from our local animal shelter.

They seem a bit skittish. I talk to them and they do not automatically run and hide but I have not yet attempted to pick them up. I know they need baths, brushing, bum cleaning and claws clipped etc and I have no problem with that but I am worried they will never let me pick them up to properly care for them.

Is this normal or are they just nervous about their new home?

I am finishing the new cage on Friday when I go get the coroplast and a bunch of fun things for them at the petstore. The cage was fully cleaned on Monday by the previous owner and I will need to relocate them to thier new home if finished on friday or at least do a full cleaning of the one they have. What can I do to make it easier on them. I will fell bad if I have to chase them around the cage to try and get them out.

Also...is it possible to try and litter train them now when they are about 2 years old? I would like to try to keep the cage cleaner of all the droppings. I think it would make their life nicer and mine a bit easier.


Thanks for any advice!

Anne & the piggies Spike & Chip