Flippin' heck. We've just got back with 2 8 week old guinea pigs. Any tips?

[earlgrey]

I'm terrified and seen the speed at which they move!

That's why I don't have pets!

Ah how sweet. They do tend to be quite fast when they are nervous but once they get used to you they will get more laid back. It doesn't usually take long, they are easily bought with a few dandelions .

Today is supposed to be the day in which they're settled enough to be stroked. I've already decided to get dds to sit on the trampoline (which has net all around it) in the hope that if they do make an escape bid they'll at least be enclosed.

But can anyone with GPs help me work out how to get them from the hutch to the trampoline without them jumping out of my hands? They seemed very slippery customers when we stroked them at the pet shop. TIA

Just very very gently approach them...stroke the tops of their heads and just say 'sssshhh' to them - if you chase them around their hutches they will get really stressed out and it'll get worse - I've had many baby guinea pigs and they are lively creatures but with plenty of handling - and I mean going out to them on a regular basis and lifting them out and cuddling them they will get used to it.

Have you got a cat basket or something you could put them in to bring them indoors - its always a good idea to get them used to seeing you, hearing you and generally being around noise and much easier for you to keep picking them up etc rather than traipsing outside all the time!

Feed them as much as you can by hand too - offer them some celery, strips of cucumber or anything that you can hold in your hand and let them nibble at the ends of it - that way they'll be used to the sight and smell of hands.

You've got to remember they've come from their Mum at a very early age and aren't use to so much human handling....but I can assure you they will get used to being handled - it just takes time.

Don't get nervous in front of them - they will pick up on that too! They are such adorable creatures - I've had them for years and will always have them as pets...and great for kids too!

Good luck.

Oh and to get them from the hutch to the trampoline? Use the box they came home in or a basket etc. Remember they do nibble so watch your trampoline net etc!!

Oh and they grow VERY fast so it won't be long before they become even easier to handle and more to hold on to!!!

Yes, I was going to say for you to watch out for the trampoline net. When my dog was a pup she chewed so much of ds' football goal net that it had to be binned. It was supposed to be a barrier!