is it too late to tame your guinea pigs?

[Petal~flower]

We have had our guinea pigs since Aug. They have been in a hutch outside. So not been handled that much.

We now have an indoor hutch for them. But everytime someone walks past their hutch, they scurry away like mad.

Any hints on how we can calm them down would be appreciated. My 9 year old daughter wants to sit with them on her lap. Would this be achievable?

If so then how? Or have we left it too late

[beejay1124]

they'll go mad for the green foliage of carrots,coax them with this.they will soon get used to you- handle carefully always supporting well underneath .watch they dont nibble on electric leads if they're on the floor .oh --make sure carrot tops are well washed

[LottieAnne]

You should be able to tame them but it will require a lot of patience. Try just talking to them quietly, even if they are under the bedding they will hear you. Find a piece of thin stick about 18ins long and tie something really soft on the end then see if you can stroke them gently with it standing as far back as you can and gradually getting nearer. This works well with cats so I don't see why it shouldn't with guinea pigs. Offer food that you can hold well back i.e long thin dandelion leaves.When they do start to approach you avoid sudden movements and loud noises.
Good luck.

[Petal~flower]

Thank you both