How to Treat Your Guinea Pigs 

When you first get your guinea pigs, leave them alone in their cage (aside from checking up on them for their safety or, of course, you can watch them from afar). Let them get used to their new surroundings before you interact with them. Their new home is scary enough until they get used to it, so it is best not to add the stress of a new person too. Then start by feeding your guinea pigs food out of your hand, and then eventually try to pet them. Do not reach directly above them because it will feel like you are a bird, a predator of guinea pigs'. Lots of guinea pigs prefer to be pet on the head, so maybe start there. 

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If your want to pick your guinea pigs up, try to lower yourself closer to the ground (like sitting by the enclosure) so you do not seem as big and scary to your guinea pigs. Pet them first so they are okay with your hand near them. TO pet them, move slowly so you do not scare them. If your guinea pig is comfortable enough with you, you can put a hand under its chest and lift it up. Place it on your chest so it is somewhere stable and keep a hold on your guinea pig to make sure they do not run off unless you are sitting in the enclosure. If your guinea pig climbs up to your shoulder, that may mean that they have to pee and you should let them back in their enclosure. 

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Do not give your guinea pigs a wheel or exersize ball - wheels will hurt their backs and they will not fit in an exersize ball - and exersize balls are unsafe anyway. Don't use anything dusty or sandy in their cage/near them as it can harm their lungs. 

 

Typical Guinea Pig Behaviors 

• Wheeking/squealing: long, high-pitched noises usually made when excited. 

• Chutting: may sound similar to a hen's clucking, the guinea pig is content. 

• Cooing: your guinea pig is being affectionate. 

• Purring: a low pur is happy, a high-pitched pur is angry. If your guinea pig is making short purs and is not moving, they are likely afraid. 

 

Non-typical Behaviors 

• Teeth chattering: this means your guinea pig may be unhappy or agitated, and wants to be left alone. 

• Shreiking: your guinea pig is likely in pain or really scared.