Guinea pig is a very sociable, pleasant and funny animal. However, she hardly gets used to people, so at first you will have a hard time. Her domestication can take quite a long time. To make her feel like a member of your family, some effort will be required from you.
How to tame a guinea pig?
These animals are very shy and very cautious in relation to new people, especially females. Males, as a rule, are a little bolder and make contact with a person faster.
Where to put a cage for a new pet?
In the process of taming a guinea pig, where her future home will stand is of great importance. You must choose a place so that the animal can remain in optical contact with you for most of the day. Thanks to this, the pig will gradually get used to your presence, as well as to members of your family. The animal must necessarily feel safe, therefore, the place in which the cage will stand must fully ensure this condition - this contributes to a more rapid domestication of the pet.
How to understand that the animal is not shy?
Guinea pigs are herd animals, so a pet that has clogged into the corner of a common cage and is not in contact with others is probably sick or very timid. Better choose a fun pig that plays with relatives. Pay attention that she does not limp, has clean hair and that she does not have too long teeth.
The importance of the nature of the animal
It must be remembered that it is necessary to be guided by the appearance of the animal and its character. This is of great importance, because if you buy a too shy pig, then the taming will be more difficult and will last much longer. Age also matters: it is better to acquire a young individual, as old animals may already have very firmly rooted fear and unwillingness to accept people due to their long stay in the store or at the breeder.
So, you bought a new pet in the store and are now thinking about how to tame a guinea pig as quickly as possible?
The first days in the new house
When you return home with the newly acquired animal, the cage should already be prepared. Now put the pet in it and let it get used to the environment. Leave him there for several hours so that he settles in a new cage.
The first rule of taming
Initially, the guinea pig will be incredulous and nervous - every sharp gesture, a very loud sound will greatly frighten her. Therefore, being in the room in which the animal lives, you must be calm and observe an average noise level.
How to tame a guinea pig?
In the early days of the new house, do not allow stressful situations for the animal and do not remove it from the cage unnecessarily. During the first three days, let the rodent acclimatize. To tame a guinea pig in the hands of a person, you need to be patient. This process can even take several months - it all depends on the nature of a particular animal. Some are more trusting and open, others less. It will be much easier for you to tame a curious pig than one that prefers to spend time in the corner of its cage or house.
Domestication of a new pet step by step
The first procedure on your part should be sitting silently near the animal’s home and observing it. Remember that fast and sharp movements will make the guinea pig scared and run away to its house, in which it feels safer. Noises also do not favor domestication, so it’s better to turn off the TV or computer. Let nothing around you or her. Sitting next to you, you can start talking with the animal in a calm voice, because this is the first step in understanding how to tame a guinea pig to its owner. So she will quickly get used to you and after a while will know that nothing threatens her from your side. If the animal is no longer hiding in the house at the sight of you, then it's time to move on.
Next stage
The next step of domestication is setting up the animal so that when he meets you he can always hope for something tasty. Therefore, take for the first time as many goodies as possible (fresh dandelions, herbs, fruits, chicory or cucumber). But how to tame a guinea pig in the hands of the owner? After all, so far she is afraid to move closer.
Do not try to put food in her mouth. Mumps have a very good sense of smell and eyesight and will understand exactly what is in your hand. However, before they decide to grab this tidbit from your hand, they can take a long time to think (out of surprise). Approach them with goodies as often as possible, then they will not be able to resist for a long time. At the same time, you can start to touch them - scratching behind the ear, stroking on the back and under the chin (at this time animals can make funny grimaces).
How to take on your knees?
When the pet trusts you and will not run from you during daily feeding, you can move forward.
How to tame a guinea pig in your arms? First, slowly take her to her knees (for a short time). Of course, at first the animal will be afraid - this can be understood by the peculiar “hardening” of the pig: when it does not perform any movements, and the pupils expand so that the whites of the eyes are visible.
When the guinea pig feels your warmth and gentle strokes, it will gradually relax. Her body will become soft, she will extend her hind leg to the side and lay her head on your shoulder or knee. At the same time, remember that these rodents, as typically terrestrial creatures, do not feel comfortable at altitude. So it’s better to sit on the floor and put the pig on your lap instead of wearing a pet (at least at the beginning). Now you can be sure that you know the basics of how to tame a guinea pig.
Continued Domestication
The taming of such animals should never stop or be interrupted. You cannot tie a pet to yourself, and then leave it, armed with the thought "I will feed, clean, and he will be able to play in the cage himself." Guinea pigs are social animals, and without having individuals of their kind next to them, they must necessarily have contact with the owner. Therefore, you should regularly play with the pig and talk to her, as at the beginning of taming. In addition, you must carefully monitor the health of the pet and choose the right diet in order to avoid the occurrence of any disease.
Now you know how to tame a guinea pig. You will never regret choosing such a pet. Despite the fact that these rodents will often have to clean and clean the cage, feed them every day, change the water and play with them, this is a hundred times compensated by their cheerful disposition, gentle looks and affectionate attitude.