Best Way To Handle A New Pig

[eightieselle]

Hello everyone! Thanks for such a warm welcome to the forum!

Anyhoo, I have two gorgeous boars, Walt & Jessie (we're big breaking bad fans ) they have been with us a week today, I've been spot cleaning them daily, and have done a proper clean out today. Easy as pie, altho I make a mess in the process...

Basically, I haven't picked either of them up yet other than when we first put them in their cage. They are obviously very nervous and only young (10 weeks) I've been talking to them lots, sitting with them with the cage open. Giving them treats, stroking them. I've made progress already with both piggies staying still for a stroke, instead of running for the nearest hidey hole! They have eaten food out of my hand and aren't (too) scared of running near to my hand when its in the cage. I put them both into their run in the evenings, but I've been herding them one by one into a tube and covering the ends to transport them there and back.

Have I done the right thing leaving it a week before picking them up? I don't want to undo all the trust we have built up so far but I'd love some cuddles. Also, how is best to do it? I don't want to chase them around the cage as I know they'd run and get stressed. Any ideas? TIA x

 

[ayemee]

My girls were really timid and skittish (still are sometimes). I picked them up in a snuggle hidey and placed it on my lap with some food. A few time of doing this they realised I wasn't a danger. Then started to stroke them until they built up confidence to come out on your lap it's all a time a patience game earning their trust. But very worth it. Sounds like you've been doing a great job so far.

 

[Maisy and Poppy]

Yes, I think you have. You sound like a really caring piggy owner.

 

[piggyfan]

You have really worked hard to settle in your boys which is great. This link will give you more advice,
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/

 

[Wiebke]

You have done right to let them settle in first and get their bearings.
You may find these two threads helpful:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/

 

[Maisy and Poppy]

With my piggies I wait until they are in a Hidey house they I pick them up.

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Piggies will take time to get settled and aware of their surroundings. Trusting people is a long process, sometimes more depending on the piggy.

Keep hand feeding, that is always the right way to go.

 

[eightieselle]

With my piggies I wait until they are in a Hidey house they I pick them up.

Do you ever hold them to your chest or on your lap? They are very nervous still. I'll have to get them a snuggle sack I think, can double up as a bed then too x

 

[eightieselle]

Piggies will take time to get settled and aware of their surroundings. Trusting people is a long process, sometimes more depending on the piggy.

Keep hand feeding, that is always the right way to go.

Thanks. Do you think I would be a good idea to sit with them in the run so they could have a sniff of me? Or do you that would scare them too much? X

 

[eightieselle]

You have done right to let them settle in first and get their bearings.
You may find these two threads helpful:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/how-do-i-settle-shy-new-guinea-pigs.36239/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...stincts-and-speak-piggy-body-language.117031/

Thanks I've had a good read of those. Really helpful advice x

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

Thanks. Do you think I would be a good idea to sit with them in the run so they could have a sniff of me? Or do you that would scare them too much? X

No no, you need them to get settled in their actual home first.

 

[Maisy and Poppy]

I

Do you ever hold them to your chest or on your lap? They are very nervous still. I'll have to get them a snuggle sack I think, can double up as a bed then too x

I do both : lap and chest.

 

[Wiebke]

Best get them comfortable and confident with the regular surroundings first before exposing them to even more new territory!

 

[eightieselle]

Thanks all just ordered a snuggle cosy for them. Good thing you're all here don't wanna make any mistakes with them. Really want two happy piggies! X