Answer

Hello,

Sometimes animals take some time to get used to foods they haven't had before. Keep offering him the oranges and greens. Also, try some other produce - peppers, tomato, strawberry, and if you have a lawn that is never sprayed, some dandelion or clover. Here's a site where you can read about other appropriate foods:

http://www.guinealynx.com/diet.html

Since the guinea pig is eating hay and pellets, you don't have to worry that he's sick. Just keep offering small amounts of produce. eventually he should discover that it's good.

As far as taming him, you might want to back up a little. Begin by talking quietly to him while he's in her cage. Put your hand in the cage and let him sniff it. When he's comfortable with that, try stroking his back gently. If that doesn't scare him, continue to do only that for several days. If even that much frightens him, just hold your hand in the cage for awhile. The next day, try again to pet him. When he'll let you stroke his back, slowly move your hand underneath him as if you're going to pick him up, but don't actually lift him. When he doesn't get scared when you do that, you're ready to try to pick him up.

When you lift him, make sure you support both the front and back parts of his body. The first time you pick him up, don't hold onto him for a long time. Just gently set him back down. This method will take patience. You'll probably need to spend several days on each step, but if you work at it slowly, your guinea pig should become tame.

If you have more questions about this, let me know by clicking on REPLY.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	10/6/2008

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant