Piggies are here :-)

[Piggywiggy1975]

Finally collected the piggies today - Basil, Buttercup, Bluebell, Betsy Boo and Blossom - Basil is on his own as was only neutered a few weeks ago and the girls are in pairs at the mo - hoping to introduce them all to their new hutch when it arrives in a couple of weeks and have a harmonious little herd

Any tips for helping them all settle in? They are obviously nervous at the mo but already eating grass from my hand

Should I handle them daily straight away or wait a while.

Soooo happy to have piggies back in my life again x)

 

[Becky_lou]

Hi what loverly names you've chosen I handled mine pretty much straight away really. I left them in the cage for a good night and most of the next day to get used of there souroundings but after that handled them as usual. They have to get used to you too fresh veggies always win them round

 

[kaycdee]

what an exciting time for you, sounds like you will have a happy piggy family

 

[Wiebke]

If they are from a good rescue, then you should be able to handle them pretty much straight away, as they have been handled regularly while in care; otherwise, I would give them a day or two to settle in and get their bearings first. Ideally you wait until they are poking their heads out for some treat or food; you know then that they are losing their fear.

If you can, let the three groups have run time next to each other on the lawn or indoors, so they can get to know each other through the bars once they have got their bearings in their new cages. It takes a lot of stress out of intros if the piggies have been able to suss each other out somewhat. I generally find that intros on the lawn are an ideal place in the summer months.

 

[lulu!]

what beautiful names must be so exciting to get your herd all in one go!
with a new pig i try to keep them on a high level, so it's less intimidating when i reach in to pick them up and i'm not looming over them. just try and handle them or have them out as much as you can- even a pig who is used to being handled can be skittish for a little while after a move and a change of environment. good luck and can't wait to see pictures

 

[sport_billy]

Congratulations on the arrival of Basil, Buttercup, Bluebell, Betsy Boo and Blossom - lovely names!

Following on from all the great advice above, talk lots to them so they get used to the sound of your voice, use food as a bribe to help gain your trust, they will soon associate you with good things and become less nervous over time.