Different personalities

[JSAGiles]

My 2 new piggies seem to have very different personalities. One is very docile and lets us handle him well and sits and sleeps on our laps and even, I think, purrs! The other one, who was a bit nervous when we got him, is now very energetic and doesn't seem to like being handled as much and won't sit still for long. Is there any way we can get him to calm down a bit? We do handle them every day to try to get them used to us. Anything else we can do? :{

 

[CiaraPatricia]

They do seem to have different personalities. Often one will take on the dominant role and one will be submissive. With most of mine I've seen they'll be either lazy or really active. I don't know if there's anything you can do, it's just their personalities. They're really interesting that way

 

[Wiebke]

Just patience and persistence and turning the piggie life into a series of rituals with the same phrases, so the piggies learn to expect what it coming up and can brace themselves for it.

With two, you will always get a shy one and bold one... the more they settle in, the more they will relax and calm down. Most people underestimate the amount of time it takes.

 

[skrikopanik]

Just like with friends piggies all have different qualities to love. I bet the energetic one is fun to see at floortime

 

[missy]

Nice to see someone else from Bucks on here!

Piggies certainly do have different personalities and moods, just as us humans do. It's good that you're handling them every day but it does take time. Another good way to bond with new pigs is hand feeding, so while you have them on your lap you can try feeding them bits of their favourite veg. Some pigs are perfectly tame but just simply don't like being handled much although all should enjoy taking some tasty veg from you so this is a good distraction!

You could perhaps try sitting them on some scrunched up fleece, on your lap - they may feel more happy and secure if they can nuzzle into or bury themselves inside something a bit. You should still be able to stroke them. Or you could use a cuddle cup or cosy, again so they feel safely nestled.