caring for my 2 guinea pigs

Question
What do I do to stop making them so scared? I pet them from time to time and pick them up to show affection. Sometimes they act like it's ok, but a lot of times they are terrified. Also, they keep using the bathroom in their food bowl. I have to change thier food out 2 to 3 times a day to allow them to have clean food. What do I do? I give them snacks. A lot of times they seem to only want to eat them, not their food. Should I stop giving snacks? I don't know much about guinea pigs, but I just want to take care of them to the best of my ability. Also how can I entertain them. They seem so bored. Thank you.  

Answer
Hi Sarah. Sometimes guinea pigs will run away from being picked up if they need a wee.

With regard to going to the toilet in their food bowl, try putting some hay in the corner of the cage to encourage them to go there.

Try to give them fresh veg every day as I'm sure they will definately eat this. Keep giving the odd snack or treat. You might also want to try altering the brand of food. I use "Gerty Guinea Pig".

To entertain them, give them things to run in and out of like plastic tubes. However, you will find that they don't do much during the day, they tend to come alive at evening time.

Hope this helps, but please come back to me if I have not answered any of your questions.

andy