Guinea Pig taming

Question
Hi Andy, I have had my guinea pigs for 6 months but can't get them particularly tame! They will get food out of my hand once they know I'm not about to eat them. I can sometimes get them without them causing a fuss by lifting them out of the piggie igloo, but they will avoid me at all cost. Is there anything I can do. I know they are fairly skittish animals but I have friends with Guinea's that are tame and let you pet them pick them up. Please help

Answer
Hi Siobhan

The temperament of the animal depends on lots of factors. How often they are handled, their character, where they live etc.

My two best tips are to pick them up by getting down to their level rather than reaching down as this scares them more. Once you have them on your knee have them facing away from you at first and gently massage behind their ears, most piggies love this. The pig can then face you to be petted.

Some pigs though are just more skittish than others, I have a pig like this.

Andy