Timid piggies - how to make them cuddly?

[Cute_Guineapigs]

Hi.

I've had my two boar pigs for 3 months, and they have improved in their confidence. They come over to a hand to sniff and can be hand fed. They also come over to me when I sit in their run. However they are still not comfortable about being picked up and handled, or even a stroke.

At the moment, I'm not handling them at all because I thought it would be better to gain their trust by stopping all handling. How do I start to handle them again without breaking their trust?

 

[piggyfan]

The only way to get them used to you is to hold them everyday. It takes guinea pigs a long time to gain trust as they are prey animals. You can try holding them under a fleece as guinea pigs feel safer if they are hiding their faces. A good way to build up a bond is to hand feed them pieces of vegetables they like. They will be nervous to take the food at first but in time they will learn you are a friend.

 

[Russ32]

Had my 2 for about 4 weeks now & both are really shy! Try to handle each for at least 20 mins a day for them to get used to it! In fact both piddled on me this evening

 

[Wiebke]

By now they will trust you. If you are worried about the pick up, you can train them to come into some kind of conveyance, like an upturned hidey, a tunnel , a padded cardboard box withone entrance etc. Entice them in with a little veg or herb treat and let them get comfy first for a day (ideally have them fall asleep in any new bit of furniture), so they have good associations.

Most piggies are not bad with cuddles, especially when they come with lots of praise. If they are very skittish, a towel or blanket put over them, will usually calm them down. Be lavish in your encouragement and praise.

When piggies have had enough, they become wiggly or start nibbling or tweaking. Ideally, you take both boys out at once at first, as the remaining one can sometimes become very upset.