Is my guinea pig stressed?

Question
Hello experts, I just recently purchased a boar named Milo he is very small and young. I have had him for about 6 days now. I try and handle him, but he runs away. Today I picked him up and let him explore my bed. As he was walking around Milo peed frantically. As I put him back in his cage he didn't move at all he just stayed in his igloo for a long period of time. My questions are: Is Milo in shock? Is he afraid of me? Will I eventually be able to cuddle with him? Is it normal for this type if behavior to occur when handling a Guinea pig? I would appreciate if this question was answered ASAP to ensure the health of my pet. Thank you very much.
Gerald

Answer
Congratulations on your new pig and yes this is normal behavior. Remember these are prey animals. Animals respond to danger in one of two ways, fight or flight. Cavies are flight animals. Milo is young and is probably just barely weaned from his mother so he is scared and alone. It's natural for him to want to run and hide from the big giant trying to get him.

Some pigs even when they are grown will still make you work to catch them. Once caught they settle right down, and the next time you want to pick them up they will run again. I usually recommend leaving a new pig completely alone and don't handle them for the first week. Let them get used to the new surroundings and smells. But that's hard to do and I understand.

I would also take the igloo out his cage so he doesn't have a hidey hole to escape to. Once he's used to his surroundings he can have it back, but right now it's his crutch and escape mechanism.

Milo will warm up to you soon. He's just frightened and without his mommy. He's not in shock. When you handle him cup your hands around him so he is completely supported. Use your warm breath to gently blow on him and he will feel warm and safe. It's a substitute for hiding under mom. Give him a little time to acclimate and we will be just fine.

One thing you can do is teach him that when you approach he gets a little goody. I mean a LITTLE goodie like a small piece of carrot or lettuce. Don't overdo it. Little ones get upset tummies easily. The idea is that he will know you're the 'food guy.'

You should both be bonded in no time. It's just takes a little patience. Yes he is feeling stress due to the new environment but that will resolve soon.