Have i scarred my guinea pigs?

Well, think of it this way: You're a small and fragile thing with not much sense. You plod around on all fours awkwardly unlike those agile and swift giants who literally TOWER above you. They're huge and scarry except when you get food and treats from them. Even so, you still hold them at arms length. You're not sure if they are trying to get you to be relaxed and then they will strike. Then one day, the giant who thinks he (or she) owns you plunks you down on something soft and large that is horribly high off the ground. You're scared of it a first but gradually warm up to the soft and comphy surface. You have to admit, it is rather nice. Then the giant flops down on the bed and tries to fondle you. YUCK!! You crie. But it comes out as a squeak. You're frustrated and annoyed. Why can't that old bugger keep his hands to himself? You wonder. Silently, you cast about for a way of escape from those gropping hands... Then you see it! The problem is that the way is a jump. You're pretty good at jumping around and your instincts scream out at you to do so. So, you throw all caution to the wind and leap off the bed in the direction of home, saftey, and freedom (what little your CAGE provides). However, the big bad monster thrusts his arm out and stops you from falling. In the attempt to save your life, he hurst you badly and makes you even more wary and afraid of him. Why can't these humans leave me alone in peace for once? You wonder. Why are they always prodding me and petting me and staring at me? Am I some kind of trophe to be examined? NO! I'm a guinea pig.

Well, enough rambling but that's a little peak into your pet's emotions. I don't think your pets will be scared of you for life; but I highly reccomend to be slow and cautious. It takes a while--even months--to tame a pet. Guinea pigs especially! They're small animals, fragile, and easily frightened. I know you stuck out your arm in good will but your guinea pig doesn't. I suggest you leave your pets alone for a day or two to cool off a bit. Let them see you don't wish them ill and give them some extra treats. After that, you could try gently taking them out of their cage and putting them ON THE GROUND. IMPORTANT FACTOR!!! They can't tell they're above ground because of their poor vision. Only YOU can tell that so the floor is the best place. Anyhow, once on the floor'; put out one of their favorite treats. Stay still and wait patiently. They will come to it eventually if not right away. Then, let them munch on the snack and slowly but surely try to gain their confidence. Hold out another treat but in your hand this time palm open. Don't make any sudden movements as this will fracture any trust built up. Once the guinea pig is done with the first snack, he will go to the next one in your hand. Be very still and calm. Consentrate on making friends with your pet and eventually it will relent and know that you only want to be buddies or what have you. Get my drift? Slow, cautious, steady. Think, "CALM." Guinea pigs cannot be rushed about. The same thing goes for any other rodents. The smaller ones like mice and hamsters especially.

Good luck!

No don't worry! :) I have had many guinea pigs before and know they are verrrrry shy little things. The longer you leave them with out you and the less you pick them up the more they will become scared of you. Simply pick one up, hold it against your chest, supporting its bum and back and stroke it. This might sound barmy but I find talking to it (verrrry quitely, as they only have small ears) helps alot. You could even sing to it lol. It sounds stupid but I found it worked very well on my guinea pig when I first brought her home and she DIDN'T want to be held. Then do the same with other one/ones. And yeah your just going to have to rebuild their trust with you. It may seem like your repeating what you've already done but your going to have to do this if you want them not to be scared of you.

Hope this helped. :)

I think you have scared them but just keep putting your hand in the cage slowly and try to stroke them as soon as they squirm or bite though take your hand out and try again within like 5 minutes. hope i helped good luck x

no of course not :) dont worry, they will come right. you just have rebuild their trust again, instead of reaching in your hand to the cage, start talking to them softly, and feeding them by dropping it in the cage (without scaring them) then a couple of days of doing that put your hand in and just stroke them with one or two fingers. after a couple of days of doing THAT, then try put your hand in and pick them up. if they bit you your or show that they are scared, do the process again. if they dont just pick them up for a little, feed them a treat, and put them back. dont worry they will eventually regain your trust, dont give up and be patient.

good luck :)

they are VERY skittish little things but go buy a head of romaine lettuce and see if they change thier mind about you when you give them a leaf and some timothy hay. the way to an animals heart is thru its stomach!!!