My two boys not settled yet

[parahandy]

My two Salt and Pepper (silly names I know, blame my daughter!) have not settled yet. We bought a wire indoor run / playpen today and set it up with newspaper and waterproof mat underneath.

We managed to pick up Salt easily enough and place him in, but took a bit longer for Pepper and he squealed when I eventually managed. However, once they were in they were happy. They were in there for quite some time, and lay in a snuggle tunnel thing we bought.

When it came to finally putting them back in their cage, again it was easy enough for my daughter to get Salt out, but at the slightest touch, Pepper would dart away. took us at least fifteen minutes but every time we went near him, just the same. I ended up letting him go into the tunnel and had to pick him up in that and put him back in the cage, but I could tell he was still scared.

I hope they'll both settle down, as my daughter is a little upset thinking they won't bond with her.

 

[liquorice allsorts]

it does take time and lots of handling for guinea pigs to trust us, as they are naturally prey to lots of other animals, so leaning in to get them out of an area is quite scary for them. how long have you had your boys? and how old are they? (sorry if you have already put this info on, if you have i missed your post!)

 

[parahandy]

how long have you had your boys? and how old are they? (sorry if you have already put this info on, if you have i missed your post!)

Sorry, yes I did mean to put that in. We only got them yesterday, so we have probably been a bit quick of the mark for trying to handle them.mallethead

 

[liquorice allsorts]

oh definitely yes! really you should let them settle in their cage on their own for at least a couple of days, even though it is so tempting to want to pick them up ! they need to acclimatise to their new cage, and probably each other x

 

[Connie]

It can take weeks for a piggy to settle in. I know that will be hard for any child to understand. It has taken me over 7 months to get my piggies not to dart into their hidey when i am in the room (they are unusually scared i must admitt, most piggies dont take THAT long) But it is not a fast process. Alot of patience and gentle handling is required.

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Give them a good routine, and be consistant, and little by little they will start to be less scatty. But be prepared for it to take months before you get real satisfaction of your hard work

Handling, make it less scary by using something to pick them up in. Pepper had the right idea by running into a tunnel, you will find that is the easiest and less stressful - for all concerned - to pick them up. I use a carry box which I place infront of them and say 'get in you box' Within a week they are quite confident to hop in it to transport them to their playpen.
I have also taught some piggies to get in a fleecy cuddle bag. A lot of piggie owners use this method to pick their pigs up, especially if they have large cages its not so easy to reach in for them.

I think Salt & Pepper are good names |) My daughter named our first pair of piggies too.

Salt n Peppers Mum

 

[Squiggles]

It definitely takes quite a long time! I have had my youngest two boys for about 4 months now and although they have improved so much since I first got them they are still pretty nervous when I go to pick them up. I agree with Salt n Peppers mum - sticking to a routine is a really good way to make them get used to things. My two know exactly when it's veggie time and are always at the front of the hutch to meet me now . It takes a lot of time and patience for them to gain your trust, but the reward you get at the end of it is definitely worth waiting for!

 

[gogoguineas]

oh yes, it takes time, don't worry! one of my boys is a completely NIGHTMARE to catch and I've had him 6 months now! He's fine once I've got him and he'll happily lie down on my lap AND i'm experienced with handling them so it just goes to show they're all different and it can take a lot of time so don't be too hard on yourself and just perserve, its about getting them to know and trust your the nice people!

 

[Charlie84]

Same here - had my 2 youngest boars for 6 months now and they are still very darty darty when I try to pick them up! However, when I have veg in my hand they are standing on their hind legs like little dogs and licking my hand x)

I find talking to them in a soft voice, using their names and a specific word every time you give them veg makes them realise you are the 'veg provider'! Haha, they will soon be less scatty, don't worry.

All I have to say to mine is 'Do you want a carrot piggies?' and they go absolutely mental, wheeking and popcorning all over the place! It's so cute.

 

[Kym]

I have had George for four weeks now and he still runs away. Charlie is three years old and he runs away when its bath time I think its just instinct to run away bless them