Where am I going wrong?

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kat04kt

kat04kt

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Just tried to pick up one of my boars again today.

People suggested using the cosy, which would be great if I could get them in it. Once I had managed to get hold of one, I put him inside it but he wriggled and struggled so much and ignored the nice piece of cucumber I was holding out for him. After a couple of minutes I conceeded that this wasn't working and I had to put him back.

It's the first time I've tried picking them up since last week.

I know they like being picked up because they were absolutely fine with the breeder. I know it takes a while to settle in, but they seem fine now in their home, they play and eat and come out.

So where am I going wrong? Any idea's?
 
maybe they want to play? try putting them in a run for half an hour then pick them up (works with bill and ben who are still skittish)
 
Perhaps switching to a walk-in conveyance? A padded show box (with a lid that lifts off, and preferably well aired before use) or cardboard box with a bottom will do! Given them time to explore it, get comfy with it (ideally having a little nap in it).

After that, place the box in a corner so it is easier to gently shoo them into it. Don't handle them during pick up, that is the whole point of the exercise! Youngsters can be very wiggly indeed and it can take some time until they get the message! Don't expect instant results.
 
Would totally agree with Wiebke that I would not put the piggy in the cosy, let them go in it themselves. No picking up until they are safely in, including back legs.
Following forum advice, I used cosies in this way and now the piggies jump straight into the little sacks but to begin with, it took some patience so that they knew the sack was a safe place to go. Goodluck:)
 
Towel

I had a problem when i first got my gals,trying picking him up with a towel x
 
Thanks for all your great suggestions, I'm making a balls up of them though!

Taking them out to give them floor time, they just bite on the c&c bars to get back in. Guess at least that means they like their home.

Do you think there's somewhere I could go to get some help with this? Like I said at the breeders they were fine. I'm really struggling to build a bond with them, and need all the help I can get!

Thanks again
 
Wiebke said:
Perhaps switching to a walk-in conveyance? A padded show box (with a lid that lifts off, and preferably well aired before use) or cardboard box with a bottom will do! Given them time to explore it, get comfy with it (ideally having a little nap in it).

After that, place the box in a corner so it is easier to gently shoo them into it. Don't handle them during pick up, that is the whole point of the exercise! Youngsters can be very wiggly indeed and it can take some time until they get the message! Don't expect instant results.
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Where can I get a padded show box? I just had them in a savic igloo, when I took the lid off they just looked terrified and were jumping to get away from me.

I tried to get them into a box and it didn't work, so I had to lift them out, I thought I could atleast give them floor time while I clean out their cage - they didn't like it. Even though I put all their toys and tonnes of hide away places for them. They just bite at the bars and then eventually cowered away.

Urgh, feeling so deflated 8...
 
You take a shoebox and line it with a rag or newspaper and a bit of hay. I found that cuddling new piggies under a tea towel or small fleece on my lap relaxes them somehwat. ;)

It is an uphill battle with skittish new piggies at first. Progress is ever so slow, but it will happen; just persevere and keep to a firm daily schedule with the same rituals/words/sounds. Most piggies hate new (especially open) places, but if you do the same every time, they will get used to where they are and what is happening. Put a hidey where they are going; they can use that to cower at first and later to explore from.
 
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Oh you poor thing. Please do not worry. It is such early days for them. They are still getting used to you and their home. It took my Amelia Jane a year before she was comfortable to be held. All guinea pigs are different and some take longer to feel confident. I would love to see a photo of them. :)
 
unfortunatly it can take months to settle some piggies in, but when you see results it will be worth it!
 
I find that they are less skittish if you handle them after giving their veggies :))

My adult piggy will now walk into her pet carrier & I just take her to the run, open the door & out she comes :)) she goes back in as well lol :)
 
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