Do Guinea Pigs Like to Be Held – The Social Side of Guinea Pigs

Do guinea pigs like to be held? If you want to pick up your furry pig, you must understand their social behaviour and boundaries.

Do guinea pigs like to be held? As a species, guinea pigs do not love being held.

Wild guinea pigs are prey animals, so they often become scared and uncomfortable around larger creatures and may not enjoy human interaction. However, some guinea pigs that bond with their owners and other humans may grow to love being held and pet. In most cases, it depends on their personality and relationship with the person trying to hold them.

If you’re a new guinea pig owner, take the time to bond with them on their terms, and you can pick them up and snuggle whenever you want!

When Is It Okay to Pick up a Guinea Pig?

Firstly, you must respect your pet guinea pig’s boundaries. If they are scared or uncomfortable while you hold them, this will only make them trust you less. Forcibly holding them will not help you bond and will worsen the relationship.

It’s okay to pick up your guinea pig when the conditions are perfect. Most importantly, your pet guinea pig needs to trust you. Until you establish that trust, avoid picking them up. Most vets recommend waiting at least a week after getting them to try any physical contact or holding with your new pet.

If your guinea pig trusts you, wait until they are completely calm. A guinea pig in a hyper mood or retreating from you does not want to be held, so don’t pick them up.

How Do I Know if My Guinea Pig Trusts Me?

If you’re unsure if your piggy trusts you, look for the following signs before handling your pet.

• It doesn’t hide when you approach the cage or feed it.
• It sniffs or licks your hand.
• It lets you pet them.
• It makes squeaky sounds when it sees you.
• It sleeps in your presence.

You can pick up your piggy and try to hold it and cuddle if they exhibit multiple or all of the trust signs above. Read their body language. If they constantly run away from you or seem on edge all the time, they’re not ready to be picked up.

How to Hold Your Guinea Pig Safely

Follow the steps below to hold your furry friend once you’ve bonded with them.

1. Observe your pig’s body language in their cage to ensure they are relaxed. Do not pick them up while they’re sleeping.
2. Maintain a calm manner throughout the interaction. Check your surroundings to ensure no loud noises or predatory animals (cats and dogs) are around.
3. Always use two hands; there are no exceptions to this. Scoop them gently from underneath, and do not squeeze them.
4. Once you have the pig securely, sit down.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, your pig may never be ready to be held, and that’s okay. A domesticated guinea pig can be easily frightened, so as pet owners, it is best to give them their space and not expect physical affection.

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