Wild and scared

[Sue and Smartie]

I'm wondering how long you would expect it to take, to get some very wild pigs used to being around people?

These are Pedro and Panda, taken at the rescue centre when we went to meet them. I collected them last Wednesday and they are in my living room where they see us around a lot.
They are not used to being handled, or having any attention at all. At first they would run into their hidey whenever they saw any movement at all. Or if they heard a voice. Now, almost a week later they do occasionally stay out (if they're eating) when one of us passes by, as long as we don't make eye contact or come too close to the piggy palace. I have been handling them briefly every other day or so. Panda will sit quietly in my arms, but Pedro just looks terrified all the time (I can see the whites of his eyes). They don't seem keen on exploring their new home either as they spend a lot of time just hiding.
I've never had such scared pigs before and just wondered if anyone with more experience can tell me what to expect. I do doubt whether they will ever be cuddly pigs but I would like for them to feel more comfortable around us, and maybe start squeaking for food soon!

 

[twiams]

It really depends on the pigs however everything you're experiencing now is normal and it may and probably will carry on like this for a few more weeks, my boys took a few months to really settle down and get used to us, and they still run away when we go to pick them up but it's just part of them being prey animals it's only natural for them.

I've had one of my piggies Marmite for about 7 months now and he still runs away when i come in to the room, but he's alot more shy and when he's out of his cage he usually settles down and sleeps on my shoulder. Again it just depends on the pigs really some are more shy or confident or nosey.

Theres no real time you can say when they'll start doing things like wheeking for food but the thing is not to rush them and give them a good stable routine, so make sure you do the same thing everyday, reward them with a treat or some veg when they come to the side of the cage to greet you, they're very curious little animals you just have to have ALOT of patience haha.

They're gorgeous piggies by the way x)

 

[Sue and Smartie]

Ah yes, they are gorgeous, but so are all pigs!

Yesterday evening I heard the first wheeking...very very quiet wheeking, but it was definitely there. And when I picked them both up (not at the same time LOL, they are too big for that) neither of them struggled like they have been doing. So making progress I think.

Thank you.

 

[korryn92]

My piggy was originally my sisters but she never held it and was not cleaning it's cage enough. So I am now his mommy and he obviously lives at my house and needed to get used to a new set of people. It took him a little while but he has always wheeked for food because he always thinks he needs a treat hehe He is a lot more cuddly now that we have had him for quite a few months. I wouldn't worry too much (but i am not an expert) because it does take a lot of patience and time. Just be gentle and use a soft voice when speaking right to them or holding them. Giving little treats when your holding them seemed to help my piggy quite a bit. Good luck with you gorgeous piggies!drool

 

[Sue and Smartie]

I bought them a new hidey, it's made of wood and much more sturdy than the plastic one. They also got a hay tube. Both these things seem to meet with their approval, so much so that yesterday evening they were both having a good run round and popcorning!