How can I help my shy new hedgehog get used to people quickly?

I would start with lots of positive reinforcement with food and treats. Hey hun used to the sound of your voice and presence before handling him. Gradually work up to him being handled and interacting with new people.

Sorry to hear your having some problems with Oscar. Small animals can often be very shy and winning their trust can be a difficult task. Starting by offering a small amount of healthy treats, such as a small piece of carrot or apple just to encourage Oscar to come out of hiding. Start placing the treat only a few inches away from his hiding place, then gradually work it out further or from your hand. Try too keep all hand and body movements slow and precise as to not scare him. As always, if you think he is hiding because he is ill, see a veterinary examination.

Hello, and congratulations on your new guinea pigs! Guinea pigs can become very social with humans but it can take some time if they have not had much interactions with humans before. Try to very gradually get them used to you by offering them something tasty such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercial treats from your hand. Eventually, they will start to associate your presence with treats, and will be more willing to come out to play. While they are eating a treat from your hand, you can try to gently pet them on the top of their head. Talk to your guinea pigs regularly so they get used to your voice, and ideally put their cage in a room where you are often in, so they get used to your presence as well. They can also learn their names if you use them often enough! Don't try to pick up/hold your guinea pigs until they have some comfort with taking a treat from your hand and putting their front paws on your hand. When you do try to pick them up, hold them snug but not too tight, and always support their bum to avoid falling. I hope this helps! Enjoy your little guys. They are great pets!

Hazel is a great name. Guinea pigs can be very shy. I would recommend giving it a few days for Hazel to get use to her new environment. I than would recommend finding a really yummy treat and slowly start giving them to her. You might have to put it in her cage and work up to hand feeding her. Typically once they are more comfortable they are pretty friendly. Hope that helps

Hello, I suggest you refer to this article on handling tips. There is more information than I am able to fit in this forum. If after reading this you have more questions feel free to ask again. Please be as specific as possible when asking questions. ( http://hedgehogheadquarters.com/secure/handling.htm ) There are also many YouTube videos that may be helpful. Just search for them! Best wishes.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Guinea pigs can become very social and loving pets, but it will take some time. I would start by offering her treats from your hand. Speak softly to her while doing so, so she gets used to your voice. Eventually let her come to you for the treat. You can also try putting the treat further back on your hand to encourage her to put her front paws on you. Continue to offer her treats and allow her to put her paws on your hand, until she allows you to pet her gently. Eventually, she may accept holding as well, but start by holding her while you are sitting down on the floor, in case she spooks and tries to jump out. You can also try wrapping her loosely in a towel before holding her, which will provide extra support. Appropriate treats for guinea pigs include apples, pears, oranges, green peppers, lettuce, celery, or commercial guinea pig treats. If you continue to interact with her like this, she may become comfortable with you within a matter of a few weeks! I hope this helps! Enjoy your new pig!

You will need to gradually acclimate Peanut to handling. Begin by simply sitting by the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Move slowly and speak softly around her. She may retreat to her hide or to the far side of the cage initially. Don't worry, this us normal. When she becomes more accepting and calm, progress to placing your hand in the enclosure. Again, for ever increasing periods of time. She may once again retreat. Make no attempt to touch or hold her. Use small treats to coax her closer to you then onto your hand. Be patient and be consistent. The more you interact with her, the quicker she will become acclimated.