Guinea pigs are part of our family and we want them to be happy and comfortable with us. Surely you have ever wondered if your guinea pig knows who you are and if he appreciates you. Like dogs and cats, guinea pigs are social animals and get used to their guardians Guinea pigs learn to live with us and also love us.
But how and how long do they take to get used to us? The small guinea pigs that arrived in Europe by boat from South America are very intelligent and you will be surprised by what they are capable of learning in a short time. Do guinea pigs recognize their owners? Find out in this article on our site.
Do guinea pigs recognize their guardians?
Guinea pigs, also known as guinea pigs, are highly social rodents. They like to live in the company of others of their kind and they love that we are at home with them. They want to see, smell and hear us, so yes, guinea pigs recognize their owners But how do they do it? How do guinea pigs recognize their guardians?
How do guinea pigs recognize their guardians?
Guinea pigs' sense of smell is a thousand times stronger than that of humans, so they recognize us by our smell If you want that your guinea pig gets used to you and begins to recognize you, do not use perfume, creams, or wash your hands with soap before picking it up or giving it food.
How do I get my guinea pig to recognize me?
Guinea pigs appreciate rich foods, such as fresh dandelion greens and vegetables. We can take advantage of this delicatessen so that they gain confidence in us and train them.
On the other hand, like other pets, guinea pigs will gradually learn your routine: when you get up, when you're home and when it's time to eat. He will really get to know you! And if you treat her with respect and affection, giving her the time she needs, she will recognize you as her friend
How long does it take for a guinea pig to get used to its owner?
Guinea pigs are animals that tend to run away when frightened and are naturally nervous, so the time it takes them to get used to their guardian will depend on several factors, it may take between 1 and 2 months on average.
For your guinea pig to get used to you, the first thing is to set up what will be its home and prepare a good means of transportation.
Prepare his cage or enclosure
Before adopting your guinea pig, it is important to think about how to make the adjustment period as pleasant as possible for the new companion. We want to avoid unnecessary stress for your guinea pig when you get home. For this reason, we will look for the right place for the enclosure and prepare it to be habitable before your arrival, as we explain in this other article on Preparing a guinea pig cage step by step.
The most stressful thing for the little friend would actually be if after the trip he has to stay so long in the little transport box while the cage is prepared. Also the food, the houses, hay and the drinker should already be in place to avoid putting your hand in the cage.
On the other hand, during the first few days, guinea pigs need a lot of quiet, so we recommend that you leave them alone in their cage or enclosure until he adjusts to his new home and sees that he is not in any danger.
Transportation home
Transportation in the small box is very stressful for guinea pigs and it is normal for them to feel fearful and nervous at first. It is highly recommended to choose a carrier instead of using a ridiculously dwarf cardboard box. Ideally, the carrier should be large enough to make her journey as comfortable as possible She should be able to turn, lie down, sit and adjust. If it is a very long trip, a carrier gives you the possibility of providing water and food. In any case, put hay on it so it can make a nest. If you go by car, it is better not to put the house on it, since it would slide during braking manoeuvres.
When you get home, it's best to put the open box or carrier directly inside the already prepared enclosure and leave it leave when she decides. Meanwhile, we can watch her calmly but without making noise so that she doesn't get scared. If you have adopted several guinea pigs, it is important that each one has its own little house.
At first they are uneasy about the transportation and the unknown environment, so after adopting it follows a period of adaptation in which We will have to pay attention to some things to make it easier for the little rodent to get used to its new house and to us. This not only benefits the animal, but also its guardian, because if the guinea pig feels comfortable, it also becomes more confident.
And if you haven't decided on a name for your furry yet, maybe this other article on Names for male and female guinea pigs can help you.
Other tips for your guinea pig to trust you
Even though it's hard, give it time for the first few days and don't take it out! He is still afraid and has to get used to the new home and surroundings. The more acclimatization time you give him, the easier it will be to accept and recognize you. He needs to get used to your smell, your voice, your routine and the sounds of the house. You can sit in front of the cage and talk to her in a calm and respectful voice. Once your new friend peeks out of the cage you can offer him vegetables through the open cage door. Surely you will not be able to refuse the delicious offer. But be careful: you have to earn them little by little! Some guinea pigs are very quick to eat from your hand, but others take a little longer to trust. As soon as it eats from your hand you can let it out. To do this, leave the door open and wait patiently. Give him the time he needs!
How to hold a guinea pig?
Already eating from our hand, several days have passed and the guinea pig is not afraid. It is especially important to know how to properly lift your guinea pig. After all, you don't want to scare the animal, but rather make it trust and get used to you.
First, it holds itself around the chest with both hands and then supports itself with all four legs on one of your hands. It is best to carry the guinea pig with both hands in front of your chest so that it does not fall. Talk to her to calm her down e try not to make quick movements Anyway, guinea pigs don't like to be hugged or hugged, it's unnatural for them to be carried in your arms, therefore, avoid holding her for a long time and let her move freely.
To learn more, we encourage you to read this other article on Guinea pig care.
