Guinea pigs make great pets. Guinea pigs can be very playful and require mild grooming. But, just like any other animal, you will have to put in extra effort to cultivate your relationship with your guinea pig. Whether this guinea pig is an addition to your family, or you haven't yet bonded, it's very important that you build a good relationship with your pet. Trust is an important element in the relationship between pets and their owners. There are many ways to get your guinea pig to trust you.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Building a Bond with the Guinea Pig
Step 1. Feed him by hand
One of the best ways to earn your guinea pig's trust is to use food as an incentive. In addition to the usual feedings, try giving him special treats. Give him these sweets in small amounts by hand. Doing this regularly will make the connection between food and affection.
Fruit is an ideal snack to give to guinea pigs. Try giving him a banana or apple every day. Guinea pigs have different food choices, just like humans. Try different types of fruit until you find a food that makes your pet very happy
Step 2. Hold it properly
You should pay a lot of attention to your guinea pig. This means that you should be able to hold it comfortably. A supportive yet gentle grip is best. Lift him up with one hand under his stomach and the other near his neck. Hold your hamster close to you, especially when you are walking around.
The key to a good grip is making sure your guinea pig feels secure. He will have a hard time trusting you if he is afraid of falling. Hold him securely, but loose enough so that he is still comfortable
Step 3. Spend some quality time with your guinea pig
It's not just being in the same room as the guinea pig while he's in the cage. To effectively bond with your guinea pig, make sure you spend time with them by removing them from the cage. Spend time watching him every day while he has the freedom to move.
- Guinea pigs like to play hide and seek. When you play with your guinea pig outside the cage, place several paper bags around the room. Put some treats on it and watch as your pet explores and has fun!
- Be sure to pay close attention to your guinea pig when he's out for walks. It can easily find a good hiding place, so don't lose your guinea pig.
- When approaching your guinea pig to play, offer them a treat. He will begin to associate positive incentives with spending time with you.
Step 4. Have a conversation
Talking to your guinea pig is a great way to bond with them. Guinea pigs are social creatures and they love attention. Place your guinea pig cage in a room where you spend a lot of time, perhaps your living room or home office. Talk to your guinea pig throughout the day. This will sound weird at first, but you'll enjoy chatting with friends who won't challenge your opinion.
Say the guinea pig's name often. By saying their name, your guinea pig will learn when you specifically talk to them. He will learn to wait for your attention
Step 5. Understand your guinea pig's behavior
In order to earn your guinea pig's trust, you will need to spend some time learning to understand the character of this animal. Generally, guinea pigs are intelligent, sensitive, and have a lot of energy. Pay attention to your guinea pig's habits so you can learn what he likes or doesn't like. For example, knowing the specific places he claws at will help you gain his trust.
- Guinea pigs are very social animals and love company. Consider buying a companion for your guinea pig. It will be less difficult to care for two guinea pigs than just one.
- Don't worry if your guinea pig doesn't respond to your attention right away. Like most other animals, gaining your guinea pig's trust will take time.
Method 2 of 3: Caring for Your Guinea Pig
Step 1. Get ready to bring the guinea pig home
Before bringing your guinea pig into your home for the first time, make sure you have everything you need. Make a comfortable home for your guinea pig. You must have food supplies for your new friend.
A good water bottle is the most important thing you need for your new pet. Ask the pet store for a good brand recommendation. A good drinking water bottle will provide clean drinking water when needed
Step 2. Create a comfortable and safe place
Most cages sold specifically for guinea pigs are usually too small. You should look for a larger cage, about 2 square meters. This means you will have to buy a cage for other animals. That's okay, don't worry about the name of a product.
- Make an attractive cage. Guinea pigs like to move around, so try to find a cage that has grades and grades.
- Enter the base. Guinea pigs love to build nests and stockpile food, so make sure they have the materials to do this. Pine and cedar wood shavings are not good for small animals, although they are widely sold, due to their chemical properties. It's a good idea to ask a pet store for paper bedding products.
Step 3. Recognize that the best food for your guinea pig is quality grass or hay
Provide this food as a staple food source for guinea pigs. In addition, you can also give a little (no more than the guinea pig can eat for 20 minutes) quality processed food. This food is pellets that are ground up so that each grain looks the same and this will stop the guinea pig from sifting through the good food and leaving the healthy one. Feeding your guinea pig entirely with pellets will lead to obesity or overgrowth of the guinea pig's teeth.
Once a day, you can give your guinea pig a little fruit and vegetables. Oranges and strawberries are popular choices. You can also add some cabbage or dandelion leaves. Once a week, give carrots or a little sweet potato
Step 4. Keep your guinea pig clean
Generally, guinea pigs should be able to bathe themselves. However, once every three months (or if he's really dirty), you can give him a bath. Place it in the sink on a washcloth. Gently shovel room temperature water on him and rub it in.
- Use a small amount of shampoo and scrub the guinea pig's fur thoroughly. Then, rinse thoroughly clean gently.
- Only bathe the body of the guinea pig, not the head. Don't let water get into his eyes.
- Dry your guinea pig with a clean, dry towel.
Step 5. Take care of her health
Guinea pigs should see the vet once a year. The vet can confirm that he is at an ideal weight and is not showing any signs of illness. Be sure to choose a veterinarian who answers all your questions thoroughly and patiently.
Take your guinea pig to the vet whenever he shows signs of illness or significant changes in his behavior
Step 6. Know the costs
Before bringing a guinea pig or two home, make sure you have financially factored into your budget. You'll need to buy food, cages, bedding, and water bottles. Don't forget to add a visit to the vet. In America, the average cost of caring for a guinea pig in a year is around $500-$800 or around 5-8 million Rupiah.
Method 3 of 3: Appreciating the guinea pig
Step 1. Appreciate its existence
Animals can read moods. So if you want your guinea pig to trust you and respect you, you have to do the same. Make sure you think about the good that pets can bring in your life. Isn't it nice to have friends when no one is around you? The more you value your guinea pig, the more he will trust you.
Step 2. Let your child help care for the guinea pig
Pets are a great way to help children learn responsibility. Guinea pigs are ideal first pets for children. Let your child feed the guinea pig and teach him to clean the cage. You, your child, and your guinea pig will benefit from this.
Step 3. Enjoy the health benefits of raising animals
People who have pets are known to be healthier than those who don't have pets in some ways. Keeping guinea pigs is just as profitable as cats and dogs. Owning a guinea pig can help prevent symptoms of depression and can lower blood pressure.
Tips
- It's a good idea for everyone in your household to learn how to care for guinea pigs.
- Make sure you have a plan when going out of town.
