Have I missed crucial socialisation phase?

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jamarcham

jamarcham

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Hi,

I adopted 2 guinea girls Poppy and Cinnamon (5 months old, rescued from a case of bad neglect) from Blue Cross last weekend. They are still so shy that I am wondering if I am doing the right things for them?

I've been trying to feed according to advice on the stickies posted here (Ca ratio, unlimited hay, gradually swapping over their nuggets etc), have various hideys, tunnel and whicker ball they can hide and hopefully feel secure in their cage (ferplast 120 so quite a bit of room) and talked gently when I go into feed them.

I have picked them up to stroke and gently brush (medium hair so need some care, was afraid it would matt if I left them completely alone) but they are still so shy that they run at the first sound of me entering their room and are quite tricky to catch! Having picked them up though, their fur is shiny and they are plumping up a bit, all seem physically fine now and they certainly love their veg. I don't think they are enjoying the contact yet though :(

I guess I'm just wondering if they hadn't been handled much until now (and at the rescue), will they come round eventually?!

Think I just need a bit of reassurance I'm on the right track!

Thanks for any advice.
 
Sounds to me like your on the perfect track, pigs take a while to come round but it'll be worth it when they do just be patient unfortunately as they have been neglected previously they maybe a bit more flighty but it makes it all the more rewarding when they come round and start to trust you.

Well Done on going to rescue and giving your two new piggies a new start with a responsible owner.

Can't wait to see pictures and Welcome to the forum. :)
 
Aw it sounds like your doing your best for them, don't beat yourself up!
They haven't been with you for long so give it time, they will get used to you and become used to household noises etc. some pigs take longer than others to come around, I've had one of mine since June last year and he still isn't keen on me going near him!
Just keep doing what your doing and they'll soon come to trust you and learn that your smell and touch equal love and most importantly food!
Hope to see some pics and welcome to the forum :)
 
I had that same problem with my pig patches. I got her from the local humain society. She was scared of everyone, wouldn't want to be with people. After almost 3.5 years she finally enjoys being around me, she had always been my little baby. Not anyone else tho. It took a long time and a lot of cuddles/treats.
 
Give it time - the vast majority of piggies will eventually come round, but it can take time, patience and persistence. On the other hand, there is nothing like this special moment when you know that you have finally won their trust!
 
Had first popcorning today (that I've seen) when i put in a new cosie bought from Connie. I'm still chuckling about it now:(|)

Poppy (aptly named as it turns out) has made herself very at home in it. Good to see they are happy, even if they are not keen on cuddles yet!

Thanks for the encouragement, sometimes you just need to know you're on the right track.
 
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