Skittish piggies

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

hi guys,
i am currently trying to calm down Zanzabar and Baker.
I do not know what to do,i have tried and am still trying every handling,taming tactic i can think of,i am getting them out for short regular handling sessions but they are shocking,I'm not sure whether they have been handled at all like the rescue lady said they were.She did say Zanzabar was a little skittish but i did not expect this, they are the most untame piggies i have ever met

i can barely even catch them,can hardly contain them with a towel and whenever they get the opportunity they rip my hands apart with there nails trying to escape,its not even safe for them,OH was holding Baker in a towel walking him back to the cage and Baker broke free of the towel and OH caught him half way up the wall(he nearly hit tiles!).I have taken now to putting them in a travel cage just to leave the room as i am worried about there safety.I know its only been just over a week but my hands are always bleeding and just wondered if anyone has any tips for calming them down?x

 

[MrsM]

Finlay was like that at the beginning and now he's a big lap-piggy... persevere, Bonnie...x>>x>>x>>

 

[Wiebke]

Been there with Nia and have the scratches to show!

Try to lure them into an upturned pigloo or something similar sized with a folded kitchen towel over the top, so you don't have to touch them during pick up, which is the critical and most stressful time. I didn't handle Nia and Nerys for first three weeks apart from a gentle prod in the back and cuddles. Now we are getting there, but crucially, I've won their trust.

I still use the pigloo for transport to/from the lawn, but otherwise it serves as a cosy napping place- cum-toilet.

Start by putting some food in the back, until they are comfy with it, before lifting it. You still need to corner the pig, so the only option to go is into the pigloo.

PS: A shoebox with one small side cut out will do, but you need the top covered by the lid to avoid any panic jumps.

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

Been there with Nia and have the scratches to show!

Try to lure them into an upturned pigloo or something similar sized with a folded kitchen towel over the top, so you don't have to touch them during pick up, which is the critical and most stressful time. I didn't handle Nia and Nerys for first three weeks apart from a gentle prod in the back and cuddles. Now we are getting there, but crucially, I've won their trust.

I still use the pigloo for transport to/from the lawn, but otherwise it serves as a cosy napping place- cum-toilet.

Start by putting some food in the back, until they are comfy with it, before lifting it. You still need to corner the pig, so the only option to go is into the pigloo.

PS: A shoebox with one small side cut out will do, but you need the top covered by the lid to avoid any panic jumps.

thanks alot for that,and the picture helped me to understand it better too,i will try this when i get them out in the morning as i only had them out an hour ago,will post pics and let you know how it goes xxxxx

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

by the way Llewi looks so cute x

 

[Wiebke]

by the way Llewi looks so cute x

He is - isn't he? He still likes his hidey holes!

As soon as Llewi caught onto this mode of transport, he got a lot more relaxed, as the worst cause of stress had been eliminated. He seemed actually quite relieved!

And if there ever was a shy piggie, Llewelyn was right up there! You wouldn't believe it now, would you?

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

I'm shocked he was ever shy,he actually models for the camera rather than running,and boy he is cutewould look lovely with my group{:|

 

[Wiebke]

I'm shocked he was ever shy,he actually models for the camera rather than running,and boy he is cutewould look lovely with my group{:|

Cant't have him - you have to fight through three girls!

But yes, for the first few weeks I saw hardly anything of him, not even a snout peeking from behind the cage and had to leave the room for him to come out and eat.