Guinea pigs are prey animals, so a certain level of nervousness is completely normal. However, some piggies may be more easily startled or take longer to feel safe due to a combination of environmental and handling factors, including:

• Housing location – Piggies housed outdoors or in busy areas of the home may be exposed to unfamiliar sounds, smells, weather changes, and predators, all of which can increase stress levels.
  
• Loud or unpredictable noises – Constant noise from TVs, children, dogs, vacuum cleaners, or foot traffic can make guinea pigs feel on edge and unsafe.
  
• Rough or rushed handling – Being grabbed from above, handled too frequently, or not properly supported can be frightening and reduce trust.
  
• Little to no daily interaction – Guinea pigs that aren’t spoken to, hand-fed, or gently interacted with each day often remain wary of humans.
  
• Lack of hiding spaces – Without safe places to retreat, piggies can feel exposed and anxious, making them more likely to flee.
  
• Past experiences and personality – Some guinea pigs have had negative experiences before coming to you, while others are simply more cautious by nature.
  

The good news? Many of these factors can be improved with thoughtful housing choices, gentle handling, and consistent, positive interaction.