There are a few key signs that your guinea pig has bonded with you:
- They will seek you out instead of being afraid of you.
- They will nibble on your fingers when you pet them, which is a sign of affection.
- Your guinea pig may start to follow you around their enclosure or cage.
- They make noises when you enter the room
If your guinea pig does any of these things, it’s likely they have bonded with you and consider you to be a friend.
Of course, every guinea pig is different, so it’s important to pay attention to their individual behaviors to know for sure if they have bonded with you, but these are some general guidelines that can help you determine if your guinea pig likes you.
If you have a bond with your guinea pig, congratulations! You’ve made a new furry friend!
What You'll Learn
Why Is Bonding With Your Guinea Pig So Important?
Trust
Bonding helps create trust between you and your guinea pig. A guinea pig that trusts you is less likely to be scared or skittish around you.
Feeling of Security
Bonding with your guinea pig will make them feel more secure in their home environment. A bond of trust and security will help your guinea pig feel happy and content in their home, which is good for their overall health and well-being.
You’ll Be a Better Owner
The more you bond with your guinea pig, the better you will understand its needs and how to take care of it. If you have a strong bond with your guinea pig, you will be able to detect subtle signs of their health or mood. This can allow you to catch potential problems early on and provide the best possible care for your guinea pig.
What To Do If Your Guinea Pig Hasn’t Bonded With You Yet
Handle Them Daily
It’s so important to handle your guinea pig every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will help them get used to your touch and your smell. It’s important to be gentle when handling them, as guinea pigs are easily scared and may bite if they feel threatened.
Hand Feeding
Try hand feeding treats to your guinea pig. This will help them associate you with something positive (food!) and they may start to see you as a friend. Be sure to only give them small amounts of treats, as too much could make them sick.
Talk To Them
Spend time talking to them in a soft, calming voice. This will help them understand that you’re not a threat and that they can trust you. With patience and time, hopefully your guinea pig will start to bond with you!
Do All Guinea Pigs Bond With Their Owners?
No, not all guinea pigs bond with their owners. In fact, some guinea pigs may never bond with their owners at all. However, if you follow the steps above, the chances of bonding go up significantly.
Why Some Guinea Pigs Take Longer To Bond Than Others
Guinea pigs are social animals, so it’s natural for them to want to bond with their owners. However, some guinea pigs take longer to bond than others. Here’s Why:
They Are Shy
Like humans, some guinea pigs are shy. Shy guinea pigs a little longer to warm up to their owners and feel comfortable around them. Once they start to feel more comfortable, they’ll start to bond with their owner.
Past Experiences
Some guinea pigs have had a really bad experience with humans in the past. If a guinea pig has been mistreated or neglected, it’s going to take some time for them to trust their owner. With patience and love, these guinea pigs will eventually come around and bond with their owner.
They’re Not Used to Humans
If a guinea pig has been living in the wild or in a shelter, it’s going to take some time for them to get used to being around humans.
