How to Get Your Guinea Pig to Trust You

Last Updated: November 22, 2022 References Approved

Guinea pigs make great pets. They can be lots of fun and are fairly low-maintenance. But as with any animal, you need to put in some effort to cultivate your relationship. Whether this guinea pig is a new member of your household or one you just haven't bonded with yet, you need to establish a good relationship with your pet. Trust is one of the most important elements in the relationship between pet and owner. There are many steps you can take to get your guinea pig to trust you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Bonding With Your Guinea Pig

1
Feed him to earn trust. One of the best ways to earn your guinea pig's trust is by feeding him healthy foods. In addition to hay and pellets, hand-feed veggies, and fruits on occasion as well. Doing this at regular intervals will cause your guinea pig to associate you and your scent with his favorite things to eat.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Fruit and sweeter vegetables are an ideal snack to give your guinea pig. Try feeding him a slice of banana or apple once a day, or a piece of bell pepper. Guinea pigs have different food preferences, just like people. Try different types of fruit and vegetables until you find the one that seems to make your pet the happiest. All should be fed by hand. Doing this at regular intervals will cause your guinea pig to associate you with food and care.
2
Hold him properly. You'll want to give your guinea pig plenty of attention, which means you should be very comfortable holding him. A supportive but gentle hold is best. Pick him up with one hand under his belly, and one supporting his bottom. Hold him close to your body, especially when moving around.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- The key to a successful hold is to make sure your guinea pig feels secure. He will have a harder time trusting you if he is afraid of falling. Hold him securely, but loosely enough that he is still comfortable. This includes supporting his rump to get rid of that 'falling' feeling.
Advertisement
3
Spend quality time with your guinea pig. It's not enough simply to be in the same room with your guinea pig while they are in their cage. To effectively bond with your guinea pig, make sure to spend time with them by removing them from their confined area. Take some time each day to pay attention to your guinea pig while they have the freedom to move around.
- Guinea pigs love to play hide and seek. When you are playing with your pig out of the cage, place several empty paper sacks around the room. Place treats in some of them, and watch your pet have fun exploring!^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet when they're on the move. They could easily search out several good hiding places, and you don't want to lose them.
- When approaching your guinea pig for playtime, offer them a small treat. They will begin to associate positive incentives with spending time with you.
4
Have conversations. Talking to your guinea pig is a great way to bond with them. Guinea pigs are social creatures, and they love attention. Place your pet's cage in a room where you spend a lot of time—maybe your living room or home office. Talk to your guinea pig throughout the day. It may seem strange at first, but you will probably come to enjoy having somebody to talk to who will never disagree with your opinions. Guinea pigs make great listeners!^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Use your guinea pig's name frequently. By using their name, your pet will learn when you are specifically talking to them. They'll learn to look forward to the special attention.
5
Understand guinea pig behavior. To earn your guinea pig's trust, you should spend some time learning to understand the characteristics of these pets. Typically, they are smart, sensitive, and have a lot of energy. Pay attention to your pet's habits, so that you can learn their likes and dislikes. For example, learning the specific spots they like to have scratched will go a long way towards earning their trust.
- Guinea pigs are highly social and they love company. Consider getting a companion for your pet. It's not much harder to care for two guinea pigs instead of one. And it can make it easier on them when you aren't constantly there to give them the attention and socialization they require.
- Don't worry if your guinea pig does not immediately respond to your affections. As with any animal, it can take time to earn a guinea pig's trust.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Caring for Your Guinea Pig

1
Be prepared to bring your pet home. Before you bring your guinea pig to your house for the first time, make sure that you have everything you need. Take care to have a comfortable home created for them. You should also have plenty of food on hand for your new companion.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- A good water bottle is one of the most important items you will need for your new pet. Ask the pet store to recommend a brand. A good water bottle will provide your guinea pig with the supply of fresh and clean water they need without any leaks.^{[6]
  X
  Research source}
2
Create a pleasant and safe space. Most cages that are marketed for guinea pigs are too small. You should look for a larger cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. This might mean that you purchase a cage that is intended for another animal. That's okay, don't worry about the name of the product. ^{[7]
X
Trustworthy Source
The Humane Society of the United States
National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
Go to source}
- If you can't find an appropriate cage, you can make your own. A good suggestion could be a C&C cage, which is spacious and affordable. Plus, you can customise the cage!
- Make it interesting. Guinea pigs like to move around, so try to find a cage that includes ramps and different levels.
- Include bedding. Guinea pigs like to nest and burrow, so make sure that they have the material to do so. Pine and cedar shavings, though widely sold, are not good for small animals, because of chemicals. Instead, ask the pet store for a paper-based bedding product, or use fleece with some type of absorbent liner underneath.
3
Be aware the best food for a guinea pig is grass or good quality hay. Feed this as the number one constituent of the diet. Also, you can offer a small amount (no more than they can eat in 20 minutes) of good quality extruded food. The latter is a pellet that is milled so that each nugget looks identical which stops the guinea pig from selectively eating the tasty bits and leaving the healthier parts. Feeding a diet of entirely pellets leads either to obesity or to the guinea pig's teeth overgrowing.
- Your guinea pig should be eating a few servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C so you must supplement their diet, as pellets are not enough. Some pig-safe vegetables are kale, romaine lettuce, carrot, celery (strings removed) spinach, parsley, and cilantro. Keep in mind that some different vegetables will have different limitations on how much you can feed them per week. Fruits are sugary but can be fed once every week. Apples (seeds removed), blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana, oranges, peaches (pits removed) and cherry (pits removed) are fruits that you can try. You can look online for more safe veggies and fruits. Remember to feed organic if you can, and always, always, always wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly with water before feeding. Remove any food remains after 4 hours to prevent bacteria buildup. ^{[8]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  The Humane Society of the United States
  National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare
  Go to source}
4
Keep her clean. Generally, your guinea pig will be able to bathe itself. But every three months (or if she gets particularly dirty), you can bathe it. Place her in the bathroom sink, on top of a washcloth. Gently scoop room temperature water over the guinea pig and rub it in.
- Use a small amount of shampoo and work it into a lather in your guinea pig's fur. Then gently but thoroughly rinse.
- Just bathe your guinea pig's body, not her head. You don't want to get water in her eyes.
- Gently pat your pet dry with a clean, soft towel.
5
Maintain his health. Your guinea pig should see his vet once every year. Your vet can make sure that he is at a healthy weight and is not showing any signs of illness. Make sure to use a vet who thoroughly and patiently answers all of your questions.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source}
- Take your guinea pig to the vet anytime they show signs of illness or significant changes in behavior.
6
Know the costs. Before you bring home a guinea pig (or two) make sure that you have factored the financial costs into your budget. You'll need to purchase food, a cage, bedding, and a water bottle. Don't forget to add in occasional trips to the vet. Annual guinea pig care costs between $500-$800.^{[10]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty
Go to source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Appreciating Your Pet

1
Value his company. Animals can read moods. So if you want your guinea pig to trust you and value you, you should reciprocate. Make sure to think about the value that having a pet adds to your life. Isn't it nice to have company when no one else is around? The more you appreciate your guinea pig, the more it will show.
2
Let your kids help with the guinea pig. Pets are a great way to help your kids learn responsibility. Guinea pigs are an ideal first pet for your children to be around. Have your kids help you feed the guinea pig, and teach them to clean the cage. You, your children, and the guinea pig will all benefit from this arrangement.
3
Enjoy health benefits. People who have pets are known to be healthier than non-pet owners, in some respects. Guinea pigs provide the same perks as having a cat or dog. Owning a guinea pig can help prevent symptoms of depression and can also lower your blood pressure.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Can you cuddle with a guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Absolutely, and most friendly guinea pigs who are used to their owner actively enjoy a cuddle. If your pig is wriggly, then take precautions such as sitting on the floor and using a towel so their claws don't scratch you. That way you're less likely to drop them if they do something unexpected.
Question

What does it mean when a guinea pig bites you?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Guinea pigs have poor eyesight and detect their food by touch and smell. It may be the guinea pig mistakenly bit your hand thinking you had food. Alternatively, a frightened or anxious guinea pig may bite if they have learned that biting makes you take your hand away.
Question

How do you bond with your guinea pig?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

This is all about winning their trust and helping them realize you aren't going to hurt them. You can do a lot worse than to simply sit beside the hutch and read to a guinea pig in a quiet voice. If the pig becomes curious and pops out of the shelter to investigate, praise them quietly and offer a treat. If the pig is nervous, simply drop the treat in (while speaking) or offer it on the end of a wooden spoon. Before long, the pig will link the goodie to your voice and bond with you.

Warnings

Although guinea pigs at first may feel threatened and nibble on your clothes or hands when you hold them, they are not trying to hurt you and they just feel scared. Put them down and try again when they are calmer.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 104 Not Helpful 4
Use caution when handling any animal.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 76 Not Helpful 17