What can you do for your guinea pig to let you pick it up and not be so scared?

Answer

Many guinea pigs will always be somewhat afraid of being picked up or chased around the cage. After all, they're prey animals, and in the wild, panicking and running away could save their lives.

The best way to endear your guinea pig to you is outright bribery. Hold his favorite vegetables on your hand in his cage. He'll be timid, but will probably come investigate eventually. If he doesn't, just put his veggies in the normal place and try again the next day. Eventually, he should eat out of your hand.

Bribery during lap time also helps. When you hold him on your lap and pet him (gently and appropriately, without squeezing him or rubbing his hair backwards), give him tasty vegetables out of the hand you're not petting with. If he comes to associate being held and petted with delicious veggies, he won't be so scared of you.

Be patient, and remember that he still might get scared at any time. A sudden movement or a loud noise might cause him to panic. Even if he begs for attention and loves to be petted, the sight of your hand might still trigger the fight-or-flight response. Patience, love, a soothing voice, and tons of veggies should help to socialize your pig.

Also, be sure that his cage is as unstressful as possible. A large cage with plenty of hiding places, and a same-sex friend, will help your pig relax in your home. He'll be happier overall, and more inclined to explore and adventure out of his cage (with your help and supervision, of course).

Finally, some pigs never do get over their fear of people. If you bribe your pig and handle him gently for months and he still seems to hate it and be terrified, he may just be a scaredy-pig and/or unwilling to have contact with humans. You should still handle him to check on his health and whenever necessary, though.

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