How To Hold A Guinea Pig (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Hold a Guinea Pig PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Last Updated: September 12, 2025 Approved

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  • How to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig
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  • How to Hold Your Guinea Pig
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  • How to Help Children Handle Guinea Pigs
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This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 11 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 233,054 times.

Small, adorable, lots of personality—these are just a few of the things that make guinea pigs such wonderful pets. You’re probably really excited to hold and cuddle with your new guinea pig, but you might not know where to start. This wikiHow is here to help! We’ll show you how to bond with your guinea pig, pick them up gently, and make them feel comfortable when you hold them. Before you know it, your guinea pig will be your new best friend.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

How to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig

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  1. Step 1 Give your guinea pig some space for the first day or two. 1 Give your guinea pig some space for the first day or two. Cover your guinea pig's cage with a light blanket that still lets in light. This will help your guinea pig feel safer and more secure while they're adjusting to their new home. After that, you can move on to introducing yourself.
  2. Step 2 Let your guinea pig get used to you. 2 Let your guinea pig get used to you. It's best not to take your guinea pig out of their cage right away. Instead, take a few days to let them get to know you. Put your hand in the cage, and let them smell you. Softly stroke your guinea pig so they learn to trust you.[1] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Have a towel ready for poop and pee. 3 Have a towel ready for poop and pee. If you're worried about your clothes, have a towel available to put under your guinea pig while holding them. Your guinea pig may not go to the bathroom while on you, but it's better to be prepared.
  4. Step 4 Be calm. 4 Be calm. You might be feeling a little nervous, but try your best to stay calm around your guinea pig since they'll pick up on your emotions. Make sure you are calm and collected before you try to hold your guinea pig.
    • Take a moment to take a few calming breaths before approaching the cage.
    • Also, keep the environment calm. Limit loud noises and sudden movements while your guinea pig is out. You don't want to startle them. For instance, turn off the television and the radio. Turn off your phone so it doesn't go off while you have them out.

    Tip: When approaching the cage, do so slowly and calmly. Avoid rushing and yanking it open. Instead, walk up slowly, and let your guinea pig smell you through the cage. Gently open the door.

  5. Step 5 Use the cage to your advantage. 5 Use the cage to your advantage. To catch your guinea pig, you need to gently trap them in the cage. One easy way to catch them is to trap them in one of the cage's pipes, if yours has pipes, and then pull them out. Put your hand out to encourage your guinea pig into the pipe, making sure to block the other side.
    • If your cage doesn't have pipes, try guiding your guinea pig into their house, and then lifting one edge to pick up your guinea pig.
    • If your guinea pig seems very upset or tries to bite you, you should wait until another day to try picking your guinea pig up.
  6. Step 6 Slip one hand under your guinea pig. 6 Slip one hand under your guinea pig. Using one hand, slide it under the belly of your guinea pig. Gently start lifting them.[2]
    • Put a finger around the front of one of your guinea pig's legs. That hold will help keep them in your hands.[3]
  7. Step 7 Pick your guinea pig up with two hands. 7 Pick your guinea pig up with two hands. Your guinea pig will feel more secure if you use both hands to pick them up. They may feel like they're falling if you only pick them up with one hand. Use your second hand to support your guinea pig's back end.
  8. Step 8 Be firm but gentle. 8 Be firm but gentle. Make sure you have a solid grip on your guinea pig. Otherwise, they may jump from your hands. However, don't squeeze too hard, as you can hurt your guinea pig.
    • Though you can move around while holding your guinea pig, it's best to sit down while holding them. That way, they won't be confused by your movement, and you're less likely to drop them.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

How to Hold Your Guinea Pig

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  1. Step 1 Place your guinea pig against your chest. 1 Place your guinea pig against your chest. Your towel should be on your chest. Hold them against your chest with their feet towards your body.[4]
  2. Step 2 Feed them a treat. 2 Feed them a treat. You can use blueberries, lettuce, or carrots, for instance. If you feed them a treat while you hold them, they'll come to associate your cuddles with good things.
  3. Step 3 Talk to your guinea pig. 3 Talk to your guinea pig. Use a soothing voice to talk to your guinea pig while you're holding them. It doesn't matter what you say, as long as you use a soothing voice.[5]
  4. Step 4 Let them explore in a closed-off room. 4 Let them explore in a closed-off room. For instance, you can go into the bathroom with your guinea pig. Make sure there is nothing they can get into that they shouldn't (such as cleaning supplies). Also, make sure you cover any potential dangers, such as floor vents. Close the door. Place them on the floor, and let them run around. They'll enjoy exploring, and they'll also take some time getting to know you, too. If you want, sit on the floor with them.
  5. Step 5 Avoid putting your guinea pig down when they wiggle. 5 Avoid putting your guinea pig down when they wiggle. If you put them down every time they struggle, they'll learn that all they have to do is wiggle to get back in their cage. If you continue to hold them, they'll learn to stay calm.[6]
  6. Step 6 Hold your guinea pig firmly when returning them. 6 Hold your guinea pig firmly when returning them. As your guinea pig sees the cage, they may want to jump, so keep a firm hold on them with both hands when placing them back in the cage.[7]
    • Wait to release them from your hand until they stop struggling. That way, they learn that they shouldn't squirm while you're holding them.[9]

    Tip: In fact, you can turn them around, bottom first, when setting them back in the cage if they're particularly prone to jumping.[8]

  7. Step 7 Be consistent. 7 Be consistent. Get your guinea pig out of their cage every day. That way, they'll slowly grow used to your attention over time and will eventually enjoy the cuddle time.
    8. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

How to Help Children Handle Guinea Pigs

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  1. Step 1 Always watch your children with guinea pigs. 1 Always watch your children with guinea pigs. Children can harm guinea pigs without meaning to. If the child is under 4 years of age, don't allow her to hold the pet. Hold the guinea pig for her, and allow her to pet the animal.
    • That is, practice safe holding practices, and let your child come up and gently pet the guinea pig while you have them against your chest. If you allow your child to hold the guinea pig, tell him how to hold them, and make sure he is not holding them too tightly or too loosely.
  2. Step 2 Keep children from carrying guinea pigs. 2 Keep children from carrying guinea pigs. Children over four may be tempted to carry guinea pigs from room to room. However, if they're not careful, guinea pigs can jump from their hands and hurt themselves.
  3. Step 3 Have your child sit down. 3 Have your child sit down. The safest way for a child to hold a guinea pig is to be sitting on the ground. That way, the child can't carry the guinea pig around, and the animal isn't too far from the ground if your child happens to drop it.[10]

    Tip: For best results, ask your child to sit down and then hand the guinea pig to him or her to hold.

  4. Step 4 Limit the guinea pig to one person each time. 4 Limit the guinea pig to one person each time. That is, only let one person hold the guinea pig each time you get them out of the cage, especially if that person is a child. Guinea pigs are overly sensitive to being held, so limiting their exposure will keep them happier.
    • You can hand the guinea pig to a child, but only let one child hold it. If another child wants to hold them, wait until another day.
  5. Step 5 Lock the cage. 5 Lock the cage. Children may be tempted to pull a guinea pig out when you're not around, resulting in the guinea pig being unintentionally hurt. Keep the cage locked so that children don't have access to the pet when you're not in the room.
    • You can use a combination lock or a key lock, but close up the main gate with a lock if possible.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

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  • Question What does it mean when the guinea pig makes a strange churtling sound when they're being held? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Guinea pigs have a wide and enchanting range of vocal signals. Most alarm calls are high pitched, such as the "Weep weep" alarm call. At the opposite end of the tonal range they have a low, almost growling sound which is also associated with distress. However, sounds such as purring, wheeking, and churtling are usually signs the guinea pig is happy, content, or hungry! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 105
  • Question I hold my guinea pig correctly, and yet he scratches my wrist when I put him down. What should I do? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Have someone video you as you put the guinea pig down, and see if you can spot how to make him feel safer. The guinea pig may well be scrabbling because he feels unsafe. If there doesn't seem to be a problem, place a soft towel over his head, which should help him stay calm as you lower him. Also, ask a vet tech to check that his claws aren't too long. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 28 Helpful 69
  • Question Can a guinea pig live up to 10 years old? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Unfortunately this is unlikely. With good care and a healthy diet, the maximum age for a guinea pig is around eight years, with anywhere from 4 - 5 years upwards considered a good age for a guinea pig. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 28 Helpful 82
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Video

Tips

  • Keep the door to the room closed when you take your pet out of the cage. If your guinea pig gets loose, you can keep them contained in the room. Also, try locking out any other pets, such as cats and dogs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
  2. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
  3. ↑ http://www.guinealynx.info/handling.html
  4. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
  5. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
  6. ↑ http://www.guinealynx.info/handling.html
  7. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml
  8. ↑ http://www.guinealynx.info/handling.html
  9. ↑ http://www.guinealynx.info/handling.html
More References (1)
  1. ↑ http://www.rngp.org/index-guinea-facts.shtml

About This Article

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed 233,054 times. 30 votes - 84% Co-authors: 68 Updated: September 12, 2025 Views: 233,054 Categories: Guinea Pigs Article SummaryX

To hold a guinea pig, gently slip one hand under its belly and wrap a finger around the front legs to secure your grip and prevent scratching. Next, bring your other hand underneath the guinea pig and gently scoop it up with both hands, using your second hand to support its back end. Then, place the guinea pig against your chest with its feet pointing towards your body. Finally, speak to your pet in soothing tones to keep it calm and feed it treats to create positive associations with being held. For tips on how to react if the guinea pig struggles or bites, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Lily Redden

    Lily Redden

    Aug 4, 2016

    "The part where it said to leave your guinea pig alone for a few days before holding it. My new guinea pig who was..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Co-authored by: Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Co-authors: 68 Updated: September 12, 2025 Views: 233,054 84% of readers found this article helpful. 30 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote Lily Redden

Lily Redden

Aug 4, 2016

"The part where it said to leave your guinea pig alone for a few days before holding it. My new guinea pig who was..." more Addie Rose

Addie Rose

Jun 24, 2020

"Thank you so much! I've had my guinea pig (Elantine) for a little under a year now, but I had no idea what to..." more Rated this article: Alexia Frias

Alexia Frias

Apr 30, 2017

"This helped a lot, because I'm gonna get a guinea pig. This showed me the right way to hold it and what to do..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Aug 10, 2016

"The pictures helped very much as a reference to look back at while attempting to hold the guinea pig, and the words..." more Carmel

Carmel

May 1, 2022

"This article is wonderful. I got my guinea pigs when my son was about 7 and he would try to hold the guinea pigs. " Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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