Dutch rats are adorable pets. Dutch rats will become tame pets over time. However, guinea pigs don't like being handled too much, especially when they've just been in your house. When handling a guinea pig, know how to handle a guinea pig properly to keep it safe and happy.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Raising Dutch Rats
Step 1. Do not disturb the guinea pig on the first and second day
Cover the Dutch mouse cage with a light blanket so that light can still enter. Dutch rats will feel more secure and protected. After that, start introducing yourself.
Step 2. Let the guinea pig get used to you
Do not immediately remove the guinea pig when the cage blanket has just been removed. Let the guinea pig get used to your presence for a few days. Put your hand in the guinea pig's cage, and let it sniff. Start gently petting your guinea pig to get him to start trusting you.
Step 3. Prepare a towel to protect the clothes from the dirt and pee of the guinea pig
To keep your clothes from getting dirty, place a towel when handling a guinea pig. Generally, guinea pigs will not urinate when handled, but you should still be alert.
Step 4. Stay calm
Dutch rats can sense your nervousness. Make sure you stay calm and don't get nervous when handling the guinea pig.
- Take some time to cool down before approaching the cage.
- Make sure the environment around you remains calm. Do not make sudden noises or movements when the guinea pig is outside the cage. Don't surprise the guinea pig. Turn off the television and radio. Also turn off your cell phone so that it doesn't make a sound when the guinea pig is being removed from the cage.
Tip:
Approach the Dutch rat cage calmly and slowly. Do not approach and open the cage door in a hurry. Instead, approach the guinea pig's cage slowly, and let it smell your scent. After that, gently open the cage door.
Step 5. Take advantage of the cage
To catch a guinea pig, you need to gently trap it in the cage. If there is a playing pipe in the guinea pig's cage, one of the easiest ways to catch it is to trap the guinea pig in the pipe. Once the guinea pig is trapped, gently pull it out. Close one of the holes in the pipe and then reach out your hand to direct the guinea pig into it.
- If there is no pipe, direct the guinea pig into the house. After that, lift one side of the house to pick up the guinea pig.
- If the guinea pig seems annoyed or wants to bite you, try again another day.
Step 6. Slide one hand under the guinea pig
Tuck one hand under the belly of the guinea pig. After that, gently lift the guinea pig.
Place one finger on the front of the guinea pig's paw. By doing this, the guinea pig will remain in your hands
Step 7. Lift the guinea pig using both hands
Dutch rats will feel more secure when lifted with two hands. Dutch rats may fall if only lifted with one hand. Use your second hand to support the back of the guinea pig.
Step 8. Do it tightly and gently
Make sure you hold the guinea pig firmly enough. Otherwise, the guinea pig may jump out of your hand. However, don't squeeze the guinea pig too hard so it doesn't hurt.
While you can hold a guinea pig while you walk around, it's best to do it sitting down. By doing this, the guinea pig will not fall and feel dizzy from your movement
Part 2 of 3: Cuddling a Dutch Rat
Step 1. Place the guinea pig on the chest
Keep a towel on your chest. Hold the Dutch mouse to your chest. Make sure the guinea pig's feet are pointing towards your body.
Step 2. Give the guinea pig a treat
You can give him blueberries, lettuce, or carrots. If you give your guinea pig a treat when you cuddle him, he will associate your hug with a treat.
Step 3. Talk to him
Talk to the Dutch mouse in a soft voice when you hold it. You can say anything, as long as your voice is soft.
Step 4. Allow the guinea pig to roam in an enclosed space
For example, you can take a guinea pig to the bathroom. Make sure the guinea pig doesn't go near objects or furniture that it shouldn't (such as cleaning tools). Make sure you cover sources of danger to the guinea pig, such as holes in the floor. Close the door. Place the guinea pig on the floor, and let it play. Dutch rats love to explore. In addition, he will also get to know you better. If you want, you can sit on the floor with the guinea pig.
Step 5. Don't lower the guinea pig when it's rolling
If you immediately lower the guinea pig when it sways, it will realize that it only needs to sway to be put back into its cage. If you continue to hold it while it sways, the guinea pig will learn to stay calm.
Step 6. Hold the guinea pig firmly when putting it back in the cage
When a guinea pig sees its cage, it may try to jump. Therefore, use both of your hands to hold the guinea pig firmly when placing it in the cage.
Wait for the guinea pig to stop rolling before releasing it. By doing this, your guinea pig will learn that it shouldn't roll around when held by you
Tip:
Alternatively, you can turn the guinea pig so that its bottom touches the cage first. This is done when the Dutch rat really wants to jump.
Step 7. Do it consistently
Remove the guinea pig from the cage every day. By doing this, the guinea pig will get used to your attention. In addition, this can also make guinea pigs like your cuddles.
Part 3 of 3: Watching Children when Holding a Dutch Rat
Step 1. Always supervise children when playing with guinea pigs
Small children can accidentally injure a dutch rat. If you are under 4 years old, don't allow your child to handle a guinea pig. Hold the Dutch mouse, then let the child pet it.
Therefore, do training to handle Dutch rats safely. Hold the guinea pig to your chest and allow your child to come over and pet it. If you allow your child to cuddle a guinea pig, tell your child how. Make sure your child doesn't hold the guinea pig too tightly or too slowly
Step 2. Do not allow the child to carry the guinea pig
Children over 4 years old may want to hold a guinea pig. However, if you're not careful, guinea pigs can jump out of your child's hands and injure themselves.
Step 3. Instruct the child to sit down
The safest way for a child to cuddle a guinea pig is to do so while sitting. By doing this, the child cannot hold the Dutch mouse while walking. In addition, the Dutch rat is not too far from the floor so it is safe if the child drops it.
Tip:
For best results, have your child sit down and then hand the guinea pig to him to cuddle.
Step 4. Make sure you only allow one person to hold the guinea pig
When removing a guinea pig from a cage, make sure you only allow one person to handle it, especially children. Dutch rats are very sensitive to human touch. Therefore, Dutch rats will be happier if they are not handled too often.
You can hand the guinea pig for your child to hold. However, make sure only one child holds it. If someone else wants to hold a guinea pig, do it another day
Step 5. Lock the dutch rat cage
Your child may be interested in removing the guinea pig when you are not outside. This can injure the guinea pig. Therefore, make sure the Dutch mouse cage is locked so that the child cannot get it out when you are not in the room.
