Guinea Pig Taming Rules

[@xandermin]

my voice also goes ten octaves higher when i talk to my pigs lol!

[@ScottysAnimals]

:)

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

Lol

[@misstreas84]

@@ScottysAnimals on your Etsy products, do you ship to Portugal?

[@toreo8623]

Omg same

[@jadeburns4429]

That's a lot of octaves

[@kevingrim8811]

Congrats to the rescue for winning the 1000 from Oxbow. Well deserved. Couldn't vote enough

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Thank you Kevin!!!!

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

Right

[@lisam2510]

I think we all felt the panic when Pippy nearly fell! Well caught Scotty :)

[@Pogokoala]

even though i don't have guinea pigs with me anymore. (zoom into my face slowly, my soul is dying slowly on the inside) But I still tune into scotty animals always! and pull out a pen and paper and take notes! because some of these rules applies toward my relationship with my wife guinea pig like behavior, i love scotty channel! is the best in all the network!

[@deborahpecheur3078]

I think a daily routine will also make guinea pigs more comfortable with their human(s)

[@mywingsareyours]

I actually work on handling before i do work introducing treats because i find theyre way more comfy taking food from you when they arent scared of being handled. My pigs also all love being held and beg for attention and to be picked up, they dont care if i dont have treats (tho obv theyre pumped if rhey also get treats on top of loves). A big tip for if you can do it is to just sit and chill with them in their cage so they can get used to you as not just someone who shows up and causes stress but as an actual part of their group/home. If you do this, dont fuss with them or give them treats or anything. Just ignore them and do your own thing. It makes them feel a bit more reassured and in control

[@ogrebeast64]

Striper always greets me in the mornings, and when I say certain words. Junior is coming around, but he is still so timid and loves to hide from me. Junior actually wheeked at me when I called his name, so that's something. :)

[@LilGatorCub]

This was great! Thank you! I rescued two guinea pigs the other day, they were abused and left in a small cage for most of their life. I wasn't sure if they would let me pet and hold them but following the basic tricks you provide it, they are already letting me pet them and coming up to me for snacks And eating out my hands!! Thank you so much!! This has really help me!

[@martinawagner2346]

Scotty is just the best. He is great in explaining things, and just soo sweet in his ways to treat piggies!!

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

I agree

[@ghostymeow]

I don’t even have guinea pigs and I’m addicted to your videos! Maybe I’ll rescue some in the future! They seem like such cool little creatures ☺️

[@sirenofsound]

Congratulations to LAGPR for winning the Oxbow contest! Hooray! You guys do amazing work.

[@sk22-12]

One of my piggies was the one getting on the others and watching me dead in the eye when I tried to pet them, like he was like "don't you dare touch my precious brothers, human". I liked it and chose him because he was super brave.

[@RobertBosworth]

Ocelot-like reaction time, Scott. Thank you for the rules. You’re right about cage placement. My pigs live in the family room. I’m always walking by and talking to them. 😀🐾

[@cori1800]

Awww hi Pippy! Hi Scotty! Pippy seems to be everyone’s favorite but I love all of them! I think Piggy Smalls is my favorite though lol.

[@seerchannah102]

You missed one. 7. Ninja like reflexes. Thank goodness you caught him.

[@Fugnu]

10/10 on your dad-arm technique

[@Ameliajane2]

Love all your videos. They’re always helpful and you have such love for your piggies. I especially agree with the larger cage and needing a friend. People can be selfish when they don’t properly consider their pets needs.

[@susannabonke8552]

It's just ignorance. What would I gain with an unhappy animal?

[@zephyr7718]

I love your channel! I find myself cracking up all the time.

[@erkheth]

Pippy is such a restless pig, always on the go, like Scotty. But very well caught! Love the chorus of Hey Guys! 🐹🥰🐹

[@mszoomy]

Nice video. It does take more effort with some piggies than others but patience and food are key. Also, approach them quietly, you can't run into the room yelling "hi piggies!" and expect them to want to bed with you, you'll just freak them out and scare them.

[@susanaponte1579]

I love Pipsqueak so much!! He's so PRECIOUS, that little boy who doesn't see much, my goodness, I feel so bad for him, God bless him and keep him healthy and happy! Very nice video, Scotty, please send me a reply, my daughter has a Jadite jade necklace, she wanted to send it to you, she doesn't wear it, so you can sell the stone and give the proceeds to the rescue that had the fire, if you're still trying to send them donations. By the way, WE WON!! We won the Oxbow contest! As soon as I saw it, I emailed the rescue to get their info, and nominated them. I also voted a few days as well, the rescue got so many more votes then the others, I feel happy some of the other rescues won money and supplies as well, YAY, way to go!!

[@IamAmandaJoy]

We have a greeting for each piggy- they really respond❤🐹

[@deenomad1975]

Great info. I could tell you had some fun editing this. Made me smile :)

[@susandimino8709]

Great advice all 7 of my piggies are in the living room and they run the house. They tell me when it's time for treats. We are always petting and spending time with them. I find myself carrying one around the house with me. They are nosey and want to know what I'm doing.

[@booimandi8808]

Hi Billy!! And Scotty!!! I can't wait for my mug and shirt!! ❤❤❤

[@michellemeredith9831]

Location - Location - Location :) Luv your videos - you are a kind heart & fun to watch! Fast forward voices "Priceless!" They are lucky to have you - & nice save!!

[@courtneysummers6287]

Scott I love your videos! Thank you for all your insight and sharing your experience. We are new to the world of Guinea pigs and are so in love!❤️

[@mszoomy]

Next video - the proper way to hold a piggie!!

[@Mena-hb8ki]

👏

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

True

[@TheK9Spirit]

He he! When you did the clicking sound, Jaya ran over to the computer like, "You called?" That's her sound 😛

[@cori1800]

lol thats what I do too

[@ogrebeast64]

5 rapid kissing sounds is what brings my boys running to me.

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

Lol

[@Pogokoala]

at the strike at 12:00 mins I nearly died from a stroke!!! omg I got so scared enough that I squeek like a guinea pig to wake up both of my dogs! Oh Gosh Piglet!!!

[@babydevol]

Thank you for teaching us. I work during the day. Is there a way to tame them with little time. ?

[@fawnsplace4536]

Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@frodoshagginz9635]

I have two young boys, ghost (PEW? he's white with pink eyes) and shaggy (his fur color is like a squirrel, so he's my squirrely boy) and Shaggy loves to cuddle but Ghost is a little adventure pig!! He always wants to see what is around and what's happening. They're both really young but I appreciate the advise you give because they really appreciate it all! I love them so much.

[@frodoshagginz9635]

also I would die for pipi

[@PeaFriends]

Often when you point to a link in the video I look in the corner to see if you remembered to add it! I didn't even notice this time cos my eyes were on Pippy!! Well caught Scotty!!! I have a way of holding my piggies to arrive calmly and safely back home after holding them. I worry that they'll jump out of my hands before landing. Also, I can open up the cage at the front like a gate so I can lean in and interact at their level. They come to be for nose 'boops' !!

[@oje7257]

Awesome advices Scott!

[@carressadobbs3861]

I love you and your videos SO much!!!!

[@LegalAlien100]

This is a great video. Thanks.

[@rodentrascalsadventures]

Adorable piggies!! 💕 Love

[@NinjaPirateJedi]

# 3, 4, and 5, remind me so much of a piggy we adopted from my brother's classmate. This pig was all alone, living full-time in a petstore cage, and was in the corner of the bedroom. Poor thing was so tense and skiddish and distrusting of people it was so sad! She did okay with our other piggies, but never truly got used to people ever. I think there was too much trauma and neglect. :( But at least I can say she found a good home in the end. :)

[@lisaarne7999]

I sing a high pitched song "sweet sweet little piggies" they know treats are coming and squeak bacck

[@guineasqueaks8294]

I love your guinea pigs, so cute!

[@gregb9165]

Thank you this really worked

[@sandra1977nl]

I have now also made a bigger cage it is 2 meters long by 50 cm wide there are now 4 guinea pigs in 2 guinea pigs of half a year old brother and sister and since 3 days 2 brothers of 10 weeks old I made the cage of two large rabbit cages I used the bars for fencing the plastic tray I have not used they are on 3 tables and use fleece blankets

[@pyenygren2299]

Be the best walking vending machin is my number one tip.

[@cindybriden372]

I am in rescue myself and I am now caring for 5 guinea pigs. They are in a Living World cage in my bedroom on the floor. I feel a little guilty now that I watched your video. It was a tough call to take them in as I live in an apartment and I have 4 cats. But the rescue did not have a better option than me other than refusing to take them. From what I understand they were being bred for food. Anyway, I feel bad that they are in my bedroom without all the "going on's" so to speak. I do visit them multiple times a day and spread out their food portions throughout the day and of course, I do talk with them while hand-feeding them. They seem happy, they do popcorns when they see me, (probably because of the food - LOL. I am working on trying to find something to block off the area around my toilet and cabinet in the bathroom so I can let them go in there and run around plus I will be able to sit on the floor with them. The rescue said that the guinea pigs usually get adopted pretty fast but these adorable girls no one seems interested in. I have had them for two months and they are 6-7 months old. With all that said, do you have any suggestions on what I can do to block off those areas that I do not want them to get into? I am thinking maybe those C cages you speak of might do it. But my bathroom is a good size and I will need an awful lot of them. Anyway, thank you for the video!!

[@joehale8656]

I have never had a piggy till the other day and I love them so I have a lot of learning to do and I’m kinda lost

[@shanehollaway6012]

Thanks for the great taming video Scotty. I got my guinea pigs in June and I'm in the prosses (sorry I can't spell the word) of taming them then now.

[@ScottysAnimals]

If you Google, or type, your phone should show you properly slplelling ;) my Guinea Pig care guide www.scottysanimals.com has even more info

[@rebecasparaco7127]

Thanks for all hard work you do for us! Amazing video as always. I we have a huge c&c cage but it does have a c&c lid to protect our pigs from our cat(just in case). Is that the same thing as what you mention, about regarding opening up the cage and sticking your hands in??? Thanks!

[@M.S.666]

Great video's. Thanks 👍👏🤗

[@texasfolkswithguineapigs5987]

Love the video!!!

[@DawnOldham]

I talk baby talk to my piggies and always bring treats!

[@l.obrien8341]

2x3 is minimum cage size? I thought it was 2x4 (or 24x47 Midwest)

[@nipstir6897]

I don't own/care take for any Piggies but I love your content

[@lauracavern7757]

Thank you Scotty! I'm going to try moving my pigs' cage...I've never heard that idea before! been handfeeding and talking to them and trying not to be a hawk, all with little success (still can't pick them up without chasing). Their cage is in the middle of a room I use twice a day for 3 hours total or so; maybe my living room will be better. Fingers crossed!

[@leonahauf1290]

Good save!

[@annahalpa5417]

they sell plexy glass type panels for cages, is that a good idea to have for a piggie cage?

[@ljaqui]

Question on the cages. We have one that is an actual cage, it's HUGE, like you recommended. There's a large opening on top, but it latches. And one in front, but it latches as well. But we don't think an open cage is safe. Are we still not going to be able to tame our piggies? One of them likes to bite, we're still working and doing all the things you suggest. But we can't do the open cage because we have cats and a boxer that are way too interested and no matter how careful we are, sometimes they get in the room with the piggies.

[@janet2324]

My 5 pigs love it when you talk to them with cookies

[@erinreese9809]

I have a cat so an open top cage is not really ideal. What closed cage would you suggest?

[@jbjacobs9514]

@12:04 - the moment when Scotty's heart almost stops - Squirmy Pippy tries for the escape! I have had that feeling - takes a bit of time to get yourself together after that. Great Save Scotty!

[@zelusaimless3181]

Do you have and 2 guinea pig topples cage recommendations? I got a store bought one and I have to grab them through the door so I barley pick them up

[@elig6590]

Will a cage for large dogs work for a single guinea pig?

[@kaylyn934]

Hi Scotty. I'm not sure if you'll see this, but I have a question. I've recently gotten my first guinea pig, she has several little nicknames because I can't settle so Piggums or Pumpkin, anyway... She's my first pig and I'm in my last year of college so I'm currently only able to have one pig. When I'm in my own place after college I do plan on getting another pig so that way she'll have company, but do you think she'll be okay until then? I've had her for about a month and she's been pretty good with me. She popcorns and does piggy zooms, and she used to like being picked up more than now but I'm being patient and I think we're good. But I guess I just want some confirmation that she'll be okay until I can get her a herd mate.

[@dominiquehughey3690]

I’m pretty early I love your videos

[@carolalmeida220]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marijkeotter-delange1860]

Adorable

[@M.S.666]

'She is the star' ⭐🌟😍🤩🥰😄☺️

[@rosepearl7390]

Is Pipsqueaks fur really soft? He looks like a little cloud :]

[@jonathanrose829]

Hawk talons, Have you seen that pesky cat I live with and it's razor sharp claws

[@gracemartinez1528]

It’s so funny when he speeds up the vid and his voice sounds like a little mouse 😂

[@michellewaite4482]

I love pipsqueak so much ❤️💕💓💝♥️💖

[@noraeidelarsen2877]

My mom hearing weird noises from my room thinking I’m dying but I’m really just giving my Guinea pig veggies

[@ScottysAnimals]

Bwahahaha

[@iron_tyson]

Hi Scott. How long do you think they usually take to get used to being touched and held? I have 2 young boys Chino and Dali (born December 9. I picked them up on Jan 5). I've followed all of your rules except while my cage has plenty of room with multiple levels and the opening is quite big - I do have to reach my arm in when they run away from me to the back of the cage. My Guinea Pigs hate being picked up (of course) and will run everywhere the moment my hand comes to pick them up, even if the other hand has food they're eating from. This makes it tricky because you say the hand chasing them scares them but I'm worried that if I don't try to pick them up once or twice a day that I will never get them used to being handled. When I approach the cage they usually hang at the gate with excitement for food. They are fine eating out of my hand and fine being held while eating, but as soon as the food is gone, they're squirming to get away. Is this because they are young and less calm like a human child? I see your pigs and they look relaxed and happy to sit in your arms. It's also very rare they will let me touch them and I usually just give them quick rub on the head or behind the head/ears - never on their lower back / butt area. But it often feels like they hate me! Sometimes they stare at me like I'm Sid from Toy Story! Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. I do have a snuggle tunnel on the way which will hopefully help! Love your channel.

[@ScottysAnimals]

Its only been 3 weeks! It takes a lifetime to build trust. Even then they are prey animals, not dogs. Enjoy the interactions you have with them. And don't be timid either. Hold them securely, pick them up quickly and confidently

[@Mothana808]

This man is awesome with good heart, why piggies like lettuce this much ?

[@marianordenvald]

My ginnypigs tame me. Love to be tamed❤️Maria, lovely video

[@carolxavier6035]

Is it better to have the cage up on a table rather than on the floor? Why?

[@DawnOldham]

I put my piggie on a table because it’s easier for ME to clean and interact.

[@frostybubbly]

Hi we have a 2 x 3 cage with a top level aswell is this big enough for us to add another piggy, we only have 1 atm because here in the UK they don't give us advice like u and la Guinea pig rescue do so we didn't know its better to have another x

[@frostybubbly]

@Kimberly thank u, unfortunately advice isn't something given in the uk and i got my piggy from a breeder, i wasn't told anything at all, quite discusting really how people breed but don't know anything about the animals they sell 😱😱😱

[@GizPigAndTheHam]

Scotty says 2x4 is the minimum for 2 pigs

[@frostybubbly]

Thanks we have now made the cage bigger and double floor is bigger aswell x

[@GizPigAndTheHam]

That's great, I'm sure they'll love it x

[@sneakysnake453]

My piggie had a friend and someone else in the house got a girl so now they fight so we separated them, somehow my snowball seems more like a dog or cat since its just him and I and when he sees other pigs he chatters or if they're female tries to mate non stop so we keep him solo. The other male seems to still wanna interact with him through cage bars so I'm worried about how to get friends for them. I'm getting both boys neutered soon so It seems fine. Any advice for me?

[@Maddie-rh3go]

my piggie is an only child at the moment because hes my first one and i couldnt afford another one when i bought him, but i am hoping to get another one soon so i hope thats okay as long as hes not alone too long?

[@JT-bs3qr]

A couple of my piggies I've had for over a year and they still run when I try to pick them up. Looking at your rules I would say I employ all of them to some extent. Any thoughts on how to get and established pig more comfortable? The one I have had the longest is noticeably more relaxed than the others but I feel like I could still improve a bit.

[@madalynmyrick7421]

I have my guinea pigs in my room and I stay in here a lot and get up every few hours and make sure to talk to them and my brother goes out of his way and interact with them in here I also take them out a lot is that okay?? we don’t really have a lot of traffic in our living room my moms the only one who goes out there

[@madalynmyrick7421]

My guniea pigs aren’t on the floor either

[@budgieyy]

My female ( spayed) guinea pig she sort of tamed herself. When I give vegetables, I call my two piggies by name and they come running. The first is the male who is so persistent to get the vegetable. I won’t give till they are both there. My boy likes to be petted, but, the girl, she runs away. So, I was petting the male before giving the vegetable, and offering my hand to the female. She began to see that. Then she realized she should stay put. I could just tell she figured it out. Finally. So, now, I will pet her 10x and then she gets the vegetable. Of course my male is reaching, standing up over the edge, pushing his nose around, trying to grab, his snack. Meanwhile, I can see, she is using her full effort to stay calm for the 10 x petting. Then they both get their treat. She is a smarty. He is too, but, in other ways. However to get his treat he uses pure force.

[@katyforster1696]

I'm truing to bond two males, can you help?

[@wow.wow.wow.5491]

how many guinea pigs do you actually own? ( not including fosters )

[@ScottysAnimals]

They own me

[@ScottysAnimals]

8

[@ScottysAnimals]

Or maybe 9

[@karaleetrapp]

@@ScottysAnimals, are you counting your most recent "foster fail" in that number?

[@wow.wow.wow.5491]

@@ScottysAnimals so true!

[@amishashah1321]

I have heard that Ginny pigs like to be in group. Why do you keep them in separate cages?

[@neon2330]

Some of them might not be neutered, so they separate them by not having babies lol

[@DawnOldham]

He separates them because they are all boys and they are very territorial and it is difficult to get them to accept another male. It’s called a “bonded pair” when two male piggies actually like each other. Scotty says that only happens about 20% of the time. So that is why the males are all in separate cages or two to a cage. Scotty has several bonding videos that show examples of trying to find males that can live together.

[@mizu_the_floatzel]

I wish I knew this stuff when I was kid well my mom knew my guinea pigs love her Also I did say hi boys :3 ^^

[@overseek6298]

what if there is other animals in the house (like dogs or cats) can there be alternatives to a cage? also so the dogs or cats can't disturb them :)

[@ScottysAnimals]

Most guinea pig cages can also have lids. We prefer to keep them up on a table and most cats and dogs cannot reach them. Check out www.kaveecage.net some of their cages come with lids. You can get 10% off with my code SCOTTY10

[@TomaszWalczakHarmonium]

What kind of salad is it?? Greatings from Poland!

[@tulsisevadasi]

Romaine lettuce

[@paradoxmaelstrom1892]

I just got two 10 week old guinea pigs I want to buy the C&C cages since I can get them in Aus, I want to get it once they are bigger I showed my mother the cages and she is concerned if they can climb over the top if I do not get a lid not sure if you can tell me more on that or should I buy a lid?

[@DawnOldham]

I JUST built my C&C cage. It does not need a top- Guinea Pigs can’t climb cages. Their little legs aren’t made for it. I made mine from scratch following Scotty’s directions on his C&C cage video. Hope this helps! (By the way, I had room for an eight foot table in a hallway that we all go through multiple times a day. I made the cage 6 grids long and 2 grids wide. So it’s about 7 ft x 2.5 ft the bottom tray come up four grids, like Scotty’s. I think next time I will make it about three grids high since I use fleece. I don’t need it tall to hold in wood chips and with the coroplast being lower, the piggies could see out and about! PS on You Tube, type in, “C & C cages” and you’ll see than none of them have lids

[@paradoxmaelstrom1892]

@@DawnOldham Thank you for this I knew we wouldn't have a problem mum was just worried I purchased one today just waiting now for it to arrive. Going to baby proof it for them since they are young, my mother just worries about some stuff I told her it will be fine she wanted me to check with people who own the cages. First time in a very long time that we are keeping guinea pigs also indoors we had a huge hutch when I was younger and outside. So thank you again I knew they could not climb take that mother.

[@Starlight1710]

Did you just forget to give the guys in the lower right corner some lettuce or why are they looking so disappointed?

[@catherinewholey3630]

Pippy is so gorgeous.

[@lyktahlyktah8528]

Hi Gary 👋🏽

[@tammylines2779]

So please listen to what Scotty is telling you about what Guinea pigs is the real way of taking care of them

[@jackiejoplin2556]

Hi Pippy!!💜

[@ucjaromanczyk5623]

Maybe you accidently get runny nose. Ha ha! Very usefull video. I'm sure it gonna helps so many guineapigs owners! Thank you..

[@ileanamalave8282]

I got a really big cage for my 3 females piggies but I feel like it could be bigger do you have any recommendations of how big a cage can be and what the best one to buy? Do you have an email address where we can contact you? 🌠💤🌌

[@paulsmith4238]

My fab boy is Mike

[@tammylines2779]

When piggies are in a small cage they are forced into running for their exercise to run a round and a round and round that deforms their little bones they need a large cage so that they can run straight putting a Guinea pig in a small cage is like putting one of us in a small sized bedroom for the rest of are lives

[@livbacasnot2655]

hi scotty!

[@horsetuna]

#1 rule works for cockatiels. My girls are all Stranger Danger until you have food