First time pick-up was a disaster

[2pigginewbie]

I am a new piggy owner. I have 2 females, bonded sisters, for about 3 weeks. They are each a little over a year old. They had surgery shortly before I adopted them, so I did not try to pick them at all, so they could recover. Today I needed to clean out their habitat, and was giving them floor time in another area for my apartment (I usually coax them into a carrier to move them). I didn't realize the fencing came loose and one of them got out and was heading towards a surge protector, with a lot of things plugged in. I tried to stop her, she ran, I panicked and picked her up. She was squealing & squirming, I got her back in the fence and she ran to her sister in a cozy sack. Some of her hair came out and see a little bald patch on her, where I held her. I am freaking out that I hurt her and worried that I have lost her trust. I feel awful. I've read and watched videos about picking them up, but sadly I was not able to do it in a controlled way, like I wanted. I'm also worried about having to trim their nails soon. Any advice? Besides the articles on the forum, that I have already read. Thank you in advance!

 

[Mochi206]

I am a new piggy owner. I have 2 females, bonded sisters, for about 3 weeks. They are each a little over a year old. They had surgery shortly before I adopted them, so I did not try to pick them at all, so they could recover. Today I needed to clean out their habitat, and was giving them floor time in another area for my apartment (I usually coax them into a carrier to move them). I didn't realize the fencing came loose and one of them got out and was heading towards a surge protector, with a lot of things plugged in. I tried to stop her, she ran, I panicked and picked her up. She was squealing & squirming, I got her back in the fence and she ran to her sister in a cozy sack. Some of her hair came out and see a little bald patch on her, where I held her. I am freaking out that I hurt her and worried that I have lost her trust. I feel awful. I've read and watched videos about picking them up, but sadly I was not able to do it in a controlled way, like I wanted. I'm also worried about having to trim their nails soon. Any advice? Besides the articles on the forum, that I have already read. Thank you in advance!

When I first picked up my piggies they where also very uncooperative. Maybe try to give them treats to distract them?

 

[Siikibam]

If she’s lost a visible patch there is no harm in taking her to the vet for a check - both of them in fact. While you’re there you can ask them to do the nail trim and show you how, if you’re allowed to go in.

Never chase them around as that scares them even more. And make sure they can’t escape and get to things they’re not supposed to. Remember they will chew things.