Need advice-health checks

[Deleted member 146752]

Hey piggy people! For some general background info, I have two amazing 1 1/2 year old boars that live in a 5x4 c&c cage. One of my boars in particular, can be a little bit difficult when it comes to health checks, boars cleanings, ear cleanings, etc. When I say difficult I mean he squirms, and does anything he possibly can to try to get away, I’ve watched videos about this and the people just say to hold the guinea pig snuggly and not let them go, but I’m really worried about hurting him, or stressing him out even more. What can I do? I completely understand that health checks, boar cleanings, ear cleanings, etc. aren’t exactly things guinea pigs love, but they are a relative necessity, and I just feel bad that he gets so stressed out! Thanks for reading!
Charlotte

 

[Wiebke]

Hey piggy people! For some general background info, I have two amazing 1 1/2 year old boars that live in a 5x4 c&c cage. One of my boars in particular, can be a little bit difficult when it comes to health checks, boars cleanings, ear cleanings, etc. When I say difficult I mean he squirms, and does anything he possibly can to try to get away, I’ve watched videos about this and the people just say to hold the guinea pig snuggly and not let them go, but I’m really worried about hurting him, or stressing him out even more. What can I do? I completely understand that health checks, boar cleanings, ear cleanings, etc. aren’t exactly things guinea pigs love, but they are a relative necessity, and I just feel bad that he gets so stressed out! Thanks for reading!
Charlotte

Hi!

Try our piggy whispering techniques (which use actual guinea pig social key behaviours that make instant sense), lots of vocal chivvying and praise and a nice treat afterwards (something he really loves or a special enrichment that he always gets afterwards so he can learn to anticipate). When using piggy whispering, always start and finish with declaring your love and reassurance that he is precious to you. He will get the hang of it.

- Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips
- Who is the Boss - Your Guinea Pig or You?

 

[Deleted member 146752]

Thanks so much for the links! After doing health checks or anything similar, I always give my piggies their favorite treat, and give them lots of love during it as well. I’ve read lots of threads with people’s piggies doing the same thing, I also want to emphasize that both of my piggies are very tame and love to be pet and get attention, they just don’t enjoy the process of health checks. I’ll definitely take a look at your links though, thank you so so much!

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks so much for the links! After doing health checks or anything similar, I always give my piggies their favorite treat, and give them lots of love during it as well. I’ve read lots of threads with people’s piggies doing the same thing, I also want to emphasize that both of my piggies are very tame and love to be pet and get attention, they just don’t enjoy the process of health checks. I’ll definitely take a look at your links though, thank you so so much!

Most boars don't really like it unless it brings noticeable relief... Your aim is to getting them to tolerate it in the long term.

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Hi, my piggies struggle against it as well...if you have someone that can help you hold them or distract them sometimes it is easier...or offering a small treat in between health check areas...kind of like checkpoints...once the nails are done a small treat...ears done another small treat until they're done...or potentially wrapping them up in a towel or something to hold them with a bit of padding between you and the piggy...it unfortunately about getting them to tolerate it...not many like it...but once its done and they feel refreshed most at least begin to tolerate it especially when they feel better in themselves after

 

[Deleted member 146752]

Hi, my piggies struggle against it as well...if you have someone that can help you hold them or distract them sometimes it is easier...or offering a small treat in between health check areas...kind of like checkpoints...once the nails are done a small treat...ears done another small treat until they're done...or potentially wrapping them up in a towel or something to hold them with a bit of padding between you and the piggy...it unfortunately about getting them to tolerate it...not many like it...but once its done and they feel refreshed most at least begin to tolerate it especially when they feel better in themselves after

Thanks so much for the advice! Glad to know I’m not the only one whose piggies do this. I’ll try this technique, thanks!

 

[WobblyPiggy]

Thanks so much for the advice! Glad to know I’m not the only one whose piggies do this. I’ll try this technique, thanks!

They don't...even my female doesn't like it both of mine bite who ever is holding them...tonight I was doing it on my own for the male to check he didn't have any impaction and he bite my leg through my clothes...just keep at it you will get the hang of it...Good luck!