How to Raise a Friendly Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs can be very friendly little animals. They can also be nervous, shy and even aggressive. Much of how a guinea pig responds to people depends on how it has been and is treated. If you want to raise a friendly, confident guinea pig, treat the animal with affection and respect. Crucially, ensure that the small children in your family do not handle it roughly. Guinea pigs are also very open to bribery, and food treats can instantly get you on their good side.
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Instructions
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Allow your new guinea pigs several days to settle into their new home. You should always keep guinea pigs in same-sex pairs or small groups. No matter how friendly a guinea pig becomes, it still needs a companion of the same species. Provide a separate nest box for each guinea pig. Position the cage in a quiet location, not a busy family room.
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Talk quietly to the guinea pigs each time you approach the cage to feed them or change the water. This helps accustom them to your presence.
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Start offering particularly desirable foods, such as dandelion leaves or slices of apple by hand after a few days. Let the guinea pig approach you to get the treat and don't make any sudden movements. Don't, at this point, try to touch or pet the guinea pig.
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Stroke the guinea pig gently after it is used to approaching you for treats. Withdraw your hand if it seems nervous and go back to simply offering foods until it becomes more confident. Patience is important with guinea pigs. They are prey animals and initially they may view you as a potential predator.
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Pet the guinea pig daily once it seems comfortable with petting. Stroke it both when offering food and when you are just checking the cage. At this point you can start letting the guinea pigs out in a secure, guinea pig-proof room.
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Sit on the floor when the guinea pigs are out, which brings you closer to guinea pig eye level so you appear to be less of a threat. Let the guinea pigs approach you as they choose.
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Pick each guinea pig up carefully once it is confident around you. Support the body and don't squeeze. Let it sit on your lap while you sit on the floor and allow the animal to wander off if it wants to.
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Handle your guinea pigs regularly as they are growing up. Well handled guinea pigs tend to be friendly around people. Show any children in your household how to hold and pet guinea pigs properly. Small children often don't realize how delicate and nervous small pets can be.
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