Handling and Cuddle Time

[Crumpylenko]

Hello

We have two boars, Crumpy and Lenko and we want them to be happy to be handled. We give them at least 1 and half hours a day to have some fuss and love so they get used to us, We have had them for 3 weeks, Crumpy will let you pick him up with out running off and will sit on your shoulder and let you stroke him, Lenko on the other hand can be a little git to catch and then will stress himself, my husband and me out with the noice and running away. How much cuddle time should they have a day and are we handling them to much. We have tried talking to him softly and try and give him treats but blackmail just doesn't seem to work.Also they seem to be hungry all of the while, they have dried food when they get up and fresh fruit and veg when they go to bed but when we get up there is nothing left and i'm not exactly tight with the food. Do I make sure they have lots of fresh fruit all day or just keep them on the dry food.

 

[Niki]

Hi
Piggies are by nature "prey animals" & will run & hide away. They've been with you for such a short time & will still be adjusting to you & their new home. If they are indoors each time you pass their cage talk to them, they will soon get used to your voice & will associate you with nice things.
I have a 3.5 year old boy who stands looking at me but as soon as i open his hutch door he bogs off yet is quite happy to have his chin rubbed when he's been captured
It takes time & patience, each piggy is different, with their own likes/dislikes & personality traits.

Dry food & hay should be available at all times. Veggies can be given once a day or split into 2 meals; morning & evening, whichever suits you. Some fruits; ie apple & tomatoes "can" cause mouth sores if fed too often becasue of the acidity.

 

[Goldie]

I have to agree with Nikki above. Even though you have the complete trust of your piggies, they will sometimes run away when they know you are going to pick them up. They are happy having their chins and heads rubbed but will dart off all of a sudden when you mention the fact that you are going to pick them up.

Give your piggies time and they will be eating out of your hand very soon. But they are timid and preyed on animals in their usual habitat, so bear that in mind when they "leg it"