Guinea pigs are fun pets, but are more social when held a lot. If not properly held, they can be seriously injured from struggling to get out of your hands and dropping to the floor or twisting. Guinea pigs are not climbing animals and being lifted above their flat surface is upsetting and they can squirm frantically to get out of your grip; falls can cause serious injury.
Step 1
Reach into their cage and slide your hand right under their belly. Raise a bit. Splay the legs either side of your hand.
Step 2
Put your other hand behind their rump and push the two hands forward, creating a right diagonal motion.
Step 3
Once in the air, place the guinea pig to your chest, which will give it a sense of security.
Step 4
Be prepared to drop to your knees if your pet squirms. That makes it a lot less distance to fall if something happens.
Step 5
Be gentle, patient and kind. In lifting and carrying a guinea pig, you are going against their nature and it may take some time to familiarize your guinea pig with the process.
Tips
- If your pig runs into his or her hut, try coaxing them out with a carrot.
- If you are not sure about picking up your guinea pig, or if you want it to be a more pleasant experience for the both of you, try wrapping it up in a towel; some guinea pigs can get scared from being up in the air.
- Guinea pigs have small digestive systems and bladders, and go the bathroom frequently. When holding them on your lap, be sure to place a folded towel under the guinea pig to keep yourself clean and the animal more comfortable.
- Always supervise children picking up guinea pigs.
Warnings
- Guinea Pigs are extremely fragile! Be careful whenever there is a risk of falling or having your guinea pig dropped; they can fracture or break a few bones! Always closely supervise your pigs when they are over 1 ft. (30cm) off the ground, like on your couch or your bed.
- Never let your hands off your pig because they could fall even if the nails are clung to your shirt. They could also rip their nails trying to hold on, causing bleeding.
- Never pick a pig up by the shoulders. That's how their legs get broken.
- If you are holding your pig for a long time, try get an old cloth to put under him/her, as you may not want pee on your clothes.
Things You'll Need
- A guinea pig
- Possibly a carrot or two
- An old cloth for the guinea pig to sit on
