social behavior

Question
i got a new female guinea pig a couple days ago and I'm wondering when i should attempt to pick it up. it's still pretty young but weaned, she's the only guinea pig i currently own and her name is Twix. when i give her kale and cucumbers she licks my hand and will let me pet her, but rarely comes out of her igloo and runs when i enter the room, surrendering to her trusty igloo. i know she's still pretty shaken from the drive up here and adjusting, i just would like to know if it's dangerous or if she'll never want to be held if i try too early. just wondering. thanx.

Answer
Hello Christina,

Go ahead and handle her. The more she is handled the more friendly she will become especially since she is so young. Young pups tend to be a bit jumpy by nature but it usually doesn't take much to win them over, however, it can take a few months for them to stop being quite so hyper. If you don't start handling her, she'll get more and more used to not being handled. She's had enough time to learn her new home and now is a good time to start getting her introduced to the rest of her routine, like handling and floor time. She is still adjusting but she should be ready to have other activities start being introduced. Always be calm when handling her though, if you are too excited or stressed, she'll know and it will make being handled unpleasant. I'm sure you and Twix will be best buddies in no time.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs