New owener picking up the pigs

Rebeka

Rebeka

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Location
Swansea, Wales, UK
Hi can someone please give me some advice as I am new to this. I had my 2 pigs yesterday from a rescue center and the lady who runs it said that they were ok with being picked up and handled I managed to get a cuddle with them before I tranfered them to there new home but today when I tried to pick them up they run away what is the best thing to do as I really want to be able to get them out without stress to me and them.
 
Mother Hubbard said:
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Try this.
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Thank you I don't want to be a pig owner that cant get cuddles with our pigs they are only 8mths. The lady at the rescue center seemed to be able to just pick them up they did run away but she managed to get them and she done a demonstration of how to check them over I know they in a new environment and new people so maybe that has something to do with it but i feel a bit disappointed and feel they are missing out on precious floor time.
 
Rebeka said:
Thank you I don't want to be a pig owner that cant get cuddles with our pigs they are only 8mths. The lady at the rescue center seemed to be able to just pick them up they did run away but she managed to get them and she done a demonstration of how to check them over I know they in a new environment and new people so maybe that has something to do with it but i feel a bit disappointed and feel they are missing out on precious floor time.
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They'll probably be terribly nervous, being in a new house with new sounds and smells (and a new human lol)! It's only been 24hrs, give it some time and they'll soon settle xx
 
Merrypigs Sanctuary said:
They'll probably be terribly nervous, being in a new house with new sounds and smells (and a new human lol)! It's only been 24hrs, give it some time and they'll soon settle xx
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Ok thank you they are coming out and about and also come up to me by the side of the cage but once its open the scraper lol I hope that they will be ok as my 2 children havent seen them yet they wint be seeing thdm till Monday and I know they will like to have cuddles with them so hopefully it wont take them to long to settle.
 
I agree - it’s going to take time.
my two boys are five months old and six months old I have just been doing everything I am supposed to in terms of gaining their trust and finally yesterday, after having had them for eight weeks, one of them (dexter) let me stroke him! The other (popcorn) still runs off as soon as he sees me but I am hoping now dex has got a bit more confident around me that pops will follow his lead. I am sure if I chased them round the cage, I could catch them but that isn’t gaining their trust, that’s forcing them into something they aren’t ready for and then I’ll never get them to trust me so for now it’s slowly slowly in the hope that our long term relationship will be better because they have come to me for cuddles voluntarily!
 
Couldn't agree more with everyone else. They need lots of time and patience so that they can settle in and learn that you aren't big and scary.
 
I know its going to take time I just wanted advice as I thought I had done something wrong as they were fine where they were before one of them has come up to me by the cage when it is closed but thats it. How do I manage with weighing n checking them over and cage cleaning as I know they are things that needs doing regularly its gonna be pretty hard to do if I'm to give them lots of time to get used to me.
 
Rebeka said:
I know its going to take time I just wanted advice as I thought I had done something wrong as they were fine where they were before one of them has come up to me by the cage when it is closed but thats it. How do I manage with weighing n checking them over and cage cleaning as I know they are things that needs doing regularly its gonna be pretty hard to do if I'm to give them lots of time to get used to me.
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My pigs’ previous owner made handling them look super easy too, but she is very very experienced and they were used to her.

Easiest way I’ve found to pick them up without chasing them around is to put down a fleece hidey or cuddly sack and wait until they’re in it, then carefully pick it up, making sure to support the piggy from underneath. Once they’re in my lap, they’re fine - they just don’t like the picking up part.

Also, pigs are different. I have three, they’ve been with me for nine days, so not a long time at all. Sometimes they come out to greet me when I clean their cage or hang out nearby, sometimes they don’t. One will let me pet him in the cage - if he’s in the mood. One sometimes hides or moves to a corner when I approach, but then comes back when she hears my voice. One often runs off and stays hidden until I’m at a distance, except for when she’s being extra brave or curious. It’s OK, they’re settling at their own individual pace.

Good luck and hope you have so much fun getting to know your new piggies!
 
I usually reckon on leaving new piggies be until the cage needs cleaning.
It’s a very scary experience for a prey animal to be moved into a new environment.
Allow time for them to get used to your voice and all the sounds and smells of their new home.
I have a young piggy who came to me about a month ago who is still scared of being picked up - I use a snuggle pouch for her and will do so until she finds her confidence.
She’s getting better when she’s in her cage with her cagemates.
Some piggies never like cuddles - you have to accept them for who they are and their own unique personalities.
Please let us see pictures when you can
 
These are few pics of today after sitting next to there cage for bout 2hrs I done some poop removing n fresh water n food n then sat there talking to them and these are the result the white ond even let me stroke her nose then then started came closer and closer for treats.20180825_155041.webp20180825_155041.webp20180825_152346.webp
 

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Aww, they’re adorable!

Also, I understand not wanting to disappoint your children by telling them that the piggies are not ready to be cuddled - my 6-year-old was NOT happy with me when I told her it might take days, weeks or months until either of us get to hold them, and that only I will handle them to begin with, and we’ll do things step by step. She thought I made too many rules, of course, but I think it’s worth it, both for the piggies and the kids, to have a positive experience of hanging out together, with no stress or chaos.
 
emellertid said:
Aww, they’re adorable!

Also, I understand not wanting to disappoint your children by telling them that the piggies are not ready to be cuddled - my 6-year-old was NOT happy with me when I told her it might take days, weeks or months until either of us get to hold them, and that only I will handle them to begin with, and we’ll do things step by step. She thought I made too many rules, of course, but I think it’s worth it, both for the piggies and the kids, to have a positive experience of hanging out together, with no stress or chaos.
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Thank you my 10yr old will understand but my 5yr old will prob be disappointed but its got to be done but she'll get over and can help my by getting the food and fresh water ready everyday n chat the them she be fine with that.
 
Rebeka said:
Thank you my 10yr old will understand but my 5yr old will prob be disappointed but its got to be done but she'll get over and can help my by getting the food and fresh water ready everyday n chat the them she be fine with that.
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Yes, my 6-year-old does exactly that! :D She got over her initial disappointment, and she’ll watch when I prepare their veggies and spot clean the cage, and sometimes she’ll just sit and watch them and chat to them, and tell me about what they’re up to. ”Mom, the pigs are going in the tunnel!”, ”Mom, the pigs are eating!”
I’m sure she’ll enjoy having them around, even before she gets to pet them herself, and when you think everyone’s ready, she’ll be more confident too, from having seen you care for the piggies. :)
 
emellertid said:
Yes, my 6-year-old does exactly that! :D She got over her initial disappointment, and she’ll watch when I prepare their veggies and spot clean the cage, and sometimes she’ll just sit and watch them and chat to them, and tell me about what they’re up to. ”Mom, the pigs are going in the tunnel!”, ”Mom, the pigs are eating!”
I’m sure she’ll enjoy having them around, even before she gets to pet them herself, and when you think everyone’s ready, she’ll be more confident too, from having seen you care for the piggies. :)
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Its daughter's birthday tomorrow she'll be 5 and my other daughter's birthday in September. They have wanted guinea pigs since we used to have the ones from when my youngest daughter was in nursery over 3yrs ago and there cousin has had them for bout 7months now my children haven't been here since I got them Thursday so its a complete suprise for them. I'm glad I done it that way as by the time the kids see them hopefully they will come out and see me for treats so the kids get to see them taking treats off me.
 
Rebeka said:
Its daughter's birthday tomorrow she'll be 5 and my other daughter's birthday in September. They have wanted guinea pigs since we used to have the ones from when my youngest daughter was in nursery over 3yrs ago and there cousin has had them for bout 7months now my children haven't been here since I got them Thursday so its a complete suprise for them. I'm glad I done it that way as by the time the kids see them hopefully they will come out and see me for treats so the kids get to see them taking treats off me.
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Aw, birthday congrats! I hope everything goes well, this must be really exciting for your girls! :nod:
 
emellertid said:
Aw, birthday congrats! I hope everything goes well, this must be really exciting for your girls! :nod:
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They haven't seen them yet wint see them till they get home from there nans tomorrow I can't wait for them to get home as the suspense is killing me now I spoke the them on the phone yesterday and it was so hard not to mention anything bout the pigs. Ooooo I'm so excited..
 
Posyrose said:
I know it's a really slow process, but they seem to be making good progress - eating from your hand so soon is amazing.
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I sat next the cage 1st for bout 45min after I done the daily poop removal and water change ect with one of the doors and sat there for another half hour then I just rested my hand on the side in the open door and put a few bits of fruit and veg in there and then decided to go for it and offer a treat and they took it only gave them a little treat and then later I just tried offering them a little more without all the waiting and they both took it off me and bith let me stroke there head and cheek after that they were jumping around now they are both laying down sleeping.
 
Rebeka said:
I sat next the cage 1st for bout 45min after I done the daily poop removal and water change ect with one of the doors and sat there for another half hour then I just rested my hand on the side in the open door and put a few bits of fruit and veg in there and then decided to go for it and offer a treat and they took it only gave them a little treat and then later I just tried offering them a little more without all the waiting and they both took it off me and bith let me stroke there head and cheek after that they were jumping around now they are both laying down sleeping.
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Sounds like it is going really well! Gaining their trust is a slow process. You are doing great. Lovely piggies :love: by the way! Thanks for the photos
 
If you wave a veggie around especially a strong smelling herb they will suddenly jump out from no where and before you know it they will be wheeking for veg everytime they are you
 
sport_billy said:
Sounds like it is going really well! Gaining their trust is a slow process. You are doing great. Lovely piggies :love: by the way! Thanks for the photos
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Thank you I've omly had them 4 days and I adore them already it is going well I've put a lot of time in the last few days to get them to trust me enough to take treats off me and today they let me stroke there head without a treat I did give them one after they let ne fo it and praised them for letting me do it. At the moment one of them is explore around the cage and the other is sprawled out fast asleep. I read that they rarely sleep with there eyes closed is this true?
 
Rebeka said:
Thank you I've omly had them 4 days and I adore them already it is going well I've put a lot of time in the last few days to get them to trust me enough to take treats off me and today they let me stroke there head without a treat I did give them one after they let ne fo it and praised them for letting me do it. At the moment one of them is explore around the cage and the other is sprawled out fast asleep. I read that they rarely sleep with there eyes closed is this true?
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I’ve never seen mine close their eyes. Apparently if they do it’s a sign that they are very comfortable in their environment and feel very safe
 
Keep going with the steady approach, we got two in April and my daughter had her first lap time today. I don’t know who was more nervous, the piggies, me or my little lass. Anyway it was successful and worth the patience over the months. Our piggies always come out at clean out time and dart around me excitedly being inquisitive and playful as soon as I look like I am going to stroke them they fart for cover!
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’ve never seen mine close their eyes. Apparently if they do it’s a sign that they are very comfortable in their environment and feel very safe
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I am sure they will at some point. Not all piggies seem to.... they may miss veggies :)) need to stay alert lol
 
Rebeka said:
Thank you I've omly had them 4 days and I adore them already it is going well I've put a lot of time in the last few days to get them to trust me enough to take treats off me and today they let me stroke there head without a treat I did give them one after they let ne fo it and praised them for letting me do it. At the moment one of them is explore around the cage and the other is sprawled out fast asleep. I read that they rarely sleep with there eyes closed is this true?
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The first time mine lay down on their side stretched out to sleep and closed their eyes we all panicked and thought they were dead!
But if they do that it means they are relaxed :) they often sleep with their eyes open though...
 
They both have started sleeping with there eyes closed I've been giving them veggies and I keep a small bit of there daily allowence as treats when they do good they accully started squeaking (the sound they do when they think I've got something for them) at me when I walk near them and they have started jumping around the cage like the do when they are happy they let me stroke them earlier to. I have worked so hard with them the last 3days. I am worried a bit that when the kids come home tomorrow and see them that they will go back to the way they were Thursday when I brought them home..
 
PigglePuggle said:
The first time mine lay down on their side stretched out to sleep and closed their eyes we all panicked and thought they were dead!
But if they do that it means they are relaxed :) they often sleep with their eyes open though...
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They done that today and I panicked thats why I mentioned it lol
 
PigglePuggle said:
The first time mine lay down on their side stretched out to sleep and closed their eyes we all panicked and thought they were dead!
But if they do that it means they are relaxed :) they often sleep with their eyes open though...
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I know I paniced too first time I saw it and had to poke them lol
 
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