Nervous little piggies...

[Paie]

A friend recently got 2 guinea pigs, they're both nearly 2 years old. Very nervous, seem to prefer children to adults. She's had them for a few months and they're still timid and jumpy, one will gingerly take leaves from your hand but only if you're really still.

Any tips on how to make these piggies happier?

Patience is key. If one will eat from her hand, however gingerly, she's obviously doing something right.

Maybe spend time with them in a room with lino flooring (kitchen, in my case). Let them have somewhere to hide, and put a pile of food on the floor, and then just sit. And ignore them. Maybe read a book. The food will help to entice them out of hiding, and if they see your friend doesn't react to them they'll become braver. But it will take time.

My wee ones are a year old, I've had them since they were 8 weeks old. One is still more likely to run away if I move, and it still surprises me she'll come out into the open knowing I'm there. I was shocked to see her out from under cover in her run this morning when I left for work. Usually she'll munch for a few seconds then run under her tunnel and hide.