What Spots Do Guinea Pigs Prefer to Be Petted? (Information With Infographic)

Within the wild, Guinea Pigs are prey animals with predators starting from snakes to wolves and large cats. As such, whilst pets, their pure intuition to keep away from predators is powerful. Whereas Cavies will be tamed and turn into cuddly pets that wish to be stroked and fussed, it may well take time, and a few could by no means significantly take pleasure in being petted.

Usually, nonetheless, Guinea Pigs that do like being petted are most probably to take pleasure in having their heads and backs petted. They could tolerate having their chest petted however most strongly dislike having their stomach and bottoms patted. There are exceptions as each Guinea Pig is exclusive, so yours may love having its stomach rubbed however hate having its head touched.

Guinea Pigs within the Wild

Guinea Pig ancestors hail from South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. What we consider because the domesticated Guinea Pig doesn’t actually exist within the wild anymore, though there are related animals discovered primarily in Brazil and different South American nations. The checklist of pure predators is lengthy and contains snakes, giant birds, wild cats, and coyotes. They’re additionally, in some nations, hunted by people.

Guinea Pigs as Pets

Not solely is the checklist of Guinea Pig predators lengthy however it’s diversified, as effectively. They must be on guard from animals within the air, in addition to on the bottom. This explains why Cavies will be timid and nervous creatures. Method one with out warning, or catch it unexpectedly, and a Guinea Pig’s pure instincts inform it that it’s most likely being hunted and prone to be eaten.

What Spots Do Guinea Pigs Prefer to Be Petted?

As prey animals, Guinea Pigs are very cautious of potential threats. In addition they dislike being put in a compromising place that may hamper any efforts to flee bother. When making an attempt to pet a Guinea Pig, be sure that it is aware of you might be there and check out to make sure that it doesn’t see you as a possible menace.

Usually, one of the best place to pet a Cavie is on the highest of its head, though many may even tolerate being petted on the again so long as they’re anticipating it.

The place To not Pet a Guinea Pig

The chest is one space that some Guinea Pigs may tolerate, and others will hate, so method with warning and cease in case your Guinea Pig appears harassed or uncomfortable with the chest petting. The stomach and backside are the least doubtless locations they wish to be petted.

How To Acquire a Guinea Pig’s Belief

A very powerful issue that may decide whether or not a Guinea Pig likes to be petted is whether or not it feels protected, and a number of this comes from whether or not the Cavie trusts you sufficient to pet it. It could take time however having a Guinea Pig’s belief is effectively well worth the effort.

The 5 Ideas To Deal with a Guinea Pig

1. Begin Younger

If you happen to get your Guinea Pig when it’s younger, you must begin dealing with it as quickly as potential however after it has had time to turn into acclimatized to its new cage and environment. Get right into a routine of taking your pet out day by day. Even when it gained’t tolerate you petting it, getting the Guinea Pig out of its enclosure will construct belief, cut back the probability of it biting, and supply higher enrichment. An grownup Guinea Pig that has by no means been dealt with might be much more reluctant with dealing with than one which has been dealt with often from a younger age.

2. Hand Feed

Guinea Pigs like to eat, and meals bribes are a great way to persuade yours to belief you. Have some tasty treats in your hand and encourage your Guinea Pig to return and take them from you. Initially, they’re prone to take the meals and scarper again to security, however over time they may cling round close to your hand and, finally, could also be prepared to take the meals from you and eat it within the palm of your hand.

3. Deal with Frequently

Belief is constructed over time and thru common publicity. Getting your Guinea Pig out of the cage each few weeks isn’t typically sufficient to develop belief. Attempt to deal with your pet day by day, however not less than a number of occasions every week, and for quite a lot of minutes at a time.

4. Discuss to Them

Guinea Pigs can be taught sounds and noises, and they’ll turn into accustomed to your voice. Discuss to your Cavie whereas it’s in its enclosure, while you enter a room, and in addition if you end up dealing with it. It’s going to turn into accustomed to having you round and might be extra prone to belief you when it hears your voice.

5. Be Affected person

As a prey animal, it takes rather a lot for a Guinea Pig to belief one other animal. Despite the fact that you’re the one feeding, housing, and caring for it, you continue to must be affected person. If you happen to attempt to rush issues and your Cavie will get particularly wired, it’s prone to withdraw from you and it may take a very long time to rebuild the belief that’s misplaced. If you happen to discover your Guinea Pig getting agitated when you’re dealing with it, put it again in its cage and check out once more tomorrow.

Conclusion

Guinea Pigs are good pets, and with common dealing with from a younger age, they may normally tolerate common dealing with and will even take pleasure in being petted and spending time in your arms or in your lap. Keep away from petting the stomach and backside, solely pet the chest in case your Guinea Pig likes it, and stick with the pinnacle and higher again space.

And do not forget that each Guinea Pig is completely different so simply because you have got one which likes having a sure space petted, doesn’t imply that every one Guinea Pigs will like the identical factor.

Featured Picture Credit score: mgventer10, Pixabay