How to Pick up and Handle Guinea Pigs Correctly

Best tips and detailed advice for how to pick up and handle your guinea pigs correctly and with less stress! Anyone can become a pro guinea pig handler with these techniques. Take the time to practice and it will be worth it when you can help your piggies become tame and have a super close bond with you!
Timestamps please!
00:00 - Introduction: what you will learn in this video!
00:56 - The Guinea Pig Mindset
02:15 - The “Transporter” Hack
03:09 - Bare-Handed Pick-Ups!
05:50 - Holding and Carrying Your Guinea Pigs
07:12 - Tips for How to Get Better!
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[@donnadrane4977]

I feel like I stress my Guinea pig when I try to pick him up. I’ve had him for almost two years and he seems worse than ever. He is so smart that he knows one hand in his cage means mommy wants to pet him. Two hands means mommy will try to pick him up! He immediately hides when he sees the two hands!

[@SqueakDreams]

Awh bless him, so smart! Maybe the transporter hack will work!

[@jenewok]

My three girls are like that. I think they were mistreated before I had them so they hate being picked up. I wait until they are near a corner and I put a hand in front and a hand behind them. It seems to work better for me. They still can't stand laptime though after almost two years of having them.

[@donnadrane4977]

@@jenewok Thanks so much for that info. It makes me feel better.

[@emmagavars6385]

i think 90percent of guinea pigs will always do that. they r prey animals not matter how nice and friendly u r they will still just get scared from just one movement. i have to b talking to my guinea pigs 24 7 if i forget to talk whilst coming in room, they give themselves a heart attack. Same for picking up, they will always hate it no matter how gently u do it. i got 3 piggies it took years for one of them to b ok with picking up...the others still run nd hide.

[@kaelyn_squad]

Same actually sunday my pet guniea pig got eaten by my grandads pitbull and he let him he also said hes gonna shoot her :(

[@myles8328]

Watching piggies being stroked and scritched on their heads is the most calming thing - I can’t wait to bond with my own future herd. They are the most beautiful animals 🥰 thank you for sharing your piggies with us all xx

[@Sebastian_The_Great]

I’ve had my Guinea pig for about 5 days now and he pretty much stopped running away completely from me when I go to pick him up. The first day he was shy and skittish I also took him out his cage the first day, he was scared and tried to run away from but but once I got ahold of him and put him in my lap he calmed down pretty quick. After 3-4 days of taking him out the cage and hand feeding him he got used to me pretty quickly. I just trimmed his back nails which was a bit hard but he did pretty well considering this is the 5th day. I’m glad that the little homie is starting to trust me more and more by the day. Whenever I go to pick him up I just pet him on the head first so he knows it’s me & my hand then I’ll just slowly put my hand on his back and then I pick him up, he rarely tries to run from me. He knows I’m going to give him food 8/10😂

[@osetia20]

Just coming in here and finding this video, reading the comments, has given me a lot of peace, I was having anxiety attacks thinking I’m going to kill then by stressing them so much

[@emmaleebarnes1376]

Me too. Mines absolutely have a near heart attack everytime I try to pick then up

[@ering8200]

I've had my two guineas for about a month now and they're trusting me more and more each day!!! I got 2 of those snuggle sacks and WOW!!! They work!!! I can't wait for them to fully trust me 😁 These videos r a HUGE help!!! Thank u!💕

[@osetia20]

That so comforting to read, o have mine a week now and I’m freaking out, but it’s very calming to know it will get better ❤

[@pb5x5]

We have two piggies, one just freezes when we try to pick him up but is generally the more shy one. But is ok once picked up. The other goes potty and will try anything to avoid being picked up. Once picked up squeaks but will still eat off us even when he sounds not happy (he is less shy oddly and comes for food the quickest). They are both about a year old and we have had them for about five months now from a good home. Their mum was the rescue piggie not them as they were born after.

[@CaramelAndHazelAndCola2024]

Aw,Tyyy I'm having 3 Baby Guinea Pigs on the 16 of may, Ty again I can show my sis 2 how to pick them up.:)

[@whatsthestorymorningglory61]

I love your sweet little piggie comments so much! They never fail to put a smile on my face.

[@jasilynboyce2858]

This was a very helpful video. I’m a new piggy parent and I’m so scared to scare them. They are very smart piggies I tried the transporter technique with one of the tunnels and then they got smart and stopped going in there when I come near the cage. This video gives me hope. I stopped trying to pick up and just bond outside the cage even though I want to let them out the cage to free roam. I’ve recently purchased snuggle sacks for my piggies and I’m going to give it another go.

[@MichaelSmith-cy6vy]

Don't give up whatever you do. Piggies are smart creatures, but they do come around eventually. Patience is your friend here. And while these precious animals are not your enemies, I'll quote Sun Tzu “Those skilled at making the enemy move do so by creating a situation to which he must conform; they entice him with something he is certain to take, and with lures of ostensible profit they await him in strength.” ― Sun Tzu Create situations where you can be successful. Try enticing your piggy with some treats, a great motivator. Good luck to you!

[@susanaponte1579]

They are just over the top ADORABLE! Goodness, they're PRECIOUS!

[@Sophie-pf7qp]

Hey sarah! This video is very helpful since i got my guinea pigs a week ago and sometimes it is hard to grab them but you just made it easier thanks! ❤️ hello from me and the piggies and say hello to your piggies 🐹❤️

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you Chris and that's great, hope it helps! The trio wheek back in reply! 😀

[@osetia20]

How are your piggies now? 🥰✨

[@jackgowrie8050]

Thank you for your guidance and I celebrate your tutorial on various topics regarding our guinea pigs. I have my two Misty and Pepper. So happy!

[@jemma3459]

Hi Sarah, Enjoyed today’s video, thanks. I like the scooping them up in a hidey or tunnel which I use quite often. Truffle is always the hardest to catch - do you think long haired piggies are more skittish sometimes..? I think it’s because their hair covers the faces more! Pecan will put her front paws onto my hand almost as if giving consent to be lifted! Funny as she’s the only one who won’t really allow strokes (except on her cheek or under her chin!) A good tip is to lower them back into their cage backwards- bum first- it’s a good tip for those piggies who try to jump! Works a treat! Your piggies were all excellent role-models in today’s video as always!! 🥰 xx

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you Jemma! And yes I hadn't thought of that about long haired piggies, it could definitely be the case!! Pedro is not bothered in the slightest though 😂 Great tip about beign lowered in backwards! xx

[@saimonmanalo]

I am a 2nd year vet student now, and have a project about breeding small animals. Now i have a great reason to have guinea pigs as a pet

[@kathleenmcbrair2829]

Love your videos! I'm about to become a first-time piggie parent and have learned so much from your clips. Also love the ones that are just for fun. Thank you!

[@carolinaazevedo2088]

My partner and I decided to adopt two guinea pigs for my birthday in november ( my gifts are going to be the things for the pigs) so I have been watching all your videod for a while to prepare. I am so excited and want to be the best guinea pig mom possible.

[@SqueakDreams]

Yay! Congrats on becoming a piggie owner! 😍😀

[@maryamullins4332]

Awesome advice!!! Thanks.

[@spookypookyboo]

I just started waching your videos and i love them so much and im so glad i found this channel. 😊

[@vee6514]

I absolutely love this video, Sarah! And thank you for mentioning the children. My nieces love my pigs but I chaperone them the whole time they interact since the youngest one always seems to be willing to go into the cage with them...hahaha. Their love for the pigs is very understood, but being responsible saves the piglets, and I've heard so many mishaps happen with children. So thanks for mentioning that!

[@gailreda1224]

Once again great advice🥰💜💙💚🙏

[@fionachen4095]

I’m so sorry I’m late! I’ve had my guinea pigs for so long and every time I try to pick them up, it would take an hour or more! This was so helpful! 😊thank you!

[@kashishkumar682]

thanks for the vid it really helps:)

[@CarlaChamp]

Thanks!

[@Thesans_Gamer]

New sub now i have a bond with my guinea pigs thank you!😁

[@Marco-qj9hr]

HII ITS NE AGAIN THE BOY THAT DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO GET AS A PET.I GOT THREE FEMALE GUNEA PIG AND I WILL USE EVERYTHING I LEARNED FROM YOU.♡♡♡♡♡

[@austinenz3575]

Your videos are really helpful and cute I was skeptical when my girlfriend brought home our first rescue piggy but now I think I love piggys more than her they make surprisingly fun and sweet Pets

[@YouTube-tied]

"Getting into the guinea pig mindset." Hahaha I thought of Will Graham preparing to visit Hannibal Lektor in "Manhunter".

[@agreen8593]

The tunnel is great for putting my piggies back after playtime. They sometimes go in on their own because they hear me filling their bowls.

[@cbutterfli]

Thanks! From Cate, mom to Moe, Angel and Spike.

[@faithmcdonnell303]

Thank you for all the videos! Pedro, Phoebe, and Roxy are so cute! Only one small problem- I tried using your tips to do lap time with my piggie Oreo, but he always squeaks with fear when I hold him! Please give me some advice!

[@jazminahendrix8665]

I have a guinea pig since I was six years old and now I’m online and I still try to figure it up because I’ve been very not paying attention to her feeding her and I’m starting to get that to her and now she’s trying to like every time I pick her up to pick her up. She’s always running away from me or else I get one hand. She is fine with that

[@drakefordsmith]

hi ive built my own cage following your advice, the only thing left to do is set up the water bottles, what height do you recommend putting them at because im worried about getting it wrong

[@julieanneclarke3969]

What water bottle do you use please mine leak so bad only got new piggies last week so hard to catch mine they keep hiding in same spot so hard to even clean hutch

[@gimamonaco1990]

oh good thing I hold him like this!!

[@missorangesweetness]

Question does your water bottles leak? If not which one do you recommend to get?

[@piggiefloofs9398]

i have a skittish pig who i've had for nearly two years and he still hates being picked up or held, i'm not sure he'll ever get to a stage where he'll be happy on a lap! (they have a big open cage in our living room so are very used to us all) .. btw, Pedro is such a handsome boy ❤

[@doberman3402]

Can I use a carrier crate to practice picking mine up? She's big and idk how to pick her up but she is always scared.

[@kimdavis9004]

Hi, new to the channel, do you have any ways to socialize a solo piggie with another piggie? I have a 4 or 5 year old piggy and just got a 4 month old, both males. The older one doesn't seem to want anything to do with the younger one. Any advice or tips?

[@BeatriseKrokforda]

Hey Sarah! So happy you posted! And amazing video! I will follow thease tips! Could you tell me how Roxy is doing? About a month or two ago you said she had bladder stones. And I hope Pedro is all good now! Otherwise have a good weekend! ~Beatrise

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you Beatrise! Roxy is doing well, I haven't been that good with the Cystophan, must get into a routine! Pedro seems fine thank you for asking after him 😊

[@razgrize11]

​ive had my piggies for 3 weeks they eat out my hand sniff my hand but they still scidish when i try to pet/stroke them when would you advise getting them used to holding?

[@2DogsVlogs]

I have no problems picking up my piggies but one (Amaya) has started screaming when I pick her up. She never used too. I try and pick her up from the sides using both hands so it's not a pain thing and once I hold her she is fine.

[@shinywin]

Hi! Sarah when I try to pick up my Guinea pig he will try to bite me so what do I do?

[@alyssumcandy2056]

Good evening Sarah! I have a piggie that may be pregnant. Any tips on picking her up? Is it any different?

[@bashiromran4289]

I’ve had my 2 Guinea pigs for about 2 and a half years, and I feel like I scare them too much when I try to pick them up. One of them is totally chill, doesn’t bite or scratch or anything, but doesn’t like being pet and can’t live without the other, and the other is a bit more cheeky but still can’t live without the other. When I pick one up, they squeak for the other, and the other responds.

[@slay2005]

This video will be helpfull for me because I made my parents buy my piggy a friend

[@cubana6352]

Where did you get your guinea pig cage?

[@bibhuduttabarad125]

Can i get to know what should be donew cause my guinea pigs fit in one hand and i cant even place my hand beneath her chest cause when I do they totally fit in one hand ands they have been running too much even if i try to pick them 😅

[@teresawright4947]

My piggy (Gizmo) is a boy and acts like one. He is very squirmy and fast! He is just 6 months old and I would like to get him a buddy, but I think he's a spoiled piggy and won't take kindly to another pig. Will he mellow out in time? Do you think a friend would help, or am I setting myself up for failure? Love the videos and love your piggies!

[@amberbenoit9586]

I'm new to having guinea pigs and I love them. My son got them for his birthday 2 weeks ago. And one seems to be on edge with the other. They are two males and they don't hurt each other. But one always and I mean always rumblestruts and makes a sounds at the other. They're supposedly brothers. But not loving towards each other. What should I do. My sons dad had them for a month before we got them. And the rumblestrutter is constantly sniffing the others butt. He just seem too happy. I closed one last of the cage and they were separated and the one I surety about was running and leaping. I've never seen him so happy doing that. Please help 🙏 I want them both happy.

[@zeekhansen]

Hi Sarah

[@mtmagician1862]

Hi, i have a question. My guinea pig make a whining sound whenever i pick them up to cuddle & pet. It will continue to whine until i put them down. I understand they don't like it, but my big question is.. Should i do it more frequent so that it will get used to me holding? Or should i take a step back & do it less? Is been more than a month & it doesn't even allow me to pet/ touch. Always run away 😢

[@ellianamcfarland2217]

aww Sarah you're so pretty

[@riverszenonian70]

So I had 2 guinea pigs and one passed away after 5 years, the other one has been lonely so I got a baby for him, when can I put then in the same cage there separate right now but they want to see each other

[@jenniferdinser5071]

Hi Sarah, I have a 3 month old piggy. He does fine when I pick him and sit down with him. However, when I get up to put him back in his enclosure he bites me hard!

[@felixscreations]

Great video I got my Guinea pig 3 weeks ago hes kinda use to see me around the room and hearing my voice he let's me pet him and he makes noises when he hears me picking up his food he will run all over his cage 😂😂 but unfortunately he doesn't like me to pick I'm up by hand so I use a plastic box with bedding litter and he will go in himself and he will relax and allow me to pet him I'll be getting a female Guinea pig

[@AnnaHogendoorn]

Do a collaboration with Little Adventures! A videocall with just chatting about pigs for example!

[@brianwelch1579]

My pigs like to move to specific places where they will wait to be picked up, once they realize it's pickup time.

[@shaney2274]

Hey! So one of my Guinea pigs seems like they could be a boy!! I’m not sure how to tell though. Pls help!! 😭

[@beckih85]

Where did you get the wooden hammock from?

[@Sophie-pf7qp]

She makes them herself :) she has an etsy shop its probably somewhere in the description

[@Keebear025]

I have a question what is the smallest size in your opinion I can put a single guinea pig because a lot of people are telling me it’s a 2 x 4 but I really don’t have a Lotta room I haven’t got a guinea pig yet but in the future I’m going to get one so can you tell me what you think you’re your opinion is and yes I know guinea pigs should be in pairs but I don’t think my parents will let me get two guinea pigs

[@trailrider2571]

If you cannot provide the right environment, it may not be the right time in your life to get piggies. If you know that a single piggy is likely to be stressed and lonely, why would you still want to do it? You have to understand that guinea pigs are HERD animals. They are only happy living with other pigs. Piggies rely on other piggies to make them feel safe. Piggies are also social animals. They want to interact with other piggies. I know you want guinea pigs but that doesn't mean the time is right for you to have them.

[@beverleybalshaw9119]

I wholly agree with the reply from Trailrider. Please hang on till you can provide good living conditions for guinea pigs. And yes, pairs/groups are an absolute MUST. All good things come to those who wait. 🐹🐹

[@11101nagw]

My gunea pig bite me today for the first time. It was my fault because I had eaten chips earlier and didn't wash my hands. It's been a while now since that and he keeps on sniffing my hand. I know he's going to bite me. I'm afraid he's going to bite me again. What can I do?

[@alainareed618]

My Guinea pigs will eat out my hand but they always run away from me I’ve tried everything I’m sad they don’t like me but I understand it takes time

[@jugguy7893]

Mine run to corners and tunnels

[@capyblap1249]

squeak squeak

[@g24eva27]

This technique works for my one pig. Who for over a year took a lot of trust to do so..... But the newer younger piggy..... Is like a rabbit. He jumps and hops.....RIP

[@user-sr4yg6wz1w]

Hello there.. i need help! My 5 year old guinea pig died on may and now that i watched your videos i know that i have made like... MANY mistakes...(one of them: he lived in the 1/3 of space he needed 😬) and my parents thought its all okay.. (they havent done the research i did 😄) so.. i wanted to get two more now so the piggies wont be lonely.. but.. i think my parents wont accept all the new stuff and money they actually need, like the big cage or the many hideys... 😞 any ideas??

[@Kaashvita]

I get scared because it always runs away suddenly...like so randomly

[@michaelwyckoff7593]

You have to pick up a guinea pig like a baby because they like to wiggle and fidget so you have to be careful with their spine and them trying to jump out of your hands.

[@user-fp1ti1mw9n]

Also, when getting a new guinea pig, should I start this on the same day, or wait?

[@sl3epy_m3]

I think you should give them a day or 2 to kind of get used to their cage,then you can start and make sure to give them treats!

[@sl3epy_m3]

I know this was 2 months ago btw,how are they doing?

[@ItzTerrytv]

I just got my Guinea pig and I been talking to him and sometimes he will run away sometimes he won’t but soon as I get home from school he runs in the hiding spot and he seems real scared of me

[@Marcusthmusic]

🐸

[@aashnarosee]

Hi it’s been 2 weeks how long does this take?? Please answer. My Guinea pig is very skittish

[@capyblap1249]

it will most likely take a while but if u be patient your piggie will be happ

[@Sophie-pf7qp]

It depends on every guinea pig, but your guinea pig will eventually get used to you for example i got my guinea pigs around a week ago almost two and they are making clear progress :)

[@kikinoir]

It's been two months for me and it's very slow but we're making progress!

[@evenfallrose]

Some piggies are naturally more friendly or outgoing and will learn to get comfortable with being picked up very quickly. Others are more skittish and need months or even years to learn. Just be patient and keep handling them as much as you can. Unless you happen to have extremely friendly guinea pigs, two weeks is not enough time to see much of a difference. I've owned many guinea pigs over the years and only a few have ever been comfortable enough with me to not run away while I'm trying to pick them up. It was both a combination of my persistence and their natural personalities that made that the case. If you have an extremely skittish piggie, I suggest talking to them while you're picking them up. Predators on the hunt don't usually make a lot of noise, so by talking and making noise, you're going to be less threatening to your guinea pigs. I like to use a key phrase like "pick up" to warn them that I'm coming -- I'm not sure if that makes much of a difference but I do know guinea pigs can be taught to understand phrases so I figure it can't hurt.

[@aashnarosee]

@@evenfallrose thank you

[@BEE56214]

💓💓💓💓💓💓💓💓

[@louisethomas4636]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@krackhead3305]

Question! How can i stop Guinea pigs from mating ?

[@SqueakDreams]

Don't keep males and females together.

[@bryannahodges7707]

I put my hand in to let my pigs smell my hand and one of them bit my hand lol

[@sergioamaya5941]

My piggy every time I put my hand she bites it I’ve had her for a month

[@Lilly_Shaffer_]

Why does my piggy bite me

[@nat5953]

Hi, I am so sorry to bother u and hope u are having a good day. I was wondering if u could help me, I been struggling to find good quality fleece that isn’t too expensive Also been looking for some toys are safe for my Guinea pigs as I know lots of toys that are being sold for them are unsafe for them so I am trying to be really careful and I am worried I will hurt them by letting them play on something unsafe. Hope u can help, I also really enjoy your videos and they have taught me a lot of how to be a better owner so thank you :)

[@vickramgoswami2297]

I tried all these methods but my Guinea Pig just keeps jumping out of the way.

[@chipz3407]

my hands are so small compared to my guinea pigs, which makes it hard for me to carry or pick them up😭

[@ajkandroid8662]

Your gps are bulkier than mine so theyre easier to catch while mine slimmer and smaller and they dashed like ninjas in a second eventhough they approached my hand while handing out hay 🤣🤣🤣