How To Make Your Guinea Pigs Trust You: 5 Best Bonding and Taming Tips
Үй жануарлары мен аңдар
Top tips for how to make your guinea pigs trust you! Trust is an important part of taming and bonding with your piggies, so follow these tips and you will start to see your guinea pigs become more trusting and tame!
00:00 - Guinea pig taming general advice
01:29 - Tip 1, Guinea pig housing. Guinea pigs kept indoors in an open cage will be easier to bond with. For more on indoor cages vs hutches: • Why I Keep Guinea Pigs...
02:25 - Tip 2, use sound to tame them? Hearing is one of the most important senses for guinea pigs, along with smell. Just spending time by their cage and talking to them will help them learn to trust you. This is the first step to taming and a great place to start if you have new, scared or young guinea pigs. For more on settling in new guinea pigs, see this video: • Terrified Guinea Pigs?...
03:35 - Tip 3, food is your best friend! Yep, guinea pigs LOVE food, so spend time with them whenever you bring them tasty treats such as vegetables. Practice hand feeding regularly by offering food in and out of the cage. If your piggies are very skittish, try these three hand feeding methods, at 05:14 in the video.
06:31 - Tip 4, build up to handling slowly. It is very rare for guinea pigs to tolerant being picked up without struggling at all. See how I pick up Willow and Lyra using different methods in the video. Also check out the full lap time video here: • Guinea Pig Lap Time Ro...
07:44 - Tip 5, understand your guinea pig’s behaviour. Guinea pigs are sociable herd animals, with a wide range of behaviours. Research what different behaviours and sounds mean when you are bonding with your piggies. This will help you learn what they do and don’t like.
08:58 - Don't forget this!
We hope you found this video useful! If you did, please leave a like and comment below, and visit our channel for more guinea pig care videos.
SQUEAK DREAMS LINKS:
Facebook: / squeakdreams
Instagram: squeak_drea...
My Etsy shop with guinea pig cosy beds: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SqueakDr...
My website is now live! www.squeakdreams.com
Find links to all guinea pig related products I use and recommend in my regularly updated Amazon Storefronts! I receive a very small commission from items bought using my storefront links (thank you!).
Storefront UK: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/squeakd...
Storefront US: www.amazon.com/shop/squeakdreams
Like the music in my videos? Get a free 30 day trial to Epidemic Sound here:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Пікірлер: 285
Hi Sarah, I watched this video soon after you put it up yesterday and just tried the hand lying flat technique with my most skittish girl and it really worked a treat. I actually can't believe I didn't think of it before! Thanks so much for all of your informative videos; I rehomed 2 piggies around a month ago now having not owned any since I was a teen (I'm now a 30 year old mum of 2 under 2 🤭) and I must have watched every single video of yours before they came here! ♥️
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your lovely comment! I'm so glad the hand flat technique worked for you!! And congrats on owning piggies again! ❤
@wachthis900
3 жыл бұрын
Only one reply
@Maggotnomnomnom
2 жыл бұрын
I got a guinea pig today and she is only 8weeks old and I already love her🥰 and so far she going... good and she is mine and her name is chocolate and I pick her up and and be very gentle.and we only have one so...I spend most of my time with her and she is just the softest thing ever😊
@sweet_citrus
2 жыл бұрын
@@Maggotnomnomnom I’m so happy for you, I’m still trying to find an breeder 😂😂😂 chocolate is an wonderful name to! ♥️♥️♥️
@patriciabudd8033
Жыл бұрын
I have a cuy and another Guinea pigs about four months ago both boys my cuy wants to escape all the time how can I do floor time with them if they want to get away
Thank you for raising your voice about how guinea pigs are valued and deserve love and respect! They are sentient beings, much the same as humans are! ❤
The hand feeding one is so true! I think it's the first sign of a new/baby guinea pig coming around, and so special, that first time when they willingly take food from you. 🥬🐹❤️
@laurenw.3656
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! We've had our young boars for a few weeks now, and just this week they started taking food from our hands. My 5 y.o. daughter was especially excited. It's so cute and it's an awesome feeling knowing they're getting more comfortable around us!
@MillsSkits
2 жыл бұрын
@@laurenw.3656 Aw, Lauren! I hope you and your family enjoy your new little ones. I recently adopted a boar pup, and was so happy when he started being willing to eat from my hand, too. It's so wonderful to see them come around! :)
I just got my guinea pigs today, and I knew it was going to be hard to get them to get used to me, and yet I still felt utterly defeated because they seem deadly afraid of me, terrified and either freezing up like a statue or running away and around like crazy. I've got quite some work to do, but am happy to hear that them being (seemingly) petrified is normal/common. I will try out these tips for sure!
I have a little song that I sing whenever I feed my guinea pigs, and it is adorable because they are so excited when they hear that melody!
really encouraging that ur guinea pig took super long to trust you because my guinea pigs are 3 and like they’re just… not having it 😂
@sativasimpson9589
2 жыл бұрын
same!! mine are a little over 1, and came home at the same time. one is sort of okay with m picking him up after running a few times but the other one is DETERMINED to get away
So glad to here it takes a LONG time to get cuddly with you. Mine are 4 and 5 months and still run when I try to take them out of the cage for floor time even though they know food is coming. I talk to them all the time and hand feed a little before giving them the bowl so hoping it will just take a little longer before it’s easier to take them out. ♥️ thanks for the tips
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! Yes, handling especially is one thing that can take years! Cuddling during lap time will hopefully come soon, but with a lot of piggies they'll always run from being picked up, until they get old and give up caring 😅
@kingstonsmith7694
2 жыл бұрын
When I have lap time with my Piggy's should I cuddle with them one at a time or both of them at a time
I found I did this with my pigs just on my own when bonding with them. They started picking up that my footsteps from my bedroom in the morning usually mean food and that it’s me and I found myself just talking to them during feeding time and they recognize certain words/routines. They even learned a few tricks! I taught them how to spin and give me their paw during floor time.
when i go to feed my guinea pigs, i usually greet them to let them know im there by saying " Hi, boys!! '' in a high-ish tone, theyve taken to realise this means they're getting food, so they get exited. 🥰
Phoebe and Roxy have gotten so big! Willow has too but- wow!!
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
They are bunters! 😂
@memypetsandi3647
3 жыл бұрын
Hi
@b.harrington9705
2 жыл бұрын
Hi little kingdom I am 1 of your subs
Ive only had my piggies for 1 month, they already trust me ❤❤❤
Got my boys yesterday giving them plenty of peace and space
I know this video is a year old but I just wanted to commend you for building a channel around Guinea pigs and their care. This was really well made and very informative. I’ve always wanted my pigs to be more comfortable around me and I’ve had them for a year and the slow progress was discouraging. Thank you for emphasizing how long it can take. Definitely subscribing!
Honestly I had a guinea pig when I was little and I just held her and even took naps with her and we had a great bond for life so idk about years it’s how much you handle the,
Thanks for the tips!
U bring such quality and info in your videos! Keep it up 🥰also very cute piggies
Thank you so much I'm just starting out with my piggies so I'm binge watching your videos to learn how to be a good piggie mummy :)
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
Awh that makes me so happy to read thank you!!
Aww thank you I love your advice and as a new piggy owner your just covering all the right questions ❤ thank you 🙏
Love the videos New Guinea pig owner and love them!!!!!
Thank you for making the video. It is direct and informative. I will definitely share it with other guinea pig parents.
i’ve had guinea pigs for about two months now and i feel bad for not playing with them but they’re too afraid so i’m gonna try this!
Thank you for the tips. We have just got 2 guinea pigs and will use your tips to help settle them in.
*They are so cute !! Very informative, thank you😁*
Thanks for the info! Loved it! I definitely will do this with my Guinea pig Squeaky!
Another great video
Thank you for the great ideas!!!
These are great tips❤❤
Love your tips.
Aww aww and aww. They are all so cuuute. I am especially in love with Roxy! I agree that sitting with your guinea pigs is a great way to destress.
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
So true! Thank you!
Very informative, thank you😁
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you! 🌻
I just got my guinea pigs today and I i’m gonna try to use some of your tips!
New subscriber here. Very informative video! I just discovered your channel yesterday and I’ve watched a bunch of videos already and I love them! I’m adopting a single pig within a week and I need all the info I can get. It’s my first guinea pig!
This video really helped me with bonding❤️
Hello Sarah! I thought this was a amazing video and your Guinea pigs are really cute!
I love your channel! It has everything I need to bond with my new piggy! (I also subscribed)
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! 😄😄
these videos are so helpful. thanks so much Sarah!
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome! :)
This is so great
First and lovely vid🥰
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Yay! Thank you!
Very good idea
that will be so helpful thanks
Lots of love from texas ! from me and my 3 piggies!
Phoebe and Roxy have gotten bigger! Thyere so cute!
Thank you so much for this video! I am getting 2 guinea pigs soon and this will be super helpful, thank you!
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
So glad you found it helpful! 😄
Thank you! This was very helpful. We just got 2 male Guinea pigs about 1 week Ago and I love preparing their veggies. Their sounds can be confusing but it’s a process. Thanks again.
Hi hun, great tips as always and as I have told you many times, I don't have Guinea Pigs myself but I love your Channel. Years ago we had a Guinea Pig and I feel so sorry for that little guy now. Wish we had known better! Your tips are truly priceless! Thank you.
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Awh thank you so much Wendy!
My girls and I just got a piggie on Saturday and he was popcorning all morning and it was ADORABLE! He's 4 months old and he is a Teddy! He's super sweet! I can't wait to use these tips to bond and get him used to us all!
Thank you so much! Your videos are very helpful! Just got one Guinea pig so far! But after watching some of your videos I will be getting another one very soon!
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
Yay! Congrats and thank you!
I’ve had my guinea pigs for almost two years and I love spending time with them there now a family pet all family I live with feed them and keep them company
I too am binge watching all your videos… still undecided about becoming a piggy mom because I’m learning how much time/care/cost is involved.
Thank you be blessed 😀💯👍
I LOVE your videos
I love your videos. I have my 2 boys out holding them for their daily lap time. God bless.
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Anna! Awh I bet they enjoy their cuddles!! 😀
Omg your pigs are so CUTE!! ❤️ ❤️
They look so big now💕
Hi. Just got new piggies. This helps me!
We have got 3 baby girls literally around half an hour ago! We had no idea that we would come home with 3 babies! We really want to learn about their personalities and get to know them so we will definitely be using these tips over the next couple of days, thank you so much for your tips they will be really useful!
@sweet_citrus
2 жыл бұрын
Haha, we are getting two or 3 soon when we find an breeder
@jessie330
Жыл бұрын
How’s things going with your three piggies ?
I have 15 week old guinea pigs and they are starting to trust me a bit more!
Hey Sarah, I am one of your newer subscribers and I would like to say Thank you for making videos about Guinea Pigs, Before getting a pet I always do research I've done it with Ferrets, Turtles, Frogs, Hamsters and more! Its just I wanted to find somebody who actually knows and speaks truth about Guinea pigs and truly loves Her Guinea Pigs for what and who they are! I am Nitoshia's Daughter and I wanted to take Good care of a few guinea pigs I am saving up all my money to buy it on my own, I will be buying a C&C cage from Kavee and a few other items from there and I am also buying from the US section off of amazon for food and hay and everything else that I might need! ( its pronounced Natasha but just spelt unquiet ) Anyways, the point is that you are very inspiring for taking care of piggies the right way, I will be getting some piggies of my own soon! I will be getting all males, two teddy bears one in brown and one in like a brown with just a white spot on its head, and then one rex in brown and white! Sorry this is so long! But you are a awesome person keep doing what your doing! Thank you!
Thanks
After watching a few of your videos we have made good progress today in getting our 2 nine week old piggies to come out from hiding to eat from our hands. We have had them for nearly a week. They are still very skittish but they wouldn’t come out in our presence for the first couple of days now we see them gain more confidence as each day goes by. We are very new to this your videos are sooooo helpful and informative….SUBSCRIBER gained. Being so young we have only just introduced lettuce to them. How long do we allow before trying other fruit and veg? And how much food do we give them at 9 weeks old?
Aww they are adorable, I have a Phoebe and Willow too 🥰
I have a really scared guinea pig called twilight (don’t worry he lives with his brother!) and using a snuggle sack to pick him up works great!
Hey! Thanks for the video now I understand about Guinea pigs they are so cute 🥰 now I know about it thank!
It is to late for me to receive a warning about them liking to nibble finger nails.😆⚠️
@KendallJoharaEvangelista
10 ай бұрын
True
thanks
I LOVE THE WAY YOU SAY PIGGIES
Hello Sarah, Love your videos of caring, feeding, and taming my Guinea pigs! You've been a tremendous help and I look forward to more videos. Merry Christmas!
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much Carrie! You too! 😊
I love ur Chanel they help a l0T thanks. Xoxo
My guinea pig Bobby is tame but I just did this for bonding he loved it he was so relaxed and calm and now each time I walk in the room he wants to do each bonding process!
I lovd my piggies thank fof the video
I recently fell into a depression and my poor cavies went neglected for nearly a month. I'm getting better now, and making the effort to undo the damage my depressed state caused.
@MIROPIRO
Ай бұрын
I’m sorry about your depression but your piggies should always have the right care no matter how you feel. I’ve been depressed as well and sometimes taking care of my piggies was the only thing I came of out bed for and if I couldn’t do it I asked friends, neighbors or familie. Whatever it takes, they deserve care no matter how you feel. Glad you’re feeling better now, please take care of yourself and your piggies
I just got two piggies : Penelope and Persephone and they’ve been home for 2 days and while super spooked by me are happy in their cage and love eating! I was told to leave them alone for a few days as they got used to their new environment but I have still talked to them while feeding and all and while still spooked they have already gotten comfy eating and playing while I’m quietly watching from a distance haha I’m definitely trying these tips and hope to build some confidence in them! They’re so cute and sweet already, they just don’t like me much yet lol! But again it’s been 2 days so plenty of room to grow ;) I was thinking of hanging out and reading to them or something!
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Awh you have 100% the right attitude! 😃 It's a great sign they are confident already even with you just watching from afar (they will sense your presence), so I'm sure they'll grow into lovely tame piggies! They definitely respond to voices, reading to them is a great idea!
@squishbibi
2 жыл бұрын
iknow this was 8 months ago you posted this but i’m in the same position right now ! it’s day 2 of my piggies being home and they spook all the time but will play if i watch from afar, i hope ur piggies are more use to you now and have opened up a little !!!
Awesome how you can tame your ginea pig You amaze me
Your channel helps so much! I have 2 Guinea pigs (got one today) the new one is 2 months old and the other one is 9 months old 🥰 I’m always talking to them but other people that don’t have piggy’s find it weird 😂 3 days ago my other piggy died and that was cookies brother (9 month olds) 😔 but I read that we can’t leave them so I got a new one (2 months) his name is teddy and his breed is a ‘teddy’ hahaha xxx
thxxx I have three piggies they love u vids we watch them together
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
That's super cute! So glad you enjoy the vids!
@Payton_Xoxo_
3 жыл бұрын
Omggg you are literally the best guinea pig KZreadr ever and your little piggies are so adorable
Hello! Thank you for the tips! I just got some new baby piggies! One of them is rlly skittish and after 3 days i did these tricks and it worked! Thank you!
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
Yay! So glad the tips helped!! 😀
Thank you, this helped a lot. I got 2 sister guinea pigs, and they are 10 weeks old. Lil babies. Im looking into anything that can help me be a great caretaker for them so any more tips are appreciated.
Omg! Your piggies are so cute! I adopted two boys and I love them but they hate it when I pick them up
i just got me a skinny pig 2 days ago, and then a hairy one today because before watching your videos i didnt know you were supposed to have AT LEAST 2, so i ran to the pet store to get another one! but i also feel so bad because i know my cage is not big enough, but i have no space in my room for a bigger one🥺 i wish i had my own place. but ugh your videos help so much i just wish i could ask you so many questions, and im so impatient i just wish my piggies would love me already🤣😭🥺
As babies, my skinny pigs were yes, skittish but Lily was the less shy one and Dahlia was super shy to hold. Over the past couple of months it has switched. Lily is super shy and always hides even when I feed or try to hand feed. Dahlia will take food from my hand and will watch me feed
I love your custom cage 😍. May you please do a video on it. I would like to get one made similar for our guinea pigs
I love ginipigs! I really want one.
Rescued a pair of Males, were about 1 year old when I got and now 21/2 yrs old. and what takes place when I bring them their afternoon salad is just plain entertaining, 1 time I ran out of carrots and they flipped-out and ran around and around the salad bowl, needless to say has not happened since. Oreo (Whacky hair black w/ white strip) can squeak as loud as a Parrot.
Think you and I just got one
Thank you so much, it has really helped my relationship with my little almost five week old Guinea pig, her name is Pip btw
Hi Sarah, A lovely video as always thank you and also really helpful for new guinea pig owners. My 2 youngest piggies are around 18 months old now. We got them together at the same time, Hazel is really calm, placid and so laid back and I can always just scoop as you did there, the other, Truffle, is much more skittish in personality and while she is very affectionate and relaxed and loves a cuddle when she comes out for lap time, will still always run when it comes to being picked up-she likes to be under something or in a fleece hidey if possible when I lift her! It certainly does take time to completely gain their trust and also really does vary quite a bit with their personalities too as to how much far they trust you. They are all such wonderful creatures aren't they? What have you bought yours for Christmas/Pigmas?! x :-)
@SqueakDreams
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Jemma! Awh Hazel and Truffle sound like such sweeties! Truffles sounds like Lyra and Roxy, whereas Hazel more like Willow/Phoebe hehe. Guinea pigs are the best 😍 Oooh well they've got some early presents! But I will be sewing new stuff for their cage I think! 😊 x
I think ive watched this video like 4 times because im too exited for getting my first two piggy boys in a month😂😂i just cant wait
Those guinea pigs are so lucky to have gotten you as their owners aDoRaBLee!
I have three piggies one is three years old and the others are 4 weeks from the animal control shelter and they’re already getting along pretty wel
Thank u so much Sarah!I just got two girls pickles and pumpkin.Pickles is adventurous but they both run when I move.They r still skittish and when I hand feed them they just take it and leave.But with pickles she eats it and nibbles on me.I’m still learning and I need more help and I read to them.Pumpkin is more shy but she occasionally lets me pet her !Im still learning and I’m so grateful that I found your channel
@SqueakDreams
2 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Kaylee! Best of luck with your two new girls, keep up with your efforts and in a few months time you should start noticing them be less afraid 😍
Thank you for this video, I ended up with a guinea pig recently since they were on their own in the cold. They are a little one I don't know how old they are exactly, and they are very skittish and was wanting to help bond with her. Since I ended up with a guinea pig with my experience being only with rabbits. (Notes: The shelter doesn't take in guinea pigs so I couldn't bring her there, and we didn't find owners. And she obviously can't stay outside)
I got two. One who is a yrs old and one who is 4 yrs old. This helps me out alot.
Did you do a video on piggie behaviour and what they mean? would be really useful, whats normal, whats poorly etc as they can often be very similar and scary to new owners... Thanks :D
Just got guinea pigs and i luv them 😂😂😂😂😂
so cuit
Thank you. Adopted our two piggies a few months ago when they needed a new home. They get the best of care here.. been treating millie, very shy, bumble foot, viewed your very informative vid about it. Currently needing to pick her up x2 daily to treat her foot. This a.m, was particularly frightened. concerned i may have hurt- traumatised her. 😪 She's been quiet, off her food today and lying around. Im upset for her.
I made a ramp out of a gutter (lined with thin floor mats for traction, held in place with 'report spines') so that my piggies can come out on their own when it is treat time and play time:) They love coming down the incline and into the paddling pool (lined with fleece pads) for extra leg room. And I don't have to reach into the cage for them and feel like they start off scared!
@coastaf
Жыл бұрын
Great structure tips thanks! I always wonder about how to jazz up my piggo’s tiered space
This was so helpful! I am so thankful that l did not get a Guinea pig from a pet store
Hello! Very interesting video! We've been owning two guinea pigs for 5 months now. One of the two is quite friendly and lets us pet her, but the other one is extremely shy and she doesn't even let herself be touched. Do you have any tips?
Very happy rn bc I’m watching this vid with my back turned to them but I can tell they are eating the carrots I gave them lol