• DONATIONS NOW OPEN! TGPF relies on donations to run. If you'd like to donate towards running costs you can find out more HERE
  • Fresh grass and lawn tips to avoid springtime deaths Click here for details

Settling new pigs

  • Thread starter Thread starter larakitten
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
L

larakitten

Hey there, I have two rescue boys, Morris and Austin. They're father and son, 6 months old and 11 weeks old respectively. Both Silver Agoutis, and I just adore them! The thing is, I'm having trouble settling them down.

We've only had them for three weeks, and things seemed to be going well - Austin follwed his daddy about like a train, they slept in the same little house together and were taking food from my hand. For some reason now tho, they're bickering between them, they seem very nervous and skittish and they don't want me to pick them up. I honestly don't know whats changed!

I've made sure each piggy has a bed in their hutch to save squabbling between them, and they're still happy to share some yummy grass and vegetables so I dont think its a serious fall out between them - but why would they seem more scared of me than ever?!?!?!?

Help!mallethead
 
Prehaps something has spooked them?

My Llewelyn does the same thing to me every now and then, but he usually comes round again. I think with him its just old behavioural patterns popping up again... He was VERY skittish when I got him and had been rescued from a bad situation.
 
Hi there - we did wonder if something had spooked them given they're outside in a hutch..........hmmmmm. Just seem so nervous and i feel so bad because I want them to trust me! Morris was an unwanted pet and handled very little. And to cap it all, the rescue where he lived was so busy and took in all sorts of animals he never really got "one on one" attention and cuddles. Austin, his son, was sadly in the same situation, but he's a trusting wee soul.

Its just so sad that they've been unwanted and unloved - all because they were boars and the previous owners thought they were girls........I'm trying to gain their trust as I want them to have the life they deserve. Poor wee things. 8...
x
 
My Llewi didn't have any human contact before he was rescued - it takes a LOT of patience, and you have to accept setbacks. :(

But when you finally get them to trust you, it will be ever so precious. One of the best feelings I know! :)):)):)) Just persevere...

PS: I saw your pics and thought that the boys were stunning!
 
Thanks! They are gorgeous boys.....and grumpy old men or not I wouldn't change them! Its just disheartening to think I'm making progress and then suddenly feel like they wouldn't sit with me for all the parsely in the world!!
 
I have better success since I learned to project my love, calm and reassurance on the guinea pigs. It takes a bit of practise, but it works!

Try and feel your love well up in you and then envelop your piggies in it.

I have been adopting "shy" and "wild" guinea pigs lately, and have had no freak outs at the vets or when bathing, since I'm doing that...
 
Thanks for the tip.....I'll give it a try! I did have to bath them a week ago as they brought an entourage of lice with them......no freak outs happened but a couple of days after was when this episode of skittish behaviour started. Maybe guinea pigs hold grudges...........?!?!?

Poor wee men. Just want them to feel some love. Morris hasn't really had a cuddle in 6 months until we took him home.........that just makes me sad.

I'm off to do the evening veggie round so I'm welling up some love as we speak.....fingers crossed!
 
Thanks for the tip.....I'll give it a try! I did have to bath them a week ago as they brought an entourage of lice with them......no freak outs happened but a couple of days after was when this episode of skittish behaviour started. Maybe guinea pigs hold grudges...........?!?!?

Poor wee men. Just want them to feel some love. Morris hasn't really had a cuddle in 6 months until we took him home.........that just makes me sad.

I'm off to do the evening veggie round so I'm welling up some love as we speak.....fingers crossed!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top