Hello, Gilbert, and welcome to the forum! You can find a wealth of information on these forums. Chances are if you have a question, it's already been asked before. I've spent hours using the search function and going through various threads on specific topics here. I've learned so much thanks to this site. Some things I already knew, others I didn't know (like lining a cage with fleece. Whooda thunk it?)
I think a lot of people go to handle a Guinea Pig and if they've ever owned a hamster they have this terrible flashback to getting sharp teeth in the fingers. Way back in the day when I was a wee little one, my parents bought me a male Teddy Bear hamster from Woolworth's. He bit me once when I tried to pet him and it made me very reluctant to handle small animals for many years.
You may be comforted by the fact that guinea pigs are typically not biters. They nip occasionally if you're holding them in a manner that is uncomfortable for them or makes them feel unsafe or if you hold them an extended period of time and they need to use the bathroom.
This advice may seem redundant, but don't be afraid. I know that's easier said than done. My mother says every time she goes to touch my Abby she envisions the evil rabbit from "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" - sailing through the air bearing her teeth. Most guinea pigs will run from you. Some, when provoked and chased around their cage, may even chatter their teeth at you. That's the cue to back away. So long as they aren't chattering their teeth at you, they most likely will not bite if you go to handle them.
It's a real rarity for a guinea pig to actually approach the side of the cage for you to pick them up. Most have to be followed around by your hands until you can safely scoop them up. Abby lets me know when she wants to be petted. Since she's very pregnant right now, I cannot pick her up, but I do pet her frequently. If she's in the mood for it, she'll sit there and let me pet her head, behind her ears and stroke her chin. If she's not, she retreats to her Pigloo.
A good way to get your guinea pigs to be familiar with hand equals good and not harm is to just spend a few minutes with your hand in their cage. Just keep it in one spot. If they get curious, let them sniff. If they nip, don't panic. That's not a bite. They are exploring their surroundings. It may be a good idea if you've just handled food to wash your hands before doing this, as they may smell something tasty on your fingers and think it's a treat.
Just try and remain calm. They will almost always jump and run away at first. Don't let this startle you, as it will startle them. They need to know that your hand is not a threat. The hand provides food and loving pets. Eventually they will warm up. Like I said, guinea pigs are not vicious attack animals. If they were going to go out of their way to attack hands they would have done it to your girlfriend by now.
Good luck and enjoy the forums!
