Am i doing something wrong?!

[Abby&Piggies]

Ive had my piggies for just over a week. some days they are out and about in their cage, and others they just sit in their house all day only coming out for food and water. they are both quite happy now with me touching/rubbing their noses and dont run away, however neither are yet comfortable with my stroking their body (i think they think I'm going to pick them up).. so their not the shyest of piggies.


Am i doing something wrong or is it normal for them to be happy just sitting in their house? :{

 

[piggyfan]

One week is nothing. Piggies are prey animals and will always be timid. Mine hate to be picked up as to them it is like a predator capturing them. you have to be very patient with piggies as it takes them a long time to get used to being handled. Sitting in their house is just what piggies do. They feel safe when they are hiding. There is nothing to worry about.

 

[Jerrybelly]

Absolutely not! Piggies are prey animals so are naturally very nervous and skittish.

If they are already happy for you to rub their noses without running away then you must be doing something right

Keep introducing yourself to them everyday with veggie treats on-hand to encourage them. If they are having a particularly uncooperative day then don't be disheartened. Sit and talk to them instead.

It's a slow, but incredibly worthwhile process. Soon they will trust you enough to allow you to stroke them and then eventually hold them.

 

[Abby&Piggies]

Aww thanks that reassuring
I understand that theyre prey animals and i never like chase them around trying to get them ha

when i have them in my hands they are fine and snuggle up to me, even fall asleep on me which is what confused me about their changes in mood some days.

One does tend to nibble if it can get to your finger but I'm guessing this is just natural instinct or something?

Thank you both

 

[piggyfan]

Often guinea pigs will nibble when they need a wee!

 

[Abby&Piggies]

Oh i didnt know that!

If i put my hand in the cage he will come over to it and no doubt bite the end of my finger..I'm hoping he just thinks its food rather than him telling me he doesnt like me rolleyes

 

[Jerrybelly]

Oh i didnt know that!

If i put my hand in the cage he will come over to it and no doubt bite the end of my finger..I'm hoping he just thinks its food rather than him telling me he doesnt like me rolleyes

Perhaps he can smell food on your hands? If you've been preparing or handling food he might be coming over to check if you're edible too! Young pigs have a habit of using their teeth to see if everything they come in contact with can be eaten!