Two New Boys Still Very Skittish After A Month!

[Maddie]

My boyfriend and I adopted two brothers over a month ago. We did everything you're supposed to when bonding with new pigs. We waited multiple days before interacting, then started hand feeding. They still won't come anywhere near us and run in terror when we try to pet them or hold them. We always approach them slowly and talk while we do it. Then we let them sniff us, but as soon as we make a move to pet them they are gone. One of them is even more skittish than when we first got them. Any advice?! Thanks!

 

[Dindypig]

Give it time and do everything slowly for them. Sometimes little and often is the way to go.

 

[Wiebke]

Try to be as much on head height as possible with them. Mimic washing your face while looking at them only out of the corner of your eyes. That is piggy language for "I want to be friends"; hopefully at some point, they will return the favour. Talk to to them constantly.

Some piggies just take longer, so don't be disheartened!

Train them to come into some pick-up conveyance with the help of a little treat. let them be comfy with it first before you lift it out. https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/videos/
When cuddling, do so under a blanket, so they will feel safe and comfy. Don't wear any good clothes because at some point, they may become a bit too comfy!