Handling and stress

[tatals]

So, baby boars - or should I say teenagers? - completing 3 weeks at home today. They're around 4 months old. Starting that terrible hormonal phase. Phew.

I've been handling them for the past few days. I had initially decided to leave them alone mostly, but one of them had a skin condition when he got here that I had to treat, and take to the vet, etc, so I ended up reviewing my decision and started getting them used to handling.

They're really friendly and have no problem at all interacting with me on the cage, getting food from my hand, etc. But they still seem pretty scared on my lap, so I put them somewhere else and sit next to them and let them eat snacks and explore. It seemed to be working, Oreo - da boss - even started lying down pretty relaxed and licking me. Great!

BUT being picked up REALLY stresses him out. It wasn't a huge problem at first, but it seems to be getting worse. He's constantly teeth chattering now every time he notices it's lap time. So I changed the method and starting using a lift, which helps, but I think he will eventually start avoiding the box I'm using, since he has already started avoiding the tunnels.

So my questions are: 1. Should I keep trying to handle him or should I leave him alone? I really don't want him to see lap/floor time as something negative. 2. Is there anything else I should be doing? Or something I shouldN'T? 3. Is there any chance the hormones are making him more stressed out?

I've read all of the topics on behavior for new owners and I'm doing pretty much everything, I'm really just double-checking on the persistence thing. I'm afraid to be forcing him to do something that maybe it's just his personality not to.

 

[Wiebke]

So, baby boars - or should I say teenagers? - completing 3 weeks at home today. They're around 4 months old. Starting that terrible hormonal phase. Phew.

I've been handling them for the past few days. I had initially decided to leave them alone mostly, but one of them had a skin condition when he got here that I had to treat, and take to the vet, etc, so I ended up reviewing my decision and started getting them used to handling.

They're really friendly and have no problem at all interacting with me on the cage, getting food from my hand, etc. But they still seem pretty scared on my lap, so I put them somewhere else and sit next to them and let them eat snacks and explore. It seemed to be working, Oreo - da boss - even started lying down pretty relaxed and licking me. Great!

BUT being picked up REALLY stresses him out. It wasn't a huge problem at first, but it seems to be getting worse. He's constantly teeth chattering now every time he notices it's lap time. So I changed the method and starting using a lift, which helps, but I think he will eventually start avoiding the box I'm using, since he has already started avoiding the tunnels.

So my questions are: 1. Should I keep trying to handle him or should I leave him alone? I really don't want him to see lap/floor time as something negative. 2. Is there anything else I should be doing? Or something I shouldN'T? 3. Is there any chance the hormones are making him more stressed out?

I've read all of the topics on behavior for new owners and I'm doing pretty much everything, I'm really just double-checking on the persistence thing. I'm afraid to be forcing him to do something that maybe it's just his personality not to.

Hi!

Please take the time to read these guides here. Your boys are now behaving like typical teenagers. If necessary, assert your authority in a friendly way to remind them that you are still top pig. Also make sure that you strictly observed the hierarchy with teenage boars and always feed, handle and groom the top boar first.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[Betsy]

The piggy whispering guide that @Wiebke has given you is particularly good. I've used it on my lot and it's great. Just make sure nobody else is around when you do some of them cos you feel very silly but it's not if you are talking guinea pig!

 

[tatals]

Thank you, guys.

I've actually already read the guide about five times, haha. I guess I'll have to improve my technique!

Betsy, I definitely feel silly, but I guess they don't think like that, so I let it go.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you, guys.

I've actually already read the guide about five times, haha. I guess I'll have to improve my technique!

Betsy, I definitely feel silly, but I guess they don't think like that, so I let it go.

Don't expect prey animals to turn into cuddly pets instantly. It is a slow and gradual process, but there are ways you can make it easier. One way is by making the effort to respect their instincts and talk their language instead of expecting them to figure out human behaviour. Respect when they say no - this means that they feel taken seriously and they will learn to trust you sooner; they will also find the courage to tell you their real feelings more quickly.

3 weeks is such a short time when it comes to piggies.