Handling & Grooming - help!

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rattybabe

rattybabe

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So the girls have been with us nearly a fortnight now, and are coming on in leaps and bounds - they are wheeking away at me know, and come straight away to eat from my hands.

But they still don't really like being handled, and they will not sit still on my lap at all. As they are both long-haired, they need daily grooming, so I really need to get some confidence with them.

Wispa has developed a really greasy bum, and when I was brushing her last night, I caught a tangle with did not please her at all. By the end of the brushing session, she was chattering her teeth at me, so I've lost confidence again.

I really need to de-grease her grease gland, but I'm terrified at the prospect. I have no idea how I'm going to keep her still without her getting panic-striken and hating me even more.

Help!
 
Hello. Piggies feel safe when their heads are hidden, you may have noticed how they seem to be ok lying with their bottoms in view! Like ostriches I suppose. Anyway, try letting your piggie put their head into a soft cloth, something to calm them, then put your hand under the tummy and have them laying along your arm. Let them tuck their head into your elbow if they like. Your hand should be supporting the tummy and bottom.Then they'll feel really secure and as though you are 'mummy' when you start cleaning. Talk in a firm but comforting voice, just as you would to a small child, and it doesn't matter what you say it's all in the tone of voice. If they struggle, hold them firmly and brook no nonsense! It does work, honest.

Note - this only leaves one hand free to do any cleaning, you may need someone else nearby!

Also, remember that most piggies have a ten minute forgetting time, so make sure you cuddle them for at least ten minutes after any grooming and then they will recall the good bits first!

Hope this helps, Sarah
 
Hi I totally agree with the above my charlie was the same as he was in a bad way when i got him tatty back and hadnt been groomed much at all after he had a hair cut i started grooming him every 2 days at first as he was still very wary of his back being touched... I got a big snuggley towel (which he has everytime hes brushed now) let him snuggle his head in but kept hold of him very firmly with my hand kept talking to him but brushed very slowly it was a real struggle at first especially his back area (due to past experience) but know he sits on my knees a little wrapped in his towel but hes much more calm I do believe it takes time so just bear with them
Good luck let us know how you get on :)
 
Thank-you! I just need to find some confidence - I think I'm just scared of a) getting bitten and b) that they may hate me for doing nasty things to them!

That all makes sense - I will give it a go at the weekend! :)
 
Give piggies time to settle and getting used to being groomed (which many do not like) - especially young ones that haven't had much handling. Most piggies do NOT bite (only when badly frightened).

Treat Wispa like a mini dog with lots of encouragement and "good girls" and a firm, but calm "no" when she misbehaves.
 
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Well the girls are 1 year and 8 months old approx, but haven't really had a settled home yet. I adore them both already, but they are my first piggies, so I'm still not confident with handling them.

It's silly really, as I've had rats for 10 years, and have no problem doing anything with them- probably because I know they wont bite me! I think when I finally realise that the piggies wont either, I'll be able to be more assertive with them.

And I guess they can pick up on my fear, and exploit it aswell! :red
 
There's some good advice here, so there is not much else I can add except that practice makes perfect and you'll soon feel yourself how your pigs prefer to sit and be held. One of my pigs liked to be held upright on my lap so she could watch the telly, she was a funny one!
 
you are welcome I forgot to mention Charlie is over 2 years old as well and it was like having a new pup as he wasnt use to the grooming/affection at all......just take your time maybe a couple of brushes with the brush at a time and few welldones with strokes (by hand)aswell and treats handy cucumber was a winner with Charlie
You will get there honest I was the same didnt hav piggie experience now he is fine even having a hair cut as long as i am extra gentle with his back end
Again good luck :)
 
I've just had them both out for a brush, and a nice piece of carrot kept them still for longer tonight. Wispa is definitely funny about her back end, and she starts squeaking as soon as i go near it. She did start teeth chattering agin, so I told her no in a calm voice and she stopped and carried on with her carrot!

Aero doesn't seem bothered about her back end at all, and is less fidgity when being groomed, but she's much harder to catch!

Typical of me to go for long haired piggies first time - they are stunning girls though!
 
thats good to hear
You will have to put some pics on here The one I have of charlie isnt the best one but his hair puts mine to shame ha ha!
 
rattybabe said:
I've just had them both out for a brush, and a nice piece of carrot kept them still for longer tonight. Wispa is definitely funny about her back end, and she starts squeaking as soon as i go near it. She did start teeth chattering agin, so I told her no in a calm voice and she stopped and carried on with her carrot!

Aero doesn't seem bothered about her back end at all, and is less fidgity when being groomed, but she's much harder to catch!

Typical of me to go for long haired piggies first time - they are stunning girls though!
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Well done. Sounds like you're making progress. :(|)
 
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