Spoiled girls

[Grothering]

I have two, very fat and spoiled piggies who I have unknowable trained into getting super excited when I whistle because that means food...apparently, because then they do and go nuts!

ANYWAY! My baby girl, her name is Cupcake, really doesn't seem to like being touched except on RARE occasions, which I reward immediately after with lettuce, spinach, hay or whatever. But she never wants to get anymore than a soft rub on the head or down her sides. My other pig, her name is Pika-chu-pig(my wifes idea lol), she could care less if I per her head but only 60% of the time, otherwise she runs around her area away from me.

My goal, is to eventually be able to rub their bellies like I saw on YouTube or at least be able for them to not care about being picked up. I dont chase them, corner them or give them any reason to be afraid and always reward them when they are good. What am I missing? Or...do they just like their freedom to run and play and (like bunnies) just not like being picked up?

I attached a pic of my girls laying down with me

 

[Betsy]

How long have you had them for?

 

[DM030819]

@Grothering It depends on the pig and their personalities. I honestly don't think I've ever had a pig who has liked me rubbing their tummies but I don’t remember trying, haha.

As they get used to you (and it can take quite a while) they will become more comfortable in letting you do things.

I have one very outgoing pig. He bounces along the front of the cage for treats but zips away when I try to pick him up. When he's out on my lap he has zero interest in me and is straight onto the floor and exploring.

They're prey animals and so being picked up is just like being grabbed by a predator. Sometimes they never get over that natural instinct.

Just be as caring and gentle to them as you can.

Oh, and lots of food treats to bribe them with...

 

[Grothering]

How long have you had them for?

2 years for pika, 1 for cupcake

 

[Piggy-chan]

I have a piggy like that
Had him since he was little for like a year but doesn’t like being picked up and only tolerates my affection