Has anyone else had this problem?

[Maddey72]

Loki my new guinea pig, doesnt seem to like me.
It's a big chase to get him out of the cage and when I do he's fine for all of five minuets until he tries to get back again. Whenever I try and feed him, he just runs away Harvey LOVES rocket and I usully feed them to him by hand.
When I feed Loki he just runs away when my hand is near him.
Do you know any ideas of how to tame him a little more?
Thank you
x

 

[elci890]

All new pigs are anxious with new owners. Some will always be shy but Loki will probably follow Harvey in coming up to the cage for food after a few weeks/months. It takes alot of gentle encouragment and patience. I had a pig called Monty who would jump into your arms ready to go out in the run, another two Molly and Hollly were very shy girls from a rspca and never came to the cage for food until they heard the back door shut and knew you werent watching! All pigs are different. Good luck!

 

[AnnaB]

patience is the key.
I had similar problem with mine. still do really.
I had my two boys for a month now.
they still do a runner when ever i open the cage and try to get them.
but one is now starting to come round. he even comes out and squeeks when i put fresh hay in. The other one has none of it. he wont touch food from my hand and wont stay still when i hold him. so i am being patient with him until he is ready to trust me. just keep talking to yours and show him that you mean no harm.

 

[Maddey72]

All new pigs are anxious with new owners. Some will always be shy but Loki will probably follow Harvey in coming up to the cage for food after a few weeks/months. It takes alot of gentle encouragment and patience. I had a pig called Monty who would jump into your arms ready to go out in the run, another two Molly and Hollly were very shy girls from a rspca and never came to the cage for food until they heard the back door shut and knew you werent watching! All pigs are different. Good luck!

Thank you.
I hope Loki will learn from Harvey
x
Best of luck with your little piggies

 

[Maddey72]

patience is the key.
I had similar problem with mine. still do really.
I had my two boys for a month now.
they still do a runner when ever i open the cage and try to get them.
but one is now starting to come round. he even comes out and squeeks when i put fresh hay in. The other one has none of it. he wont touch food from my hand and wont stay still when i hold him. so i am being patient with him until he is ready to trust me. just keep talking to yours and show him that you mean no harm.

Bless, when I put fresh food and water in the cage, he starts squeaking REALLY loudly and he stands there trying to eat the food BEFORE I've even put it down lolxxx

 

[Wiebke]

Loki's problem is pretty common. Not all piggies are very cuddly by nature. With patience, you will be able to get him used to being petted, but he will probably never by a great cuddler.

As to the pick up: try to get him used to a pick up conveyance like a tunnel, a cosy, a padded shoebox with one end cut off, or a padded upturned pigloo, or a folded towel. Use his greed and place a little treat at the back of it. Turn it into a ritual by always using the same words with the same cadence.
It may take a few weeks until he's got the hang of it, but it is worth doing it - once he's figured out that the pick up shuttle cuts down on the stress of being hunted. Give him loads of praise, like you would a mini dog.

 

[mum2jack07]

My George does this too.It's hard to catch him.Allthough he is getting used to us now and it's not as bad as before.I use his Cosy,then slide him out once I have him on my lap,he loves cuddles...It's just catching him to get one! hehe

 

[Purple Mania]

My piggies went nuts trying to catch them, but one will now stay still when I go to pick him up, the other, its still stressfull for him .

Both mine have been to have their nails clipped and have a health check , and the vet told me to give vegetables as treat time only at lap time , so they associate their handling time as a good thing .