anti-social

Question
I have heard that a GP can tell when their owner is coming by the sound of their footsteps, which I think is true, my GP (actually my daughters) gets excited when I walk towards or by her cage, I am the main feeder of the pets and she knows that.  However if I reach into the cage without food she will run from me, and not let me touch her, my husband on the other hand can reach right in and pick her up.  We have had her for over a year and it is frustrating because my daughter can not play with her outside of the cage when my husband is gone to work.  Any idea's?

Answer
Heidi --

Good question.  Guinea pigs will run away (as if startled) from everyone at the beginning -- this is because they are normally prey, and they view you as a predator.  It takes a lot of persistence to catch them, especially at first.  However, if you persist, (chasing her with your hand) until you catch her, eventually she will give up.  You may have more trouble now, since you let her get away with it for so long, but you'll just have to be persistent.  Use both hands if necessary, but corner her and pick her up.  You'll have to do it pretty often, but eventually she will realize you're not out to hurt her and it will get easier to catch her.

Hope this is helpful -- sorry if it's a little garbled.  If you have any more questions, or if you need clarification, please feel free to contact me again.  Good luck!

Lorena