Persistence Paying Off!

[Redribbon]

Just a couple of pics of Angus and Stan being brave boys. From never being handled much before I got them a month ago, they're making good progress to the point of Stan almost hanging out of the cage to get the goodies!

 

[Flutterby]

Brill! Well done to you and the boys!

 

[Skittypigs]

View attachment 60119 View attachment 60120 Just a couple of pics of Angus and Stan being brave boys. From never being handled much before I got them a month ago, they're making good progress to the point of Stan almost hanging out of the cage to get the goodies!

We are having to learn the art of patience with taming our piggies, it's taking so long, totally know the feeling of walking out the room, out they come, leg it as soon as I appear. Wish I could tell them I only have love to give! They are starting to make sounds when I come up with food and they will come out if I sit on carpet next to cage but I don't know how you get to picking up stage without freaking them out and going backwards! It's a long road but I'm chuffed for the baby step improvements.

 

[Redribbon]

Thanks flutterby!
And skittypigs, it does get better! I think it's trust, calm and routine. I've never had to tame pigs before and it started with me sitting for ages by the cage, perfectly still and just narrowing my eyes but looking at the pigs. Stan would start to emerge and move about if I sat still and Angus followed him. I couldn't even turn my head without a mass stampede! It stressed me out but then I thought just get on with it and I went about my normal routine but spending time sitting next to the cage doing my own thing.
They still jump but soon forget it if I scare them and carry on their business. I move my hand in daily to pick up old food or fluff up hay and they don't mind, but once a day I swoop in slow and pick each one up. They don't like it but are tolerating it! I'll get cuddles one day!

 

[VickiA]

Well done - good news.

 

[Skittypigs]

Thanks flutterby!
And skittypigs, it does get better! I think it's trust, calm and routine. I've never had to tame pigs before and it started with me sitting for ages by the cage, perfectly still and just narrowing my eyes but looking at the pigs. Stan would start to emerge and move about if I sat still and Angus followed him. I couldn't even turn my head without a mass stampede! It stressed me out but then I thought just get on with it and I went about my normal routine but spending time sitting next to the cage doing my own thing.
They still jump but soon forget it if I scare them and carry on their business. I move my hand in daily to pick up old food or fluff up hay and they don't mind, but once a day I swoop in slow and pick each one up. They don't like it but are tolerating it! I'll get cuddles one day!

Thx for your reply, I know it's improving, just got to keep it steady and not rush and undo my work so far. X

 

[sport_billy]

This is excellent, well done. We are currently gaining the trust slowly of chickpea our newest piggy. She took food from my hand today bu then ran off bless her. It is a slow process but you get their in the end and all the hard work pays off.

Your piggies are beautiful

 

[Redribbon]

Thank you and well done in your success! It's wonderful to see the trust build and yes, it's a very slow process!
I may have spoke too soon though, as after I posted the pics, I picked Angus up and held him close. He seemed more annoyed than scared and I'm sure he turned his head around to bite me twice but I kept him secure and I didn't want to give in to bad behaviour so held him for a bit longer than usual and he seemed ok. Made me paranoid tho!