Piggy Hates Being Held!

[Rocket]

Rocket really doesn’t like being held or carried. He tolerates being pet but still mostly runs away from it, but when he is picked up he FREAKS out. I know it’s normal for a piggy to take a while to get used to being handled and all of that, but I think it’s worse for Rocket since he has those neurological issues (see my last thread). I think maybe he freaks out because he has even more balance issues while not steady on the ground. He jerks his head (moreso than a normal guinea pig warning) a LOT. He jerks it back and forth and wiggles and makes the annoyed little noise. He wiggles and tries to get out of my arms so much that it’s a struggle to keep him in my arms! The most worrysome thing is the head because he already has issues with his head. He literally will not calm down until I set him down. And no, I’m not always holding him and bothering him. I interact with him a good amount as to not bother him but still develop a bond and trust but since he has such a problem with being picked up and he freaks out so much that I worry about him hurting himself, I only pick him up when necessary, like to transport him to his pen for floor time and then back.

So I guess my question is - is there anyone else who has experienced this with a pig? Or better yet, a special needs pig like Rocket? Is there any way I can make him more accepting of being handled? Will it get better with time, or is this just how he is? I know some piggies never get on good terms with being handled and that’s fine, but there are some times when it’s needed and his freaking out really makes me worry about him hurting himself.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hi, I don't have experience of neurological conditions but I do have a piggy who freaks out a lot at being touched mostly because she was hurt at 6 weeks old and was only handled for medicating so its taking a LONG time to start bringing her around. You might find this information useful:
Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

 

[Eriathwen]

I'm sure I mentioned her in your other thread, but my Bramble is exactly the same, or used to be. Like you, I assume its because she has balance issues and it is very disorientating being picked up! Usually I will swaddle her up in a blanket if I'm moving her anywhere so she can stay horizontal. Although she is slowly getting the hang of being lifted up, I try to support the whole side of her with one arm and gently put my hand over the side of her head, holding her to my body while my other arm supports her underneath, that way she can't thrash her head. It's taken a year or so for her to get the hang of it and she is slowly settling down, even before the neurological damage she hated being handled though and would bite and kick! As I'm sure you're finding, nail trimming is a bit of a nightmare at times, although I use an emery board each time I pick her up and quickly give the nails a quick rub which lessens the need for regular trims.

 

[Rocket]

Hi, I don't have experience of neurological conditions but I do have a piggy who freaks out a lot at being touched mostly because she was hurt at 6 weeks old and was only handled for medicating so its taking a LONG time to start bringing her around. You might find this information useful:
Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

Thank you! I think he may have a similar outlook on it as your piggy since when he was in the pet store, he was only handled when being given medicine. Never thought about it like that. Thanks!

 

[Rocket]

I'm sure I mentioned her in your other thread, but my Bramble is exactly the same, or used to be. Like you, I assume its because she has balance issues and it is very disorientating being picked up! Usually I will swaddle her up in a blanket if I'm moving her anywhere so she can stay horizontal. Although she is slowly getting the hang of being lifted up, I try to support the whole side of her with one arm and gently put my hand over the side of her head, holding her to my body while my other arm supports her underneath, that way she can't thrash her head. It's taken a year or so for her to get the hang of it and she is slowly settling down, even before the neurological damage she hated being handled though and would bite and kick! As I'm sure you're finding, nail trimming is a bit of a nightmare at times, although I use an emery board each time I pick her up and quickly give the nails a quick rub which lessens the need for regular trims.

As unfortunate as it is, I’m glad I can relate to someone on this! It’s so scary when he thrashes his head around. I try to keep him horizontal and support his feet but it seems like it doesn’t even work... I will try the blanket idea from now on. His nails do get me sometimes but I’d hate to put the little guy through a nail trimming so I will also try the emery board. You have been so helpful. Thank you so much!

 

[Eriathwen]

I know what you mean! Ive often wondered 'Is this normal!?' so to hear from someone else with the same things going on is a bit of a relief. Good luck with the blanket and emery board, I hope it helps. Shifting her about is stressful while shes thrashing and getting frustrated so I was glad it helped keep her calm.