Piggies that jump and other things.

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theoretikos

theoretikos

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Hi. Any time that I try to handle my piggies they decided to take a running jump off the couch. As in they seriously launch themselves. They don't mind being picked up in a tray or hidey when in their house but I can pick them up if they are on the couch without any problems. They don't like to sit on my knee and can only tolerate up to five minutes. I am thinking that it is possibly because they are free range and whatever they do is more interesting. Is this normal?
 
It is totally normal behaviour for youngsters; they haven't learned to sit still and love to explore. If you can, cuddle them under a blanket, so they can't jump off. Praise them lots to encourage the behaviour you want them to adopt. But put them back whenever they have had clearly had enough; they trust you more if their communication is heeded, too.
 
Yup, it's normal! It's taken nearly two years for my Angus to be happy sitting on my lap without jumping off to go exploring, mainly it's because him and Struan love to be busy, Suilven & Mish are quite happy to sit still and be fussed!

Some piggies are never really lap pigs, my previous piggy Dill was never very cuddly but loved his floor time. Cosies or sleeping bag style cuddle cups can make lap time safer but some pigs just want to be on the go all the time. I also find my lads sit better if their cage mate is with them. If they are separate (one on me and one on OH) then they tend to be more jumpy, frequently launching themselves across the sofa to see their buddy. If they are both on the same lap they tend to just settle down and go to sleep.

If all else fails a tasty snack can help keep their attention on you.
 
I nave fout that don't like being picked up and cuddled but have a texel and peruvian that love cuddles. Just the way they are
 
They are definitely more interested in exploring than paying attention to me. They don't like being wrapped up in a blanket either. I have tried treating them but that only lasts for so long. Maybe they will never be lap pigs!
 
Be patient! The majority of piggies are not natural lap piggies, but with patience and persistence, nearly all piggies will get accustomed to being handled and having at least a short cuddle. As your piggies get older, they will also calm down more.
 
All 3 of mine jump, usually into the rabbits hutch to hoover up their uneaten veggies - greedy piggies! :))
 
They can definitely jump, Nigel used to jump straight out the bath and Mrs Fuzzy is forever leaping off my lap since having more energy from her heart meds.
 
They definitely jump! They also climb despite artciles and books often stating that they don't, although they don't climb in the same way a hamster or mouse might.

Angus can clear standard C&C grids no problem which is why we have a conventional cage. He also jumps off anything else he can find and we have a number of climbing toys for floor time e.g. a table shaped shelter they love to get on top of and also they climb on the shelves :) It is mainly about keeping them safe as they like to move about and explore but don't fair well in falls. Be careful of teeth in long jumps/falls as incisors are easily broken.... been there done that after one of our boys jumped out my arms whilst be carried out of the kitchen. Had two day vet stay, an op and syringe feeds for two weeks!
 
Oops! I can't believe he jumps that high haha. I had Kasper climbing over toy cars earlier. I try not to do cuddle time on the couch now as the pigs don't need yet another vet appointment and neither does my purse!
 
theoretikos said:
Oops! I can't believe he jumps that high haha. I had Kasper climbing over toy cars earlier. I try not to do cuddle time on the couch now as the pigs don't need yet another vet appointment and neither does my purse!
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:) Indeed! I know what you mean. Angus is just an exception. I am not sure he even is a real piggy, he certainly behaves more like a small wheeky dog....
 
3 of my piggies are cuddly and sit still for cuddles - the other two always want to adventure and love crawling everywhere then snuggling when they're bored of adventuring.
 
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