My guinea pig only comes out for my sister's gentle calls

My guinea pig hides when I try to handle it, but runs to my sister when she calls. She spends more time talking softly to it each day. What can I do to help it feel safe with others in the house?

4 comments

4 Comments

nathankim1mo ago

Yeah, that part about your sister talking softly each day is totally key. My hamster was the same way and would only come out for my mom. I started just sitting by his cage every night, not trying to touch him, but just reading out loud quietly to get him used to my voice. It took a few weeks, but then he'd come take a treat from my hand. Maybe try that, just being calm and present without any pressure? What treats does your pig like the most?

elliot_roberts1mo ago

lol that hamster story is relatable. Pig might just need more chill time like that, mine went nuts for carrot bits.

the_tara1mo ago

Totally! My friend had a rabbit that was super mellow right after dawn, too. She said it was WAY easier to bond with him then when he was all sleepy and cool.

benn321mo ago

Oh, timing actually made a huge difference with my guinea pig. I found he was way more open to calm interaction first thing in the morning, right after sunrise, when he was still in his sleep spot but just waking up. He seemed less skittish then versus trying to hang out in the noisy evening. A tiny piece of bell pepper then, when he was relaxed, worked better than any treat later.