After doing some research and checking out the rspca, local rescue, and advertising for bonded, handled piggies, I couldn't find any that had been kept outdoors, and, as it's November, I was scared to get any that had come from a heated place, to put them in an unheated (unused) garage. Eventually I bought two young females from someone who keeps them outdoors all year. The piggies were for my 8 year old grandsons birthday, but are kept at my house, and I do the day to day looking after. It seems I have made a big mistake with them through trying to think of their welfare! We have had them for over a fortnight now, and they both hide as soon as they hear me opening the back door. In fact one of them only comes out at night. I have divided their veggie allowance in to small pieces and go in regularly with a treat and a cheery word, but the poor little things obviously have never been used to people, and one actually chatters with fear. I clean them out as quietly as possible, just talking to them gently, but I did have to cut their nails, which terrified them again. I have them in a 120 cage, with a house/shelf and a tube and fleece to hide in. I had made them a playpen for the daytime in the utility room (when the washing machine is not in use), but when I tried putting them in they just froze and didn't move all the time they were in, and it upset them badly.
I feel so sorry for them, but I also feel sorry for my grandson who badly wants a pet to cuddle! The breeder told me to handle them daily, but I have read on this forum to leave them to settle and let them come to you. I really don't think that is going to happen. They will not come out or eat if I am anywhere in the vicinity. Any advice from you experienced owners would be great.
I feel so sorry for them, but I also feel sorry for my grandson who badly wants a pet to cuddle! The breeder told me to handle them daily, but I have read on this forum to leave them to settle and let them come to you. I really don't think that is going to happen. They will not come out or eat if I am anywhere in the vicinity. Any advice from you experienced owners would be great.