How Long Did It Take...

[Tigermoth]

For your guinea pigs to be little characters that you can interact with?

As a first time piggie owner I'm obviously desperate to have a little piggy that comes out of his tunnel when I come in the room, rather than dash in! I realise it is going to take as long as it takes, but I'm curious, those of you that post the lovely pictures and stories here, how long did it take you to get to that point?

 

[Freela]

It's hard for me to remember, as it's such a gradual thing. I know there were big strides within the first couple of months. It did help that the last two new pigs I've had have been partnered with a resident pig, which I think helped them to calm down more quickly (seeing that the other pig wasn't scared of me seemed to help. Hadley settled down a LOT as soon as she moved in with Sundae.) Keep on giving them food... I always say my pigs love me, but I think most truthfully they love my long legs that can easily go upstairs and my opposable thumbs that can open the vegetable crisper...

 

[Wigwig]

Archie was always very bold from the start, but he became fully used to me after a couple of months.

 

[Bitsato]

My boys were really scared of me in the beginning, I got them when they were about a month old. It took them about a month and a half to get used to me.

 

[zombieprincess]

It really depends on the piggies. Of my most recently homed Guinea pigs (the 6th of Jan I homed a pair and a single as a new companion for my bereaved boy) The single who paired with my existing boy was running out and wheeling for food within 3 days. On the other hand he is now more outgoing that his friend who I have had for 18 months. He loves lap time and lays with his legs all stretched out where as Noah won't settle.
Of the pair, one has started to hang around a bit more when I go to feed him, but I have to go searching for his friend. I have had piggies that come round in days I have had some that have taken years. I have a sow, whom I have had for nearly 3 years, since she was 4 weeks old. Whilst she is super squeaky and bold when she can do her own thing, she still fights and screams when I pick her up.

They are all different. All I can say is just be patient, gentle but confident. And don't expect a miracle. That way when they have their first mad zoomy time, popcorn, sucessful laptime, or loud wheek ... It is extra special

 

[sport_billy]

Depends on the piggies. Our first two piggies took around 4 months I reckon. The others have been introduced to existing piggies so got confidence off them at being around us.

It will happen I promise just keep talking to them and using food as a bribe. We used to offer food in their cage while they were in there house so they would take it off us, they then associate you with good things and get a little braver each day

 

[sport_billy]

and my opposable thumbs that can open the vegetable crisper...