subject: 3 Important Tips For Handling Guinea Pigs [print this page] 3 Important Tips For Handling Guinea Pigs
Cavies are brilliant pets for a number of reasons, one of which is the fact that they really enjoy being petted and handled. This makes them hugely rewarding, enjoyable pets to own.
These 3 tips will give you the knowledge needed to hold your cavies in a secure but fun way:
1. Keep Them Safe
As with most animals, cavies sometimes try to escape your arms to run off and explore something else. This is normal, and means that most probably at some point you will drop your cavy. This has the potential to seriously hurt your pet.
To help you reduce the risk of you dropping your guinea pig, you should never carry it in such a way that it might fall a long way and injur itself. Always hold it low down close to a table, the floor, or your lap, so that if it does decide to leap, it won't fall very far.
2. Help Children Handle Them Safely
Young children love these fluffy animals, and it's easy to see why - they're extremely affectionate and really love to be stroked and played with. But they can be awkward to hold because of their size, especially for young children.
If your kids own guinea pigs but aren't old enough to handle them easily, it is a good idea if you handle the pet for them, and allow them to stroke it. This allows your kids to enjoy time with their cavies until they are big enough to handle them on their own.
3. Don't Keep Them Out For Too Long
Unlike many pets, who are always on the go, cavies are happy to simply sit around being pampered. However, after a while they will want to go back into their cage, maybe to have a sleep, fill up on some food, or take a trip to the toilet!
You may notice that your guinea pig's attitude changes from calm and quiet to slightly agitated. For example, they might attempt to escape your grip or jump onto the floor. When they reach this stage it is essential to put them back in their cage.
