will they ever like me

rita1

rita1

Junior Guinea Pig
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i have two very timid girls now for nearly two months, and they still hide all the time, i have them indoors, i let them settle for a week or so and now have them out everyday for 1/2 hour, but they are so scared. has anyone had very frightened piggies before and got them tame please.
 
rita1 said:
i have two very timid girls now for nearly two months, and they still hide all the time, i have them indoors, i let them settle for a week or so and now have them out everyday for 1/2 hour, but they are so scared. has anyone had very frightened piggies before and got them tame please.
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Hi!

Please take the time to read these guides here. Use your understanding of how prey animal instincts work to avoid predatory behaviours and use the 'piggy whispering' tips shown in our guide to invite your girls into your group, make them feel welcome and loved in their own language and in ways that make perfect sense to them. This won't solve the problem immediately, but in my experience it will help the problem on quite a bit. Keep on telling them that you are their friend and and that they are welcome and loved.

The other area is to clearly structure the day so they know exactly what is coming and it is no longer random violence. Use a different call with a different melody for each regular act from feeding, poo patrol, cage cleaning, pick up and return to the cage, nailcut and grooming etc. Praise them lavishly for every achievement and be disappointed with your voice if it doesn't come off. Guinea pigs react to your emotion and tone much more than the actual words.

Use small bits of their favourite veg as a lure and a reward. Once a piggy is realising that a certain way is actually a lot less stressful (like a coveyance pick-up), they will cooperate much more willingly. ;)

If you have pushed your piggies too far, take a step back, let them regroup and start back at the beginning. Ideally they should come round more quickly each time.
Settling in the children of obviously very stressed mothers can take time, but you can indeed work past it! It is a matter of months and a one step forward - two back process. I have and have had a number of those piggies.

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
 
Couldn't agree more with the above. Some pigs take longer than others.
I had a gorgeous girl who frankly took 2 years whilst others have taken a week or so...honestly it just depends on so many variations
Stay strong x its worth it.
 
I would try to use food to get close to them.

Both my Finn and Lara run towards me every time thanks to loads of veggies, herbs, and fruits in the refrigerator.
Mine are indoor piggies staying in the center of the house where they can hear the refrigerator door opening and closing. They are in the center of everything going on in the house so they think they are part of the action.
 
My little Phoebe took about 6 months before she stopped diving for cover as soon as I approached.
The only way I could pick her up or hold her was in a snuggle pouch.
It really does take time and patience - lots of them.
You have to take piggies for who they are
 
thank you everyone for all your advice, i will have to just be patient with them, i would love to just sit and watch them play, not nessasary need to pick them up. when they were out side i use to watch them run round and chase each other and play, they were by my kitchen window, i miss seeing that, the minute i walk into the bedroom they disappear.
 
Just here to reinforce Wiebke's great advice with my tiny experience. I've also had my boys for two months only, and the whispering guide has done wonders. Nowadays they greet me at the grids, come when I call and are even learning a few small tricks. I'm learning to recognize their body language, and they let me know when they are uncomfortable, when they want to be back in their cage, etc. Shoyu doesn't even try to run anymore when I pick him up.

So try the tips, because they are really great.
 
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