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Since your
guinea pig is not a predator and
is known as a prey animal they
will seem skittish upon arrival.
Imagine being taken away from
your friends or family and
introduced to a new home with
new sights, smells, and sounds.
Guinea pigs are social animals
which are sweet and gentle; over
time your new family member will
learn to trust and enjoy
interactions with you.
Gentle Handling
 The
following tips will help your
guinea pig become a happy, well-adjusted member of your
family. As with any new Pet,
patience and persistence will
soon pay off!
1. Give
your guinea pig a chance to
settle in for a day or two. Let
them take in their new
environment without interference
from you or other family
members. This may be hardest for
families with children but it is
very important that we give our
new Pet an opportunity to feel
safe and secure in new
surroundings. Your guinea pig
needs to get used to a new cage,
new bedding, food dishes,
sleeping areas, and even
different lighting. Give them
a little time to feel secure
before you begin positive
interactions. Your Pet will
thank you for it!
2. Move
slowly around your new family
member - avoid fast or jerky
movements. A startled guinea pig
will be a frightened guinea pig
and the fewer times your guinea
pig is scared will help ensure
your guinea pig quickly learns
to trust you.
 3. Talk to
your new Pet often in a soft,
gentle voice. A soothing voice
will help calm your new Pet down
and will help them to acclimate
to the sounds of having people
around.
4. Your
guinea pig will flee when you
initially move your hand toward
them. Offer a treat then
gently scoop your guinea pig up
under the stomach while
supporting the back end.
5. Handling
your guinea pig should be kept
to short, frequent intervals.
The goal is to make each outing
a positive experience so only
keep your guinea pig out long
enough for them to enjoy their
time with you before putting
them back. 5-10 minutes is
plenty of time to be out with
you and doing this a few times a
day is much less stressful than
a 60 minute session once per
day.
 6. Offer
your new Pet healthy treats.
There are many commercial treats
available from all major Pet
stores and you should offer
fresh fruits or vegetables
daily. Offering these "treats"
to your Pet during interaction
will help create a strong bond
and trust between you and your
guinea pig.
Always
remember the goal during any
interaction is simply to end on
a happy note. Don't wait until
your new Pet is ready to go
back; end your time together
before this happens. Positive
interactions, patience, and
persistence will help you and
your new Pet become the best of
friends!
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Helping All Pets become Happy, Lifetime Learners.