Guinea pig query

[IslaMann]

Can anyone advise please? We have 2 girl piggies, bought for DSD for Xmas. I keep reading how they're friendly, and squeal when being fed. But ours don't. They run and hide when we approach, and we have to chase them around the hutch when we try to pick them up. I am inclined to persevere with handling them so they get used to it, but equally don't want to stress them. They just don't seem to be the friendly pets that I have read about ...

Hi Isla. I've had 5 guinea pigs - 2 girls and 3 boys. The boys have been a lot bolder and willing to be handled. I've found if you persevere with regular handling they become calmer. We usually sit them on a towel on our laps with a few choice bits of veggie to eat while stroking. They should pur and 'chat' to you if you do this.

How old are your GPs? - still babies?
I've had GPs from Pet Shops (years ago) ones that were born in our house ,so handled from babies and our currant 2 rescue 1 year olds.

I think really they have to be handled. If they know they'll get a cuddle and food, then their natural greed with overcome everything else.

Maybe give them a smallish carboard box that you can open from the top. They would probably run into it and you can lift the box (put your hand over the opening )

If you handle them regularly you can get to know their bodies and check for lumps, bites, scratches.

I've had GPs that weren't that friendly TBH but would tolerate a cuddle under sufferance.

Our GP1 squeals when he's lifted (he did the day we met him) and GP2 runs round the cage like an extra from a Benny Hill sketch.

Perservere, calm, quiet handling (once you've caught them ) and they'll settle.

And when you do lift them onto you, have a jumper or soft towel.They can't grip on skin and it makes them insecure.

Thank you all for your help. I'll keep on with the handling