Handling. Back To Square 1!

[Elbie]

I've had my girls about 3 weeks now. They are getting braver each day. Today was the first time they happily played on the floor (indoor pigs) while I cleaned them out, instead of them hiding because I was making a noise.

However I'm having trouble picking up my dominant pig. I've been using a card tube to transport them. Both took to it really well initially but now my dominant pig just refuses to go in. Even when cornered she will try and climb the wall instead of go in the tube. I tried to pick her up instead by putting one hand under her belly, behind the front legs, and she reached round and gave me 2 warning bites.

Any advice?!

 

[gizzy]

When mine are in the garden runs, l use a plastic supermarket basket, l put it on its side and heard the aukward pigs in

 

[jrogers]

Sounds like she's figured out your plan to pick her up! maybe change it up and pick her up in a snuggle sack or something similar.

She probably sees you picking up the cardboard tube and knows what's coming! Cheeky pig.

Also piggys are prey animals and will always be worried when being picked up I always find it easier when they know I'm coming, never just grab them..let them see you, and your hand first.

 

[Elbie]

Yes maybe I need to expand the sizeof my catching vessel!

When she bit I didn't just lunge in. I stroked her for a bit and she stood still. I then slipped my hand under to pick up and that's when she struck.

I'm trying to catch them then hold them for a small amount each day and am hoping they will get used to it soon! Never had this with my old piggies when I was younger. But then they were pet shop pigs that were a few months old so think they'd been super handled!