I have 2 piggies (sows) and have had them for about 6 weeks - they are about 4 months old. I had been handling them everyday and they seemed to be getting calmer but then i had 3 days away and they were really scared again - i am handling them daily again but after 10-15 minutes they seem as though they have had enough - i always put them out in their run after a cuddle - when i get them out of their run to go back in their hutch one of them wriggles so much that i think ond day she may escape - any tips to help please - i havd never had guinea pigs before and i love them but I'm not sure they are so keen on me
understanding their behaviour
- Thread starter Em41
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Hi! Many piggies are not all that cuddly, boars more than sows, so don't feel upset! That amount of time is pretty normal.
You can extend that time by allowing them to snuggle under a soft cover on your lap and eventually fall asleep on you, but be aware that a very relaxed piggy will pee, so you will need an absorbent cuddling blanket, too!
Most piggies also don't like being picked up; it cuts too close to their prey animal instincts. You can train your girls to come into a conveyance of some sort, like a tunnel, an upturned hidey or a padded cardboard box with a "door". Place a little treat in the back and start training once they are comfy with the conveyance. Turn the pick up into a ritual with the same words in the same tone all the time, a little veg or grass treat to lure them in and lots of praise. They will hopefully catch on fairly soon, but it may take a few weeks.
PS: With members from all over the would, we would be grateful if you added your country, state (US) or general area (UK) to your details. That way, we can give you the appropriate advice, links or -if possible - local recommendations straight away. You can do so in forum/private messages (top bar)/my settings/edit profile. Thanks!
Most of it is a very gradual process that takes much longer than you would expect, but with some patience and persistence, you will get there!
You can extend that time by allowing them to snuggle under a soft cover on your lap and eventually fall asleep on you, but be aware that a very relaxed piggy will pee, so you will need an absorbent cuddling blanket, too!
Most piggies also don't like being picked up; it cuts too close to their prey animal instincts. You can train your girls to come into a conveyance of some sort, like a tunnel, an upturned hidey or a padded cardboard box with a "door". Place a little treat in the back and start training once they are comfy with the conveyance. Turn the pick up into a ritual with the same words in the same tone all the time, a little veg or grass treat to lure them in and lots of praise. They will hopefully catch on fairly soon, but it may take a few weeks.
PS: With members from all over the would, we would be grateful if you added your country, state (US) or general area (UK) to your details. That way, we can give you the appropriate advice, links or -if possible - local recommendations straight away. You can do so in forum/private messages (top bar)/my settings/edit profile. Thanks!
Most of it is a very gradual process that takes much longer than you would expect, but with some patience and persistence, you will get there!
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