How do you pick out a guinea pig?

When choosing a guinea pig for a pet, look for an animal that appears healthy, plump, and alert. The animal may initially be fearful or skittish but should, in a short time, respond positively to gentle stroking. Check over the animal carefully. The eyes should be bright and clean, not crusty or lusterless.

How should you pick up and carry a guinea pig?

Always use two hands to pick up a guinea pig. Always make sure you have your guinea pig safely and securely in your hands before you lift him more than an inch or two off the ground. If your guinea pig's cage is on the ground, you may want to kneel or bend down to get a hold of him before you stand up.

What is a good guinea pig quality?

Guinea pigs have a lot of appealing qualities: They're small, gentle and personable, just to name a few. Like all companion animals though, they require special care and attention.

How do you calm down a scared guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are easily stressed and require a gentle touch. Let your Guinea pig sniff your hand for a bit and use a calm, quiet voice, so they don't get startled. Guinea pigs don't mind being picked up but use two hands and snug them close to your chest, so they feel secure.

How long does it take for a guinea pig to get used to you?

It can take a guinea pig anywhere from three days to as much as three weeks or more to get used to their new owner. What is this? While that can sound like a long time, try not to get too discouraged if your guinea pig takes that long or even longer before getting used to you.

How to Pick Up A Guinea Pig

What is the friendliest type of guinea pig?

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

The Abyssinian has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and affectionate breeds of guinea pig, although they may be too energetic and excitable for younger children.

Why you shouldn't get a guinea pig?

Because they are fragile. They are faddy eaters and need a constant supply of hay, vegetables, and vitamin C or their complex digestive systems will stop working. Two: they hate temperature change. Anything warmer than 80 degrees and they can boil to death; anything colder than five degrees and they will freeze.

Do guinea pigs need a wheel?

Never Use Exercise Balls and Wheels

Exercise balls and wheels are deadly for guinea pigs. These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs.

How many times a day should you hold your guinea pig?

Most guinea pigs love spending quality time with their owners, so handling them is enjoyable for all concerned. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, being hand-fed and petted become important parts of their lives. This means it's actually up to you how much you hold them - you can do so as often as you like.

Why do guinea pigs not like to be picked up?

Some guinea pigs, especially Abyssinians, dislike being held because it hurts them. The reason why it hurts them, is because their hair is curled into many different directions, and when you hold them, the hair is sometimes forced into wrong directions.

Do guinea pigs bite when you pick them up?

Guinea pigs are docile animals, and rarely bite without cause. They tend to 'mouth' their owners while being held, just to see if you're edible! These are not hard bites, though, and don't hurt. It's not aggression, just curiosity.

Are girl or boy guinea pigs nicer?

What makes the best pet – male or female guinea pigs? Male guinea pigs (boars) have a tendency to live a little longer than females (sows), especially if the females are having young. Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle.

Is it OK to have one guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are social animals that naturally live in groups. While it's best to have more than one guinea pig in your home at a time, this is not always possible. Make sure you know how to keep you guinea healthy, happy, and secure in his environment even without a cage mate.

Should I get 2 guinea pigs or 1?

Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair

It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with. Companionship is so vital to their well-being that Switzerland has made it illegal to keep only one.

Is 2 or 3 guinea pigs better?

The minimum size for a group of guinea pigs is two. However, there are good reasons why should consider acquiring three or more at the same time and keeping them together: Several guinea pigs will stimulate each other and encourage active behaviour.

How do you know if your guinea pig hates you?

Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?

Yes, as your cavy's nighttime antics would suggest, guinea pigs do like the dark. However, that doesn't mean they're nocturnal animals. In fact, guinea pigs are crepuscular, which means they're most active at twilight.

Where do guinea pigs like getting petted?

Most guinea pigs prefer a good scratch behind the ears or gentle petting on the back. Find the level of contact your pet is most comfortable with, and he will grow to enjoy his time out of the cage.

What music do guinea pigs like?

Yes, Guinea pigs have been found to enjoy certain types of music played at a soft volume. There have been many studies on the topic of what music is best for guinea pigs to listen to. Most people agree that classical music or soft jazz, in particular, might be good choices.