Taming Process

[oofitsnaomi]

Hi! I've had my two boys, Finn and Parker, for about a month and a half. They're settling in well. They've recognized my footsteps and wheek when I come up the stairs with food, I play ukulele for them every single night and they seem to really enjoy that (does anybody want to see a video of that?), and they are starting to use their chew toys. I've provided them with a 10 foot (2x5) C&C cage, fleece bedding, lots of fresh veggies everyday, water, toys, bridges, etc. I want to start bonding with hands and all that jazz but I can barely pet them without them freaking out. I know taming takes awhile with guinea pigs but I'm afraid I'll never be able to pick them up? How can I further the taming process? Also, I need to trim their nails soon and I have no idea how I'm going to do that without them squirming and injuring themselves. I'm a little stressed. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Pearl and Zip]

A 2x5 C&C cage is actually 12 square feet I think.

Handfeed them. Eventually they’ll let you pet them as they eat. Then you can try putting your hand underneath them, as if you were going to pick them up. They should gradually get used to it.

I’ve had one of my pigs for three years and she still freaks out when I pick her up, but she’ll allow petting. Every piggy is different.

 

[Reenie]

4 out of 5 of my piggies run away or make annoyed little squeaks when I try to pat or lift them, but they'll jump on my knee when I'm handfeeding their pellets, and are fine once I've got them on my lap. Bobby's a big sook, and just lifts his head for chin rubs - but he will kick me if I touch his rear end. Funny little things, aren't they?

 

[G&C]

Food is the answer to everything, even when your cutting nails little treats add as distractions. Check out the thread on nail cutting in the daily care section there’s a good video on there. Also the more often you do it (nail cuts and picking up) the more they get used to it. Good luck

 

[sport_billy]

Awww they love hearing you play? That is really cool I'd see that video for sure!

Sounds like you have a great setup.

I would advise trying to get them to take food off you at the bars this is a great way to build up trust.

Piggies never like being picked up as it goes against their prey instincts, and picking up is stressful for you and them.

Have a look at this thread here for ways on picking them up using a cosy or chube. A nice unstressful pick up sets tone for a a good start to laptime, once on laps use food as a treat to make them associate you with good things, a way to pigs heart is through the furry belly