I got two guinea pig brothers last December. I have given them attention they get out of cage time we play with them and pet them but they are STILL to this day scared of us. When I go into my room they squeek and look all happy but when I open up their cage they run and hide and its so hard to get them out of their cage because they run and hide in their little houses. I have never EVER mistreated any of my animals in any way so I dont understand why they are still scared after having them for eight months. Will they ever mellow out? What should I do?

My guinea pigs always do that as well. Because theyre prey animals that is how they naturally react. When I go to pick up one of my piggies hell run and hide. So I just lift his house away and scoop him up. Then once hes in my lap and Im petting him hes not afraid at all.

Its just an instinct. For a moment they forget who you are and the fact that you want to pet them and feed them carrots and think that you want to eat them. Dont feel bad about it its not your fault. Just pick them up anyway and dont be afraid to be firm. Eventually they may get used to it. You could try luring them out of hiding with a favorite treat though that requires a lot of patience.

Good luck and I hoped I helped :

i am not sure

They probably are just shy Not all guinea pigs are outgoing. Dont take the houses out that will just make them really unhappy. My male guinea pig the brown one in the picture is always in his little house. He only comes out when Im at my computer or not in the room. My other piggie is always out and about. He was just born shy.

Also they could have had a history of abuse. My guinea pig was dropped before I adopted him and thats why he squirms and breathes really hard when hes above ground.

Most likely though theyre both just very shy pigs. Try and be very quiet and dont make any sudden quick movements. My male pig will come out if you coax him out with lettuce. He even stands on his hind feet Good luck

its normal for guinea pigs to run and hide because its their nature..and sometimes they hide when they dont wanna picked up and most of em dont wanna be picked up..my guinea pigs do that too..but when they get out and you pet them theyll like it..its just their way..dont be disheartened..its okay..and theyre not scared..thats just the way they are..

I got mine in january unfortunately on sunday one of them died she had a heart problem :

but my other one runs away from me to

im sure they will get to know us eventualy
DONT GIVE UP
they will stop running away my friends guinea pigs dont runaway she has had hers for around 3 years now so it wont take long

It is very normal some will run even when they want you to hold them. They are prey animals so when something large approaches their cage they natural run. Guinea pigs do not have very good eye sight so they do not automatically recognize you they run from instinct and fear as soon as you pick them up they should be happy as a bug in a rug though.