Antisocial Piggie

[Carol D]

Recently I bought my piggie a new hidey because hers was getting too small. Ever since I put the new house in she stays in it all day and will not come out unless she in hungry. If anyone in the room comes close to her cage or have sudden movements she runs right back into the house. Whenever I try to pick her us she is extremely distressed and runs away. Peanut has her own cage but is right next to another piggie because of bonding issues.

Prior to having this new hidey Peanut was skittish at times but was very friendly and loved to be held and gave a lot of kisses. She did spend time alone but nothing like this. It is really baffling why all of a sudden her personality has changed since having the new home. Can you tell me what may be going on with her and if there is anything that I can do in this situation?

 

[Hope4gem]

Hard to say for sure. Some days my piggies stay in their hidies more and other days they are more active. I'm hoping that it's just that she really likes the new hidie that you got, but if you are noticing a big personality change then might be best to get her checked by the vet to make sure everything is ok.

 

[Siikibam]

It may be she’s still just skittish. The majority of piggies don’t like being picked up as it cuts close to their prey instinct. Perhaps try herding her into a hide, box or something else and picking her up that way.

If she is maintaining/gaining weight weekly then she is likely fine and just prefers to hide. Just make sure there is hay near her hide and elsewhere in the cage. They can sometimes go backwards and start hiding more than being out. Did she not get on with the other piggy?

 

[Carol D]

Thank you for getting back to me. Peanut and Buttercup which is the other piggie we own both have very dominant personalities and I have tried everything possible to get them together but with no luck. They have been separated now for about six months and have become well adjusted to living separate from each other. Their cages are right next to each other so that they can still see one another. Things were going great up until this issue.

My daughter has the cages in her bedroom. While she is in there Peanut does come out of her hidey and does spend time outside of it. When I go in there she runs right back into it or dives into her big pile of hay. It is so strange because I have been the one to always take care of cleaning the cages and feeding them everyday, twice a day. Peanut was so affectionate and now seems so afraid. It all started with the new house. I do not believe she is sick because she does eat and even drags many of her veggies into her hidey to munch on. It is all a mystery to me.

 

[Siikibam]

It may be something spooked her. I would take it at her pace. If she still takes veg from you then it’s nothing major.