Human-Guinea Pig Interactions
In loving memory of Niffy, who as an elderly piggy, spent the remainder of his life being lovingly cared for at The Same Star Sheep Sanctuary, UK.
Sometimes people think of interacting with animals as handling them but you don't need to hold a guinea pig to interact with them. When I call my piggies' names, they come over to see me; they are very observant and aware of their environment. Guinea pigs are curious about us, they learn quickly and are considerate with their actions. My piggies sit or stand on my feet - Belle in particular will paw my leg to get my attention (see below), or they choose to sit next to me resting on my feet, or near me, chilling out whilst I am working, chattering away to each other and to me - they are wonderful company! Interactions involving the free will/choice of your guinea pigs are so rewarding.
This is a short clip of Belle nestled next to and partially on my foot. Belle does not like being handled but she often chooses to be in very close proximity or contact with me, she loves to sit near me when I'm on the phone. This is lovely because it is her choice, I am not making her do anything. Due to health conditions, I have spent a significant amount of time in very close proximity to Belle. She has became very attuned to my intent, listening to and observing me, following hand directions, and waiting for me when I need to get something for her. Likewise, I have learnt to listen to and observe her to understand her health and feelings. Over time we seem to have developed a type of interspecies understanding - if you're interested in this subject, check out writing about 'knowing' in multispecies families by Niloofar Solhjoo or 'When Animals Speak' by Eva Meijer.
Rosie and Belle will sit near me, chilling while I read. Sometimes I read aloud to them, which they seem to like, settling down in a comfortable position near me. In fact this may be a good way to familiarise your piggies with your voice and presence, helping them build trust in you.
Handling Guinea Pigs
Sometimes handling is necessary of course, and you may need to familiarise your guinea pigs with being handled, so that it isn't so scary, such as when they need veterinary check ups and giving medical treatment. Some guinea pigs don't like being handled, so we can try to make it less stressful for them; they may not have been handled during the sensitive 'window' when they were very little, or may have experienced rough handling in their life, remaining fearful of being picked up. The action of being 'picking up' can be very scary for some piggies so handle them with compassion and gentleness.
You may find that your piggies flee on sight of oncoming hands - perhaps this ends up leading to chasing? This is stressful for both you and the piggies. I don't like lifting their houses to pick them up because I prefer to keep their 'refuges' exactly that. Annette Pedersen, Copenhagen Zoo, has spoken in the past about the importance of reducing handling stress for guinea pigs; the education team developed a new approach. To facilitate picking up, firstly always ensure guinea pigs will be safe and secure when being picked up; make sure they cannot fall e.g. children sitting on the floor with legs crossed helps. A couple of approaches to facilitate picking up are given below.
Helpful approaches
1) Use of a pet carrier: over a period of time you can familiarise your piggies with a carrier.
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You can start by leaving it open for them to just pop in and out every day.
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Then let them see how it feels closed, but with some food inside to distract them. Training treats such as small pieces of healthy veggies (always check manufacturer feeding guidelines) are helpful to offer your piggies when they choose to go in the carrier.
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After some time when they become more familiar with the carrier, you can start to introduce them to gentle stroking and the feeling of hands being around them, while talking in a reassuring manner.
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Then you can slowly advance to gently picking them up, slowly and carefully. Make sure their bottom and front are both supported, bringing them to a safe, secure position.
2) Creating a smaller area within a Cubes and Correx (C and C) set up.
'C and C' set ups are a type of accommodation for guinea pigs. The set up uses grids and connectors, which are great for adjusting accommodation shape and size.
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You can start by allowing your piggies to enter the area with some food there.
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Then introduce your hands in the area whilst they are there.
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Try initiating gentle stroking.
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Then, using care, this smaller area can be closed with the extra grid. Put food to help distract piggies.
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Once again try putting in hands, next gently stroking.
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Then move on to gentle hands around the body to get them used to this.
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Watch the short clip below. Always ensure they are in a secure, safe position.
Listening to our piggies during handling
While handling guinea pigs, I listen to them and modify my behaviour accordingly. An example is when they need to pee while you are holding them. I have found that piggies will tell you that they need to pee (in my experience they don't like peeing on people, which shows awareness of others) - they will start making little, urgent noises and start to fidget. On this signal, I put them down to do their business. In my experience, when you are handling guinea pigs, they tell you with vocalisations and possibly head-pushing, when they have had enough. When they give these signals, to minimise their stress, I will try to finish up what I am doing (i.e., washing or medical treatment), as soon and as safely as I can.
In the case of medical treatment, sometimes we need to give medication by syringe. Piggies will sometimes take medication without any problem, sometimes without even handling them; other times a towel or fleece in a 'burrito' style wrap around the piggy's body will help (see below). Veterinary nurses at your veterinary clinic can show you how to do this. It is really helpful to observe how your guinea pigs react to medication. It may be that they don't want to take an antibiotic because it tastes bad, but it could also mean that they don't react well to a medication and pushing it away is their only way of telling you. Their behaviour may indicate that the medication is causing an adverse reaction and may well be the reason why they were very reluctant to take it. Observe their behaviour after administration such as their breathing pattern. Always ask your vet when guinea pig behaviour flags a concern. Animal agency can help us identify an issue.
'Burrito' style wraps
Giving medication can be stressful for piggies, they may try to turn around or get away. This makes it more difficult, so it takes longer - the guinea pig in the meantime is getting more anxious. In these cases, a towel or other suitable material can be used to wrap around the guinea pig's body, each side neatly folded over the body, which you can see in the image here - Belle is wrapped up in a towel, with the towel sides folded over her. Be careful it is not too tight, just snug; the 'burrito' wrap is just for the purpose that piggies cannot quickly turn around, medication is given quickly, then the wrap is released.
