What is this twitching?

Question
When I checked on my guinea-pigs today one of them was kind of jumping and turning and twitching. They weren't happy because he was running away from me (as usual). He looked really strange and I was so worried. I wondered whether he had mites because he was scratching and pawing at himself too but he won't let me pick him up to check and to treat him. I've been able to pick him up before but now he won't let me anywhere near him and he also makes a squeaking and grumbling noise too when I go near him. Is he doing the twitching because he is scared?

Answer
Hi Sophie

Mites is more than likely the problem based on what you tell me. You will need to visit your vet to get it treated as the treatment is Ivermectin which is a prescription medecine.

If you can get him to run into a corner you should be able to scoop him up.

Andy