Traumatized!

Question
My guinea pig hates being held. When I was taking him out of his cage for some floor-time, he leaped from my arms and fell about a foot. He scurried to the corner and started shaking/rocking involuntarily. I was able to coax him to move by offering him a treat. I returned him to his house, and now he has stopped wheeking entirely. His eating habits have not changed at all (aside from him not wheeking during feeding-time. He does, however, still gets on his hind legs to reach for a treat.). I have taken him out once since the traumatizing experiencing to have some floor time, but all he does is hide and defecate (the latter which he has NEVER done outside of his cage). He presents no physical abnormalities. He has always been quite a jittery guinea pig, but has really enjoyed his floor time lately (popcorning about and what not). I purchased him from the pet-store @ ~5-8 months old, and he was the last of the litter...not sure as to whether or not that affects his socialization/inability to bond as well. I feel like I've lost all the time I have spent with him in creating a bond because of his fall!! What's next?

Answer
It doesn't sound like he's suffered any physical injuries and that's a good thing. Some pigs are extra skittish no matter what. It will take a lot of patience and time for him to develop a trust with you. Don't take it personally, it's nothing you've done or have forgotten to do. It's just his personality.

You might try wrapping him in a towel when you're holding him. That seems to give them comfort and a feeling of safety. He's totally protected on all sides and will feel a sense of security. It also prevents him from making these unexpected nose dives out of your arms.

As far as the pooing behavior most pigs seem to drop a few little 'chicklets' everywhere they go. When they're stressed it increases and that's probably why you saw him putting out more droppings after his accident.

When you approach his cage speak out softly so he knows you're approaching. Each time you come near his cage offer him just a small piece of carrot or lettuce. Don't overdo it, you just want him to associate you and food.

It will take some time but eventually he will settle down.