Advice on settling rescue piggies

[Nicola_]

Hey everyone,

I introduced myself about a week ago, with the news that I may be getting piggies if I were to pass my exam - I can officially announce that I passed which means I am definitely able to get a pair of piggies! :<>

I would have made the announcement much sooner however I've been horribly ill and then the forum went down! :0 So glad it's back up and running now though as I'm going to be needing it a lot over the next few days!

I've already found the pair I'm going to adopt and am going to collect them tomorrow |) I've pretty much got everything in place that I need (bar a few things I'm going to collect in the morning) all I need now is to know how best to settle them in to their new home. They're a pair of neutered boars (brothers) who are 18 months old. They are extremely placid, I've already met them and they enjoyed getting lots of cuddles and attention! However I've read that they should be left for a couple of days in their new home before you attempt to stroke or handle them. Is that still the case for older rescue piggies or will the lack of cuddles actually be detrimental to boys who are so used to them? Also, whilst leaving them for those days to settle into their new home should I still try to hand feed them or just completely leave them to it (obviously keeping an eye on them that they are ok).

Also, when I put them into their new home should I put them straight in there or should I give them a cuddle first - which option is going to be the most relaxing/calming for them after the ordeal of the journey and vet visit? (I'm taking them straight for a check up to make sure they're in good health).

Sorry for the big spiel - I just really want to make sure I do right by these boys and do as much as I can to alleviate stresses for them.

Thank you,

Nicola

 

[Rodentopia]

Sorry for the late reply but with the forum being down, anyway you probably have them now and congrats on getting your piggies Its a good idea to let them settle down for a few days, I tend to put them into their cage and let them get used to the new environment as the smell, the sounds etc are all new to them. A new home can be stressful for piggies whatever the age obviously some settle quicker then others. I would let them settle for a day or two, feed them and sit and talk to them gently and if they come to you offer them herbs or veggies so they get used to you, it also creates a positive emotional response that if they come to you they will get a treat, helps them bond quicker. Piggies can take some time to settle so let them do things at their own pace

 

[Nicola_]

Thank you!

I've had them a couple of days now, they're still very skittish around me - I keep thinking they don't like me but I'm sure it's just a case of them still settling in

I'm the most ridiculously paranoid new owner, can't wait for the day we're all well bonded and I know them well enough to know when they're ok and when they're not!

 

[Rodentopia]

Piggies are prey animals so they tend to be skittish till they settle, they can take some time to feel safe some settle quickly whereas others take months. Just enjoy them is my top tip and lots of treats