Guinea pigs make great pets. They’re adorable, not prone to biting or scratching, and usually enjoy cuddles once you’ve gained their trust. Of course, that’s the trick, isn’t it?
Because they’re prey animals, the first step in taming your guinea pig is to have realistic expectations about what it means. Guinea pigs are hardwired by nature to be afraid of the unfamiliar and to run away from anything that could be a threat…which is pretty much everything, including you.
Taming your guinea pig is totally possible, but it takes time, patience, and consistent effort. Read on for tips and tricks on how to tame your guinea pig so that you have a sweet and wonderful companion!
Make Sense of Scents
Like many rodents, guinea pigs rely heavily on scent to identify others. Unless they’re extremely well-socialized, they’re likely to be frightened of people whose scent they can’t identify. One of the easiest ways to get your guinea pig used to your scent is to wear a t-shirt for a day, then place it in their cage. (Make sure it’s a shirt you don’t care too much about! You can also tuck a rag or other piece of cloth into your top and use that instead.) Do this daily for a few days to refresh the scent and help your guinea pig identify your scent as normal and harmless.
You Talkin’ to Me?
Guinea pigs learn to differentiate people by their voices as well as their scent. Talk to your guinea pig as much as possible so they can learn to recognize you by sound. Because guinea pigs are easily startled, it’s best to use a soft, steady voice when speaking to them, and avoid sudden movements.
I Love You, But I Need Some Space
It’s going to be hard to tame your guinea pig if they’re kept apart from the family and only receive occasional visits. If possible, keep their cage in a high-traffic area like the living room (but away from the TV, as loud noises can scare them and hurt their ears.) Your guinea pig will become more tame as he gets used to the daily sights, sounds, and smells of the household. Keep in mind that it’s also important to provide him with hiding places so he has a safe place to take a break if he feels overwhelmed.
Finger Food
Guinea pigs are very food-oriented, which provides a great taming tool. While guinea pigs should have access to hay and water at all times, you can try handfeeding them their pellets and veggies so they learn to associate you with yummy things. Guinea who are used to being handfed often come running up to the bars of their cage when they hear their human coming. Is it snack time?
If You Give a Guinea Pig a Cookie
In addition to pellets and veggies, you can offer your guinea pig occasional treats in the form of biscuits from the store or fresh fruit. (Avoid yogurt drops, as these are very high in sugar.) While treats should be limited, they’re a great way to reward your piggy when she comes up to you of her own accord, lets you pick her up, settles down for lap time, or goes through the ordeal of having her nails trimmed.
Make Time for Lap Time
Most guinea pigs enjoy a good cuddle with their human. Use a towel or snuggle sack to make sure your piggy is comfortable during lap time. Use lap time as bonding time by petting your guinea pig, talking to him, and maybe even sharing a treat.
Drop and Give Me Floor Time
It’s important for your guinea pig to have time out of her cage to play, explore, and exercise. Set up a safe space with toys and hiding places for your piggy’s daily floor time. Since she’s in exploring mode and there’s lots of space, now is the perfect time to sit or lay down next to her and allow her to come over and check you out.
It Takes Two to Rumblestrut
Guinea pigs are social animals. A nervous guinea pig sometimes becomes more confident when they have the companionship of another piggy. In fact, most guinea pigs are happier when they’re part of a pair or group, so adding another piggy friend can really help your pet’s personality to blossom. If your circumstances permit it, consider contacting your local shelter to see if they can provide some guinea pig speed dating with potential companions.
Hold On!
Although you probably have to be the bully who trims your piggy’s nails, you want the overwhelming majority of your guinea pig’s interactions with you to be positive. One of the main ways most people want to interact with their guinea pig is by picking them up and holding them. That’s fine, just be aware that being held isn’t every piggy’s cup of tea—and being picked up is high on their list of least favorite things. For this reason (and safety reasons) it’s important that you know how to handle your guinea pig properly.
- Proper Pick Up: Pick up a guinea pig by scooping one or both hands under their belly and then lifting them up calmly and confidently. One hand should support their hind legs, so if you’ve used both hands to scoop them, tuck one hand under their back end as quickly as possible. It’s natural for guinea pigs (even tame ones) to run away when you try to pick them up. Try distracting them with a piece of lettuce or lure them into a snuggle sack to make picking them up less stressful on everyone.
- Safe Hold: When you hold a guinea pig, their entire body should be well supported. You can accomplish this by holding them against your chest or with both arms underneath them. Many guinea pigs are more comfortable on a towel or in a snuggle sack when being cuddled (plus it prevents you from having to change your clothes if there are…accidents).
It takes some work to tame a guinea pig, but once you’ve established a good relationship you will have a fun, personable little companion (or two) who will brighten your days and provide endless entertainment. If you have what it takes to keep your guinea pig happy, there are plenty of sweet animals out there who are ready to settle into their forever home with you.
