Grooming before they are ready?

[Appa&Momo]

Hi everyone,

I’ve had my baby coronet and Texel boars for just over 2 weeks now.
They are slowly settling, yesterday one of them ate their coriander while I was sat talking next to the cage (made my week!). However, they are still not ready for handling and not accepting food from my hand yet.
I have not yet groomed them yet but will need to start introducing them to it and do a quick bum cut (one had some matts on his tummy upon arrival).
Is it okay to handle before they are ready for grooming, I don’t want to disrupt their progress.

If so - have you got any tips for hands off grooming approaches?

 

[Merab]

What gorgeous babies

Why do you think they need grooming ?
Unless the fur is long and easily tangled, especially around the bum area, they may not need grooming.
Most piggies will easily keep themselves clean.
Having said this I’ve never had a texel and only 1 piggy with long fur.

With handling be patient.
It sounds as if they are already trusting you.
There is information on handling piggies on the forum.
I usually use a fleece tunnel or house to pick them up in and then wrap them in a towel when it’s health check time.

 

[Appa&Momo]

Hi!

Thanks for getting back to me,

Several research sources have said to treat them as any other long haired breed with daily grooming.

I’ve seen some answers on the forum that have said that they may need handling before they are ready like for grooming and health checking but just worried about disrupting their trust

Thanks for the tip with the tunnel

 

[Freela]

The tunnel approach might help them get used to being handled on faster timeline, which you might need if their fur is getting long and tangled in the meantime. I would work on picking them up and getting used to handling with the help of the tunnel for a little while before you really attempt any grooming (even if there's a mat, it can wait for a few days unless it's really pulling on the skin.) I would focus on getting them used to your hands and maybe stroking them with a very soft brush, but it may always be a battle to brush out knots, depending on their personality. When they are used to handling, it might be easier just to trim the back area shorter (I find that 90% of the bad knots are in the back.)

I have one sheltie, Misa, and much as I love her and as beautiful as she is when we let the coat grow out, I will probably never let her fur grow out at the back again. The reason is that she HATES brushing and it ends up being stressful for both of us, so I cut the back real short and leave some of the length at the top and sides. She kind of has a 'I want to speak to your manager!' cut, but it's easier on both of us!

 

[Truffolo]

Yes, the younger you start handling them the better. Use a wide toothed comb, but don't pull on the hair. They will let you know if it's uncomfortable. Sit them on your lap and gently stroke their fur to begin with. They usually get to like this. Picking them up is the difficult part as the pressure on their ribs can be scary for them. But you do need to hold them securely and supportively as a fall from even a low height can cause injury. Some people use a sling or a snuggle sack so that piggy feels secure inside it. I take my piggies out their cage in a plastic concertina tube and put them in a playpen. You can use a big piece of cardboard to gently corner them and put your hand on them. They should let you pick them up then. Or pick them up inside a cosy for lap time if it's easier. Feeding them while they are on your lap helps too. Good luck with your beautiful piggies ❤❤

 

[Truffolo]

They may fuss and be dramatic. Stay calm and relaxed. If it's all too much, keep the session short, but you may find they enjoy being stroked once they have gotten a bit used to it.

 

[Truffolo]

Long haired piggies actually appreciate help with their coat. They know when they have mats and will look to you to help them. If they can reach them, they will bite them off. They are very self aware of what is going on with their fur