What are we doing wrong?

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disneymad

disneymad

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We got our 3 boars just before Christmas. They are now 14 weeks old. We cuddle them everyday, they have veggies twice a day, are in a c&c cage so can see us all the time bur they don't seem to be getting any friendlier?
We can't catch them in the cage and everytime they see us move they run. I hate having to scramble about to get them out as it obviously scares them. Once on our laps they are very sweet and enjoy munching and being stroked.
Any ideas on how to get them to trust us more?
Thanks!
 
They are still young, so patience will pay off.
A couple of ideas: Their natural predators come from above, so if you are towering over them, they will see you as a threat and run for cover. Try sitting next to the cage at eye level with them if you can, so they can get a good look/smell of you. Always talk gently as you approach the cage, so you don't startle them by suddenly being there. Try holding a long green bean out for them, they can take the food from your hand without actually getting close to you initially. When you are catching them, try to confine them to a small space, because the more they dash round, the more stressed they will become. You could try and get them to run into a hidey, then pick them up in that.
I have a traumatised pig here with me now that I was given a week and a half ago (he was living with a big rabbit!) I am just about managing to put my hand in the cage, into his house and tickle his chin for a couple of seconds, and that has taken a week and a half. It takes quite a long time to build up that trust, which can be a bit disappointing when all you want to do is cuddle and squidge, but stick with it, it is sooooo worth it. xx
 
Try feeding them from your hand, my piggies always greet me at the front of the cage.. Wheek, Wheek.

My baby who is 4 months, is still timid they do take time to come round, but it is so worth it when they do.

They do get there.. this is my Patrick!

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j_pzMnGq5U[/ame]
 
You could cut off the small end of a shoe box, pad it with a rag and gently shoo the piggies inside for pick up (for best results position the box in a corner and place a little treat at the back); that takes a lot of the stress of the pick up away. If you turn it into a ritual, your youngsters will eventually catch up. Try not ot tower over them - like the pick up situation, it cuts too close to their prey animal instincts.

Try to turn as much of their life into a firm a firm ritual with the same key word always said with the same melody (it's the melody they will listen more to than the words). That way, they will b able to anticipate what is going to happen next. Lots of praise and encouragement will help to show them what behaviour is wanted.

Above all, give it time!
 
Even friendly guinea pigs rarely like being picked up.

Go to the cage without picking them up several times for each time you do pick them up. This will make them less worried that your approach means they will be picked up. Also, approach the cage differently (eg, from the other end) when you are going to pick them up. That way, they will recognize when they are 'safe' from being picked up, and not run away.
 
Thank you for all the fab advice.
Patrick is ADORABLE! I can't wait for them to be pleased to see us.
We hand feed them their fav veg, parsley. And use their visors to pick them so I am feeling happier now that we are on the right track.
Got them in a c&c cage, bottom is 5x2 top is 2x2. They love it and popcorn around when it is cleaned but the top level makes it very hard to lure them out.
Thanks again everyone!
 
My Tam is still doing it and I ve had her nearly four months. She is a boistrus(spelt wrong) little madam, today she was breathing through her nose making snorting noises at me. I had to tell her to stop. She is a little mare.lol
Boofle and Gaga are the complete opposite and love being picked up and cuddled.
Boofles babies Bumble&Bee are now eating out of my hand, Which for a little under a week old is amazing. I love them all
 
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