The Best Way To Tame Your Guinea Pig - Guidelines And Tricks That Work!

[@faiththefae9287]

Hi Saskia! Thank you for making this video. One of my guinea pigs has been extremely frightened of people since I got her. She was just so terrified of me. With the help of this video, I saw a change in less than a week. Now when I put my hand in her cage she lets me give little head scratches. And I know it will only get even better from here onward. Thank you for sharing such great advice. :)

[@so_sylly]

A really helpful thing for me is that Saskia demonstrates on untamed and skittish guinea pigs, it really shows the viewer how to handle the piggy properly using real world circumstances. Thank you again for the informative video, Saskia!

[@hoperowley3093]

Thank you so much for this video, Saskia. I have rescued a senior male guinea pig who has been living in a small hutch with spiders and cobwebs his entire life, and he is absolutely terrified. I think that your techniques will do wonders for him.

[@colleenchevallier6782]

Bless You! 💙

[@ITIsFunnyDamnIT]

This is awesome that you rescued him from that. I'm always glad to read rescue stories like this. He is much happier. It's amazing when you can make an impact far beyond what you can imagine on that guinea pig. You are his hero , an angle to him. 🐹💖👍

[@bluebird4805]

Ew spiders! I just rescued too. I heard it took 4 baths to get my lil Sophie clean! 😬

[@so_sylly]

Thank you so much for helping him, with the help of Saskia’s videos we can all be sure that he’ll be a happy, sweet, little pig in your care! 💜

[@DawnOldham]

Wow! He is in such good hands... finally! I “rescued” two boys who were born to families who didn’t know their Guinea pigs weren’t same sex, and the other took in a piggie that she didn’t know was pregnant. So I got one at three weeks old and the other at 7 months old. These videos, Scotty’s and a few more (who taught me to make my fleece cage liners) have been totally necessary to setting up healthy and happy piggie lives! Thank you for saving your older piggie and for giving him the love he’s never had!

[@shalacy6899]

Saskia, I dont know if you will ever see this or not, but I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your videos. If not for you I would be completely totally lost with my 2 boys. Because of you I have bonded 2 guinea pigs the right way, and have even gotten rid of ringworm that one had already had when I got him from the pet store. I didn't even know he had it cause it was on his chest. But thanks to you it's all gone now!! You have really saved probably 1000s of guinea pigs. Cause most people dont have the money to take them to a vet everytime. But I dont think you get told enough how much you are appreciated. Thank you so much saskia. Really. We love you!!! Xoxoxoxo

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Aww thank you Shalacy!!

[@amandamoreno1625]

I tamed my piggies by reading to them all the time and talking to them and watching tv with them. I also found that feeding them fruits and veggies during play time made them more motivated to venture out and stuff. Even though my girlies are tamed now I still enjoy doing these kinds of things with them because I think it makes them feel more included and part of the family

[@so_sylly]

This is so precious. I hope you and your girlies are doing great!

[@kayleidanielle7499]

I just got mine not that long ago and we include him in routines too and he has already learned his name too :)

[@RukiMoogle]

Is it just me or does Wildling looks like a punk rocker? she's so adorable.

[@wolftimeplusguineapigs3862]

She’s a silkie guinea pig ❤️ 😊

[@alexiswaller3065]

I think the ridgebacks remind me of punk rockers

[@angelogriffin2679]

pro tip: you can watch series at flixzone. I've been using it for watching a lot of movies lately.

[@rykerorion1185]

@Angelo Griffin Definitely, been watching on flixzone for years myself :)

[@averymagana2072]

She was very tolerant of the little scritchy-scratchies. In my experience, guinea pigs also love their earsies rubbed! That was the only place you could pet Blondie where he wouldn’t bite you. 😬

[@srrfounder1]

You truly are the GP whisperer, Saskia!

[@colleenchevallier6782]

🎵 Wild Thing! You make my heart sing! 🎵 Such a cutie! 💚 Thank You Saskia for ALL you, and your volunteers, do!! 💜💙

[@woots2117]

Hey first. Love how you are so soft and caring to your piggies and rescue piggies love it 😊

[@LilyZoe23]

Saskia is the Guinea Pig whisperer. Lol. She seems to be the most knowledgeable guinea pig youtuber on the net. I am definitely using these techniques with my new piggies. Thanks so much.

[@BobSheepbob]

I would absolutely die for her.

[@NurseGreeneyesRN]

Out of all my 6 piggies i currently have, i still have 1 that needs work on. But yes, these tips and techniques do help out. Main thing is actually doing the work. Making it as a routine and the piggie will get use to it and know. Especially when they hear the veggies 🍅🥕🥒🥗 bag cracking. Then you definitely got their attention for sure!!

[@stephanie2]

I'm glad you put up a video about this. I really needed this video. I've got skittish piggies. She's so adorable

[@mayonnaisequeen1513]

First one here, I'm glad you put up a video about this, I've got a skittish girl myself

[@valerieshepherd6823]

If you're stressed animals(especially horses) can smell the adrenaline in your breath and sweat and hear your heart beat, so better to walk away, calm down and try again later.

[@bluebird4805]

So that’s why horses have always looked at me like I’m anxious. I do feel a bit of panic around them, but in the rare chance I get to pet one, I do enjoy the moment! Their eyes are amazing!

[@juiice]

Wait, adrenaline has a smell?!

[@kayesguineapigs]

You must have heard me! I have a wild pregnant piggie and now I can do these techniques. Usually I just hold them and talk to them, but this looks better. Thank you!

[@Seredetia]

Saskia... your face with the chin scratches. 😂 I know you thought you were going to get bit. Lol. Aww. Poor beans.

[@tanteichan1]

I am in love with Wildling. She is so cute!

[@DollSchmidt4429]

It takes a lot of love and paitence but in the end it's all worth it

[@justsayin7317]

Just adopted a homeless piggie from the shelter - male, 12 weeks old. He is very skittish (I think he was there for awhile). It helps that I have a much older Buddha pig as his companion, but I've been doing these things with his every day and the difference is amazing. He's not hiding all the time anymore and he's taking much more interest in the human members of our family.

[@mjgregory205]

Out of all the countless videos I have watched on how to tame your Guinea pig, this is by far the best I have seen. You really have such a deep knowledge of Guinea pigs and you are really tuned into them emotionally. And that is incredible. I have two Guinea pigs that I rescued from a pet shop and I have had them for a year. This will help me so much. I appreciate you sharing this. Stay amazing. Love your videos.

[@tamzin00]

I NEEDED to see this. My newest piggy is only a few months old but it takes me 20 minutes to catch her. She moves like sonic!!

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

This video will help you I also demonstrate easy picking up techniques kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpyaf6evd7ijpNk

[@wolftimeplusguineapigs3862]

Thank you for this! your taming videos are something every New Guinea pig owner needs to see!

[@jennifersamson9632]

Thank you for doing this video. She is such a gorgeous guinea pig. Your techniques are really great to learn. It is amazing how much calmer she was the 2nd time around.

[@lisamr40]

We were "gifted" a male piggy, who is around 1 year old, back in December. His original owner would just feed him with no other interaction. He was so scared when we would try to pick him up. Treats didn't work cause he was so scared. Now, he finally will eat the treats as soon as we pick him up. It's just the act of trying to get him out of the cage he doesn't like. He still runs around and squeaks and I hate having to chase him. I'm going to try these techniques! Thanks Saskia!!

[@bluebird4805]

Do you have a fleece tunnel or bed? It makes it easier to catch them.

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Have a look at this video for pick up tips kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpyaf6evd7ijpNk

[@lisamr40]

@@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue Thanks Saskia!! I will definitely give these techniques a try!!

[@joannekucks4343]

I like these handling tips. They can’t help it that they are a prey animal. As time goes by get them used to you touching all over their bodies too especially feet, examining ears and opening their mouth. For every guinea pig I’ve had I found that talking to them in a nice tone as if they understand you helps and respond to things they do or say. I like to hand feed little bits of veggies while you’re touching them in front of you. I always use a loud kissing sound to get them to come to me in their cage to get a treat. I always learn something new here! 🥰🐹

[@LU-qr3kh]

Thanks for another great video Saskia!❤❤❤

[@MarrisaPlays]

Saskia I think you would get a kick out of 2 of my piggies. I have 2 sisters one has eye issues she was born with, Sugar, and she seems to mostly be a scared piggie that will lash out occasionally when she's startled or something. Well they are so close Sugar is less scared when Spice is with her, and if Sugar gets angry with a piggie Spice holds a grudge against that piggie for a while. When Spice got Mange and had to be separated for a bit she was so moppy/angry. After the first week of treatment we were still waiting on the bite wounds to heal so we could take her little wrap off, We put Sugar in with her for the duration of the med crate time and Spice was so happy she started doing zoomies and popcorning. They have a very special bond.

[@atreb56]

Wonderful demonstration! You are so talented and calm with Wilding. Thank you for all your work.

[@LauraDora124]

I watched a hand taming technique of yours from a while back, where you put them back in the cage but gently hold onto them until they stop wriggling and trying to dart away. I did that when I first got my boys, and not long later I don’t have to do it at all. One of them just slowly walks away when I put them back (Peeko). The other stands where I put him and waits for strokes, which he lays into as give him scritches (Clay). He’ll get up after a little bit, and one time I put him back and went to walk away and he was still stood there looking at me. I almost forgot the extra strokes! He then went about his day. They always tell me when they are done and want to go back too. Clay tugs my shirt and Peeko starts to quietly teeth chatter and will gently pull my shirt if that doesn’t work. We work together. Most of the time they as easy to pick up and stay still. Occasionally they dart off, so I just gently follow, give them some head scratches and talk to them, which usually changes things and they’ll be picked up without struggle ❤️ If they’re clearly otherwise occupied eating, running around, sleeping etc, I don’t force them out if I don’t need to. It’s only if they’re just chilling or coming over to say hi. It definitely seems like they sometimes appear to ask for a cuddle.

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Oh I love hearing that! You obviously did it totally the right way!!

[@LauraDora124]

@@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue Thank you, that means a lot 🥰

[@jaytucker8834]

That was brilliant Saskia, I still have 3 very skittish girls. They are now used to me being, and moving around in the room with them and will bravely take food from my hand. This is now my next step. Thank you so much for this very informative session. As always, you're a ray of sunshine 🌅 in everything piggie

[@ebmage8793]

This is great. Ive had my 2 girls for 6 months and they are very comfortable with me but they still get scared of being picked up. That makes me scared too and then there's a vicious cycle. I'll try this technique because it will be training me as well as training them to be picked up and handled

[@bro9654]

Theyll prolly be like that for as long as they live my pigs are like that but wants there safe in my hands they feel fine

[@vaespor]

saskia you are an angel to all piggies everywhere ♡♡♡

[@kaliosullivan4005]

We can't wait to adopt from your wonderful rescue.

[@fosteringguineapigs3830]

Something I like to do with my “wild guinea pig” is syringe feed them while I am handling them. Not only does the pig get something tasty but it also helps you work on syringe feeding in case if any illnesses.

[@casceh36]

What do you feed them for this? Just wet pellets? Or something else? I have a very food motivated wild boy, this might help him.

[@fosteringguineapigs3830]

@@casceh36 I use the food supliment from shirwood. But mushing up some pellets or even mixing in some apple sauce as a treat would work 😊

[@stevnated]

I had to syringe feed one of my pigs several times a day for a week before he started eating on his own again. We really bonded over that. He wasn't so friendly before, but afterwards we had a special relationship for sure. I fed him Critical Care by Oxbow, it is a miracle food.

[@fosteringguineapigs3830]

@@stevnated I totally agree with you that syringe feeding a sick pig creates such a special bond.

[@ihavemadeamisnake]

we got a guinea pig like 6 weeks ago from an ad online. she turned out to be pregnant and by the time we suspected she was she had popped. We spoil our guineas so everyone is doing well.

[@Lach1_]

PLEASE seperate the males and females after a while, otherwise you will have more than you can handle sooner than you think. And try not to blindly shop animals online

[@theboujieproletariat]

@@Lach1_ how about instead of criticising you encourage her

[@Lach1_]

@@theboujieproletariat I can try to educate but I don't want to encourage a potential breeding situation. Sorry if it came across as rude but people got to know

[@theboujieproletariat]

@@Lach1_ it’s just frustrating because there is absolutely no reason not to buy a guinea pig from an online advert. I got my 2 from an ad on a facebook group - a lady in a similar situation had been given a pig by a friend, told it was a bit fat, then it gave birth (so basically this “friend” palmed a pregnant pig on to her). The lady had to give away the babies. I took 2. People who take guinea pigs from adverts aren’t necessarily clueless. In some places this is the only place to get one- there aren’t rescues everywhere. Its really hard to tell if a pig is fat or pregnant sometimes... I rescued for years and couldn’t always tell. Just give people the benefit of the doubt and spread awareness gently, people will appreciate and learn

[@jayem7208]

Thanks Saskia, I have a pig that you've described exactly, skitish and wheeks to escape. I'm excited to try this with her ☺️

[@pyenygren2299]

Wildling is a strong and tough girl.

[@loub.2992]

Awww Wildling is just so so sweet. Thank you for sharing these tips. xx

[@ladydabbs8703]

This video was so helpful. I have 3 beautiful girlies that I rescued and I can't wait to use this technique to strengthen our bond. Love your channel and Wildling is stunning!💜🐹💜

[@ElianaChinea]

Thank you for this! My boys are getting tamer by the day! More videos like this would be great

[@danaondrackova3431]

I always forget your intro is SO.DAMN.LOUD! and my two princesses get crazy from that wheeking sounds, looking for other piggies to play with :D

[@lunarglow75898]

That is really informative!! I'm going to take in two male guinea pig a dad and his son from my best friends, so if they are skittish i will be able to use that technic on them to help them be more confortable with me! Thank you for sharing you knowledge!!

[@shirleyq3023]

She is a cutie 🥰

[@bellasmella2201]

Thank you so much Saskia! I really appreciate this video because it has worked so well on my pigs! I hope to see this become a series with other helpful techniques!

[@scottymaxwell8205]

thank you for this, Saskia. i have 2 guinea pigs and one lets me scratch his head but the other is too skiddish. this looks simple and i will try. btw keep up the great work.

[@naomijenkins1100]

This honestly made me cry, I’ve had my two boys for a couple of weeks now and they’re so terrified of me and won’t even eat or come out of hiding when I’m in the room, I’ve been feeling so helpless and lost for what to do because I feel so awful trying To grab them, this video made me realise it just takes time and work and in a short Time they will come to trust me, I have hope Now and I’m so excited to try this with my babies

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

How did it go??

[@RunnyBabbitMom]

That means one of my guinea pigs is getting comfortable with me after three weeks❣️ Tonight during our snuggle time one of them ate a carrot out of my hand.

[@Dudesgirl1cv]

Please more videos.... can’t wait for those too

[@NeurospicyJenn]

This is fantastic!! My two piggies were young when we got them just a month or so ago. They were abandoned with their parents and other full grown siblings. We adopted two female piggies and they don't want to be touched at all. They sniff my hand and come to me when I feed them but do not want picked up. I'll try this! Thank you for posting this!! 💜

[@GageD10]

She is SO adorable

[@RAZ8CAR]

This is perfect. I was just about to start taming my guinea pigs :)

[@mszoomy]

She's beautiful! Thanks for the tips. Took me forever to take my girl with the Aby-tude, mostly because I didnt push it. I felt like if she didn't want cuddles or pets, I wasn't going to push it. Then her buddy died a few months into covid and I needed to give her more attention. Once I started actually working with her it happened quickly. Now she's 99% tame. Still not a fan of being picked up when she's in her cage but if she's on the floor or on my bed, she'll crawl right onto my arm to be picked up.

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Wow - yes the work works!!!

[@christinehaslam9480]

This is amazing!!! I have 2 that are super skiddish... I'm going to work with them... Thank you for showing how💞

[@amelie.geeson]

I’m grieving my 19 year old cat passing away yesterday and my lone guinea pig also grieving her cage mate which dies two weeks ago so we are finding comfort in each other and looking for ways to bond. I definitely don’t want to rush to get a new cage mate for her until I know both she and I are ready and this video definitely will help I’m sure and I love your sweater Saskia ❤️ wild thing really wanted to run into your sleeve but you did a great job in calming her

[@Cindykaholoaa]

This helps a lot! I will try this on my piggies 😄

[@erikajudith1208]

I love this. I will definitely do it. Thank you so much!

[@xGroteskx]

OMGosh. So cute~ been watching your vids for some time and I really want to own a guinea pig! Is it possible to adopt one from you even though I live in Canada?

[@melodywiercinski2194]

Awww the poor girl guineapig is like oh ok what's going on here❤️🦋🐞

[@tlomax2768]

Thanks Saskia, Me and my daughter adopted 2 Abyssinian female pigs one 5 months and one 8 months.

[@laurad70]

Thanks Saskia!! Such great tips!! She's such a pretty girl piggie too!! We have 2 bonded boys, one of which, Chunky, only likes his mommy, my daughter lol I'll try these steps with Chunky this weekend!!

[@DD-lm1vl]

I tried the once and my guinea pig is already less scared of me. Hell actually eat in peace when I walk by now instead of running lol thank you sm!

[@leahtreck1083]

Aloha Saskia,my goodness, you are truly an amazing and beautiful woman, inside and out.You have a heart as big as the world💖.Thank you so very much for your wonderfully informative Piggie Videos🐹❣️.

[@michaelenemakoutz1437]

Thank you for this. I have three and two are starting to calm down, but one is so skittish. Great timing for me.

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Did you try it.?

[@michaelenemakoutz1437]

@@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue yes thank you. I am working with her and she seems to be responding. She is stubborn though.

[@L96OZZ]

I have a herd of 21 and then an additional two males that are separate of course. My herd of sows is pretty wild but I can catch them when it’s nail trim or deworm time. I enjoy sitting with them in the middle of the floor and they all like to sit around me and hang out, they just would rather not be held which is fine with me. Love these techniques though, I will certainly use them.

[@starrynyte158]

I'm adopting 2 girls next week and their foster mom says they are still a little skittish. Can't wait to use this info to work with them

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

How did it go?

[@johnrowen4604]

I just had to re home my Guinea pigs because my . roommate is allergic to the bedding . I have been sad since I re homed them . So watching this helps me cope

[@alphabetmafia_0116]

I’m sorry that you had to do that, next time maybe you can switch over to fleece bedding!

[@MT-dy3cg]

I received my Guinea pig as a rescue, from a house with kids who unfortunately weren't too careful with her, and learning to know her and respect her times has been a challenge (a rewarding one, still). Her companion came from a local small pet store and her flightiness is even worse. Just wanted to say, you are an inspiration, and every time I feel insecure about something, I come back to your videos. Thank you so much for doing this for the babies and for all of us guinea parents out there.

[@noraraeafm]

Oh she's so beautiful 🥺

[@sianthomas5941]

Brilliant! Thanks so much Saskia. Great advice as always. Love your videos. Thanks so much for all your hard work xxx

[@chuckmateIWIN]

Great stuff saskia!

[@shmotheslowmo7228]

Your videos are so much better than all the others I have seen.. this one youtuber girl has a small heard an was saying some just won't let you pet them wait an they'll get used to you and accept you as there human even tho they won't let you pet them. I found that goofy! I feel that's just a excuse to be lazy and not put the work into properly tame them!

[@LetsNotForgetThis]

This has helped so much with the baby we’ve just adopted! Thanks for all your help!!

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Yah - tell us some more!

[@wildkittyryn6204]

i just got both my piggies today, they’re sisters, ones white and ones spotted. The white one is so sweet and lets you grab her easily, the spotted one is very territorial over her bed space. she bites her sister when she gets near her, i’m hoping it’s just because they moved to a new house and they’re nervous. the spotted one is also more anxious and scared than her sister which is confusing because they grew up together but she seams scared of EVERYTHING

[@Scoutommy13]

Lol my piggies go wild for your intro

[@ashleyallen6479]

Thank you! I also have to say that your sweater is awesome!

[@RigmorTalonbeard]

My guinea pigs always go crazy for your intro

[@PurpleHonee]

We have one girl who is easily handled, but her sister is so skittish. I understand now why she won't eat since she's scared. I'll be trying this. I always felt like I was stressing her by handling her while she panicked. Thank you for demonstrating.

[@lypagan3774]

Thank you Saskia :D Like always, very educational and interesting.

[@Jane-lp8so]

Beautiful tulips...cheers

[@rozathorn]

Beautiful piggy! Thank you this video was very helpful.

[@Paperbird76]

I am going to give this a try! hope I will be able to pick up my pigs for a checkup without any of the screaming and flailing soon! 😁

[@sherriepettry8982]

I love the long hair on these babies! I want one!

[@alexiswaller3065]

Wow what cutie she reminds of the king's road blitz kids

[@Smokyjohnson1983]

Awwwww Wildling... why “wheek wheek?” ❤️❤️❤️

[@1Jake.e]

she's beautiful I want to add her to my herd but sadly I'm too far away

[@CozyColoring-forYou]

Guinea pigs are the cutest!!!

[@DawnOldham]

I SO need this. I was doing just great with my baby using slow movements and a gentle voice, several times a day, but during the introduction to the older male, I messed up and scared the baby and I’m having to start all over again. He is only five weeks old and HE was the aggressor! He was chasing my ten month old who is three times bigger than him! Little Cedric was humping Buckey over and over again! It seems I scared the baby when I stopped him every time. I don’t have the means to put them in side by side cages, so I sat there for four hours watching them get acquainted. No blood was drawn and now after five days together in one very large DIY C&C cage, they prefer to be in the same house, even though I set them up with two. But I now have a baby who runs from me and have some taming work to do over again. (And I didn’t know about this taming technique for my ten month old- so I will start with him, also.) 😢

[@user-uh5qr1mb1o]

I've read that it's better not to stop them, so they naturally work out their power arrangement. Supposedly it can resolve faster and more permanently if you don't stop them--as long as there's no danger and they're not hurting each other, "drawing blood," etc, of course you want to prevent that. But some dominance-humping is harmless. My girls argue and it's hard for me not to interfere but I think it's better when I don't. I'm not an expert, though. Just thought this info might be helpful to you, take it or leave it =)

[@HiveMistress]

Going to try these sometime, thank you. :)

[@TraysNailDesigns]

When will be seeing more techniques. Thank you for the videos they are super useful

[@jopo6855]

Thank you Saskia, it was very helpful 👍 best wishes from Germany

[@rosemarywatson2907]

Thank you Saskia. I love guinea pigs. We have one that kisses me all the time and wants to be held long times. She loves pellets spring greens and carrots and a nice apple. I really appreciate you videos.

[@chyname]

Thank you for the video I had a guinea pig over a year she is not tamed at all. I tamed her sister pretty well with our other technique , but it didn't work with the other because she fights . I will definitely give this technique a try.

[@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue]

Did you try??

[@chyname]

@@LosAngelesGuineaPigRescue I have tried it once so far , I got a few pets in , she is still scared . I still can't pick her up without a fight , however I plan on working on her about a week see if she calms down .

[@yvonnehickey6291]

She is very pretty ❤

[@toriavalentine3668]

Only 1 out of my 3 guinea pigs are tamed, he's pretty odd for a guinea pig lol since I got him as a baby he has no fear or anxiety. He doesnt use his chew toys, isn't destructive, LOVES pets, likes meeting new people, and wheeks/popcorns like crazy! He's always at the cage door demandanding attention. I can even rough him up for fun sometimes and he just popcorns and acts silly 😂 my other 2 would FLIP shit and cry like crazy if I did that to them, they're basket cases

[@AnaAndreaXoxo]

I don't have guinea pigs currently, just bunnies but I love watching your vids. 🌸

[@vickywhite8586]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@albazarzotortajada1600]

OMG! My piggies with bit me already...I am going to try this! Hope it will work. Thank you!

[@ciqte9550]

Its been one month later hows your guinea pig been doing

[@kamayalomax8354]

This has nothing to do with the piggies, but I love your name!