Bonding

[Patch&Fudge]

Hi all I recently bought two paired 10 week old female piggies on Tuesday and I’m having bonding difficulties holding them and feeding them myself I’m very anxious and scared to bond myself. Do I need to start bonding everyday with them as they are so young? Any advice would be hugely appreciated

 

[Piggies&buns]

As it’s only been two days then it is very new - it usually takes weeks to months for piggies to settle in.
Best thing for the first week is to cover part of their cage with a sheet and do nothing other than feed and water them. Let them settle in and settle with each other.
In the second week, sit by their cage and talk to them. Try to hand feed them their veggies for a little each day. Some piggies will take food from your hands at this point but for others it can take a few weeks longer. Take it at their pace. When they take food from you, then that is a sign of trust.

Most piggies don’t like being held and working up to that can take quite a king time. Some like a cuddle, some may learn to tolerate it, others never will.

I have four boys. One of my eldest boys took six weeks to take food from my hand, the other took a year and a half. My two youngest were taking food from me and wanting to be held from day 1…..they are all different so follow their lead!

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Of course, the routine weekly weight checks need to be done and doing them with piggies who aren’t yet settled can be a challenge. The guide below may help you.

How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pigs Safely (videos)

Some further guides for new owners

New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

 

[Patch&Fudge]

When would you suggest I start floortime

 

[Piggies&buns]

It could be a few weeks before they are feeling confident enough for that - new, big and open spaces are very scary for them so you need to play it by ear with them.
If they are taking food from your hand and not instantly running away from you then they may be ready to try a bit of floor time. Making sure you have lots of hides out for floor time so they can find somewhere they feel safe to go and sit if they need to. Again, some may not like floor time at all and may rather be in a playpen which is covered with a sheet and has lots of hides in it - it’s all about following their lead