Nom-nom-nom...

[Betsy]

Found a solution! I turned a pigloo upside down!

They are really familiar with the pigloo — they had it since I adopted them. I flip it over and put a blanket and a piggy in. Then I carry them to their cage (which is still 6 square feet — we’re still working on the bigger one) It is the piggies’ new way of transport. I think they like it because it’s transparent so they can see what’s going on, but it also feels familiar and safe.

Well done! Very often it's the simple solutions that are the best! That is inspired! Love it! It's one of those "Now why didn't I think of that" moments!

 

[katew]

We have had a psycho pig - she has been like this from a baby and she can really bite. Two years in and she is getting better, but in stressful moments we carry her on a towel which she savages, grabbing it and trying to throw it around. There is something about the texture which she seems to like chewing - may be worth a try. As we know each piggy is different!

 

[GuineaPigGeek]

My guinea pigs Eddie and Smores were from a 9 year old, who also got tired of them because she got a cat. They were so skittish when I got them (In May) you basically just have to earn their trust, which takes a while. I would suggest just sit by their cage and talk to them softly so they know to trust your voice, give them lots of treats (make them come up to you to get them), and if they run into their 'pigloo' don't lift it up because that is their 'safe place'. Guinea pigs are prey animals and they need to feel safe, instead of picking them up out of their cage from above (you seem big, tall and scary to them -like a bird coming down at them-) try picking them up so your hands are low to the bottom of the cage. If you're piggy doesn't want to be held and is acting really scared put it back because if they're already really scared and you don't put them back its even more traumatic for them. When I pick up my piggies I use a really soft fleece blanket because they feel secure and if they want to look they can look but if they want to try to hide from you they go into the fleece blanket. It took a long time for me to earn my piggies trust, but now one sleeps with his eyes closed on my lap cooing. The other trusts me a decent amount but nips at me too, I think its just his personality because he certainly trusts me but he's such a brat/bully, lol. Good luck with your taming! I hope something in here helps. <3