Guinea pigs are very sensitive animals and can be easily injured. There are several areas of their bodies that you should avoid touching. The first area is the nose. Guinea pigs have very delicate noses and can be easily hurt if you touch them too hard.
The second place to avoid is their tummies. Guinea pigs’ tummies are very sensitive, and even the most gentle touch can cause discomfort
The third area is the feet. Guinea pigs have small, fragile feet that are very sensitive to touch.
The list doesn’t end there! You should also avoid touching the eyes, ears, and mouth. All of these areas are very sensitive and can be easily injured if you’re not careful. If you must touch any of these areas, make sure to do so gently.
If you’re not sure how to handle a guinea pig, it’s best to leave them alone altogether.
What You'll Learn
What Happens If You Touch A Guinea Pig In A Place They Don’t Like
If you touch a guinea pig in a place they don’t like, they may squeal or try to move away. If you continue to touch them in a place they don’t like, they may become agitated and bite you. Guinea pigs have very sharp teeth and their bites can be painful.
Never Hold A Guinea Pig By The Scruff Of The Neck
One of the most important things to remember when handling a guinea pig is to never pick them up by the scruff of their neck. The scruff is the area of skin between their shoulder blades that has no fur. This area is very sensitive and can easily be injured if handled incorrectly.
When picking up a guinea pig, always use two hands – one hand should support their bottom and the other should go underneath their chest.
You can then lift them gently off the ground and bring them close to your body so they feel secure. Never pick up a guinea pig by their front legs, as this can cause serious injury to their shoulders.
If you need to move a guinea pig somewhere quickly, it is best to place them in a carrier or cage and carry them that way.
Don’t Touch A Guinea Pig When They Are Sleeping
Guinea pigs are very active creatures and they need their sleep just like any other animal. When they are sleeping, they are in a very deep and restful state that is crucial for their health and well-being. Just like humans, if a guinea pig is disturbed while they are sleeping, it can cause them to wake up feeling groggy and disoriented.
It is best to leave a sleeping guinea pig undisturbed so that they can get the most out of their nap. If you must touch them for any reason, be very gentle and quiet so as not to startle them.
Once they are awake, they may be more receptive to being handled or played with. But always be respectful of their need for rest and give them plenty of opportunity to sleep during the day.
Don’t Touch A Guinea Pig When They Are Eating
It’s important to respect a guinea pig’s personal space, and that includes when they are eating. If you approach them while they are eating, they may think you are trying to take their food away and become defensive. It’s best to just leave them alone while they eat and wait until they’re finished before you try to pet or hold them.
Don’t Touch A Guinea Pig When They Are Grooming
Guinea pigs are very clean animals and spend a lot of their time grooming. They use their teeth to comb their fur and remove any dirt or debris. Touching a guinea pig while they are grooming can disrupt this process and cause them to feel stressed.
It’s best to let guinea pigs groom themselves and only handle them when necessary. If you must handle them while they are grooming, be sure to do it gently and avoid touching their face or body. Guinea pigs are delicate creatures and their fur is easily matted, so it’s important to be careful when handling them.
There are places where you should not touch a guinea pig. These places include when they are sleeping, eating, grooming, and when you hold them by the scruff of the neck. Each of these actions can startle or upset the guinea pig and cause them to bite or run away. If you want to avoid being scratched or bitten, it is best to steer clear of these places.