my guinea pig boars

Question
hi i was told that guinea pigs make fantastic pets but im shocked as both of mine contantly nip and now my daughter scared to touch them - can you advise how i can deal with it or maybe the reason why this is?? i dont want to give them up but if i cant hold them then theyll go wild

Answer
Rachel,

Guinea Pig are fantastic pets, once they know you. Yours are nipping cause they are scared and unsure of their surrounding. It is going to take some training on yours and your daughters part to tame them. Your in luck though, it is so simple and easy to do.

First off when ever you or your daughter happen to be around their cage talk to them. I know it sounds a little weird but Guinea Pigs depend on their sense of hearing to identify others. This will also help in the development of a bond between you all.  

Put two rags in the cage with them, one with your scent on it and the other with your daughter's scent. This will help them recognize you as friend and not foe. Only after they have had the rags in their cage for a few days then while talking to them, stick your hand in the cage and allow them to smell it. Don't have your daughter do this until you know they won't nip. When your sure that they won't nip her, then have her do this also.

After having them smell your hands for a while. Go a head and pet them. Keep talking to them, and tell them no when they nip at you. They are smart and you can teach them behavior training. Such as telling them no for nipping, bitting, and such. By doing this they are able to associate you and your daughter as friends, and this will create and strengthen the bond between you all. Remember to keep talking to them as you do this.

Do that for a few weeks and then do all the steps above when taking them out of their cage. Only do that once they haven't nipped at you for a week. Then when you take them out have a towel handy, put the towel under them and bring the sides of the towel up their sides. This gives them security and keeps them relaxed when being held. As a result they will be less likely to nip and then over time not nip at all.

Remember it is going to take time. But as long as you keep it up every day, things will work out just fine and you'll have two great Guinea Pigs.

   Good Luck to you and I hope everything works out for you.
          Take Care Now,
                    Jules