Handling



Handling a guinea pig involves getting the animal used to human attention and the sensation of being stroked. Guinea pigs rarely bite but they do tend to be timid. Younger children should be supervised when handling guinea pigs as they may have trouble lifting them out of the cage or hutch or could unintentionally squeeze or drop the guinea pig.

For a guinea pig to get used to its owner, the easiest way is to feed it by hand. Within a short amount of time, depending on the guinea pig, it will start to feel comfortable with this and let the owner stroke it.

Once it is happy that there is nothing to fear, and accepts being stroked, the owner may decide to pick up the guinea pig. This is done by sliding one hand under the chest towards the stomach and placing the other hand over the back or rump of the guinea pig in order to fully support its body as it is lifted. It is best if the guinea pig is held against the chest, and is not held high off the ground.