Nervous Guinea pigs

[ChirpyKez]

My 2 new guinea pigs {had them 2 and a half weeks} are scared stiff! If you walk in the room they run and hide and when I pick them up they scratch and struggle to be free. I'm worried they're never going to be friendly.....I've tried everything but they don't want to know! What shall I do?

[garner]

First one at a time wrap them in a towel head free,Have it on your lap,talk in a low soothing voice to it and gently stroke his/her head,same with your other one keep doing this and I think in time you will not need the towel,but remember to use the same towel every time try not to wash it for a while [scent] will be a comforter.They will soon become more tame and relaxed with you.Good luck

[bensmum]

I agree with the last advice but the answer is to keep handling them. I inherited a guinea pig whose owners couldn't cope with the struggling and scratching and with perseverance he's an absolute sweetheart now. He will still hide when I try to catch him but he doesn't struggle now. As my vet said she's never yet come across a vicious guinea pig!

[ChirpyKez]

Thank-you both, I'll give the towel thing a try and hopefully win my boys round!!