When to begin handling?

[cochon_dingue]

I have two 9 week old sows that I've had for nearly 3 weeks.

The breeder recommended regular handling and on the first day we did some lap time with both pigs seemingly extremely placid and accepted stroking. I now realise they were both probably frozen in terror and feel bad about it.

Since then, no one has picked them up (aside from a vet trip, when one froze and the other was very unhappy). Instead, I've been concentrating on staying low, talking to them, giving them their veg piecemeal and generally trying to win them over. It's gone fairly well: they'll both now (very hesitantly) eat from my hand and today we had a breakthrough when they both allowed me to stroke their cheeks whilst feeding them (I'm not certain they noticed - but it's still a big deal).

Neither is friendly towards me: they are prepared to ignore me so long as I don't get above them or make any sudden movements, and they will very reluctantly accept hand feeding if the treat is tempting enough and they're in the mood (always then instantly retreating).

I'm conscious that they will need to be picked up for nail clipping, and (selfishly) I want some lap time.

When should I start picking up and holding the girls? Is it something I should be forcing early-on so they get used to it, or should I be waiting until they're more accepting?

 

[Truffolo]

I think the earlier they start being handled the better. The cheek stroking is great. Progress may be slow at first and then suddenly increase a lot in a short time. My piggies have learned to absolutely love being stroked but are still unhappy about being picked up. Polo enjoys snuggling on my lap, Truffle prefers being on his own feet, but sits with his eyes half closed and a far away looks in his eyes when bring stroked

 

[Truffolo]

I think the earlier they start being handled the better. The cheek stroking is great. Progress may be slow at first and then suddenly increase a lot in a short time. My piggies have learned to absolutely love being stroked but are still unhappy about being picked up. Polo enjoys snuggling on my lap, Truffle prefers being on his own feet, but sits with his eyes half closed and a far away looks in his eyes when bring stroked

Truffle purrs quite loudly and Polo bruxes his teeth gently

 

[Wiebke]

I have two 9 week old sows that I've had for nearly 3 weeks.

The breeder recommended regular handling and on the first day we did some lap time with both pigs seemingly extremely placid and accepted stroking. I now realise they were both probably frozen in terror and feel bad about it.

Since then, no one has picked them up (aside from a vet trip, when one froze and the other was very unhappy). Instead, I've been concentrating on staying low, talking to them, giving them their veg piecemeal and generally trying to win them over. It's gone fairly well: they'll both now (very hesitantly) eat from my hand and today we had a breakthrough when they both allowed me to stroke their cheeks whilst feeding them (I'm not certain they noticed - but it's still a big deal).

Neither is friendly towards me: they are prepared to ignore me so long as I don't get above them or make any sudden movements, and they will very reluctantly accept hand feeding if the treat is tempting enough and they're in the mood (always then instantly retreating).

I'm conscious that they will need to be picked up for nail clipping, and (selfishly) I want some lap time.

When should I start picking up and holding the girls? Is it something I should be forcing early-on so they get used to it, or should I be waiting until they're more accepting?

Hi

You are doing fine and the behaviour is normal. There is no right way, to be honest.

This guide here will likely answer quite a few of your questions: New Guinea Pigs: How to Best Manage Arrival and Settling In