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Post by Bean on Mar 9, 2017 9:01:37 GMT
Oh no, what a pain, Baz. Especially with all the disruption going on in your house, you could probably use an easy way to switch off instead of having to research errors! Hope it's sorted soon.
Jo, are you worried about Timmy nipping you? If so, I wondered if doing something like wearing gloves when you handle him might help, just to take a bit of your nervousness away.
When we got the rats that were a bit nippy, I just put on my gardening gloves (they're not that bulky, but provide a good layer of protection) when I had to handle them, as I knew they were sensing my hesitancy and that made them more twitchy. They'd had too long of not being treated well to be really chilled out, but it definitely helped making me not so jumpy!
It's just experience isn't it - even when I've handled guinea pigs that people have told me have bitten, I just feel confident in picking them up and holding them so they have very little chance of nipping. And they in turn are calmer for me than they are for a nervous handler. But that's taken years to build up!
Timmy sounds stubborn if he's not taking bribes, but I'm sure you will can him round.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 9, 2017 9:36:46 GMT
Not really Bean love and I have been told that I have to handle him without any gloves or other protection. It is not the pain for the bite I am concerned with although he doesn't press that hard but the fact that he wants to bite me, that really hurts. He is sensing my lack of confidence I think which is going to continue if he carries on as he is. I just just see it being a vicious circle. I love rats but have heard they are a bit nippy as babies but that is something I would feel confident that they would grow out of. With Timmy it is just pure deja vu, I can't see it ever stopping. I too am confident when holding piggles and I am sure it makes all the difference. It does help to talk about it though so thank you for your kind replies ladies.
I love the spring flowers too Piggles love, I just wish we could have some spring weather. Hope your puter is fixed soon Baz sweetie, I am sure they have minds and souls of their own lol!
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 9, 2017 10:22:52 GMT
When I went on the school run this morning, the sky was blue and it was pretty mild. So I decided that for the first time this year I was going to put my washing outside to dry. The problem is the wind's picked up massively since, and I'm now worried I'm going to come home later and find it's all flown off into neighbours' gardens! Hopefully not, and it should dry quickly with all those gusts!
I really wish there was someone closeby who could come and help you build up your confidence with Timmy. You're so caring and gentle with animals, I know you have what it takes, but can totally understand why you're feeling so dejected about his reaction. It's still really early days, there's plenty of time to turn things round, so just try to focus on the fact it's just his way of saying he's not sure about how his world has suddenly changed, rather than it being anything personal. x
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Post by 3piggles on Mar 9, 2017 21:34:41 GMT
Zippy was a biter. I have a lot of scars from Zippy Nippies. Loved that little guy anyway, and I know he loved me, but he had some issues he had to overcome or outgrow. Once he did, he and I were best friends. I didn't give up on him, and he knew I wouldn't. He found better ways to tell me he didn't like something.
I agree with Bean. I wish there were someone nearby who could help you with Timmy. I think you really have to rethink why you are so disappointed. If you want a cuddly pet, you know that's not always what you get. You didn't meet Timmy before you gave him a home, so you really have to accept him for what he is. Perhaps if you do, and he doesn't feel that sadness or disappointment, he will feel better about being with you. If all you want is a cuddly pet, and not to give him a great home, perhaps you should consider returning him, and getting a different pet. Just meet with the pet before you commit to him or her, so you know you're getting a snuggly one.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 10, 2017 15:08:51 GMT
Thank so much Bean and Piggles darlings; as I have said in pet parade, it is making me really miserable. I too wish someone was nearer, unfortunately the lady I had him from comes from Cheshire and whilst she has offered, I really don't want to put her to the trouble of coming all the way here to see what is wrong although she has said she would bless her. I do accept him for what he is Piggles love but he was so friendly and cuddly with the lady I had him from and several of her friends and she says that this just isn't the Timmy she knows. I know it is all my fault, it always is and I don't think for a moment that it is anything she has done. He may have to end up going back love because I am also worried about his happiness. Life can be so crap!!
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 10, 2017 19:00:43 GMT
Oh Jo, it breaks my heart that you are taking this personally. You are such a lovely person, and so kind and caring towards animals, I know that Timmy could have a great home with you.
The problem is simply that you aren't experienced or confident with him, but that could totally change with some help. You're taking responsibility for him being unhappy right now, but all it is is a natural response to him being thrown out of his comfort zone and feeling insecure about it. If the lady has offered to come and help, I'm sure she means it - she knows you will give Timmy a great home and wants to help teach you how to put him at ease so you can see the same side of him that she saw. She sounds really caring and I doubt she'd have even given him to you if she had any concerns that you weren't capable of giving him a great home.
I totally understand that you just want Timmy to be happy, but I believe he could be really happy with you and that we just all need a helping hand to feel confident with certain animals. I know you're probably being too down on yourself to think it's worth the lady making a trip to help you, but I really hope you do take her up on her offer - she knows you're worth the effort and we all do too. xxx
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Post by 3piggles on Mar 10, 2017 22:11:45 GMT
It is not your fault, Jo. Timmy came from an environment that was familiar to him, on a long ride to an environment that isn't at all familiar to him. He needs time to settle in, and you need to not start your relationship with him thinking it's going to be as bad as the last one. Think positively. Let him feel that from you. I don't care what the lady said, if he's biting, wear gloves. You don't have to do it forever, just long enough for him to know biting isn't going to make him boss. I really hope he comes around, but if not, and he has to go back, that's two hedgies, so maybe they're not the best pets for you. Hugs, and I really do hope things improve between the two of you.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 11, 2017 14:56:38 GMT
What would I do without you ladies, thank you so much for your kind and reassuring words? Helen would not have given him to me if she didn't think either of us were suited to each other. There is no way she would have given me a bad tempered hoggy so I think it is just getting him really used to me. Bless her she said she just wants to see me have some happiness. From where she lives to Cornwall is a very long journey but I know she would do it if it goes on for too long. I managed to get my hand right under his tummy last night to stop him from trying to hide and I am going to do the same tonight. Thank you Bean love, I am taking it rather personally at the moment but your kind words go such a long way. We are not going to give up on him and when he is held I am trying to feel positive and talking to him. You are right Piggles love, that has occurred to me. Two hoggies cannot be wrong but the thought of having to take him back and give up on him when I could give him so much love tears me apart. Thank you again my darlings, I will keep you updated.
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Post by Bean on Mar 11, 2017 19:36:14 GMT
Aww it sounds like you made some progress last night. I really hope tonight is another small step in the right direction. I have every faith that you have the kindness and skills to help him settle in and win him over. But I also completely understand how your worry that you are making him unhappy is totally throwing your ability to show confidence around him. Good luck Jo, we know you can do it and are rooting for you to start forming that bond with him. I'm so glad you are staying in close contact with Helen and telling her how you feel - she will be so much better able to help you if you're honest with her about it all. x
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 12, 2017 14:20:47 GMT
Thank you Piggles love, he was very huffy last night with us both, I just wish I could reassure him that we love him ever so much and just want to look after him. Oh well, we will keep trying. Sorry to hear you are having problems Baz hunni, when puters goes wrong they do it in a big way don't they? I hope it is sorted soon.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 13, 2017 9:42:34 GMT
Sorry last night wasn't quite as successful, but just try not to get disheartened by it - he's been with you such a short time, that it's totally understandable he's still feeling a bit put out by the move. Just keep on showing him love, allowing him to get used to you and try to think positively about the amazing home you know you can give him. Hopefully he'll start to relax. You've seen glimpses of his more chilled out side so it's definitely there to be brought out.
We've seen quite a lot of sunshine here over the weekend. It's still cold, but it's uplifting when everything looks a bit brighter!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 13, 2017 13:19:05 GMT
A little huffy monster again last night Bean love and thank you for your kind words and reassurances. If I weren't so concerned it would be funny as he only has to look at me to start huffing. Very damaging to one's self esteem lol! I was relaxed with him last night and chatted away to him but he just stared back, huffed and humped up on all fours. I think this is going to be hard work.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 13, 2017 18:29:42 GMT
Oh no, silly Timmy - he's too busy reacting to appreciate what's right in front of him! I'm glad you felt relaxed though and really hope that keeps up as I'm sure it'll make a difference.
Have you got Skype (or something similar) on your computer? I was wondering if it'd be helpful to set it up so the lady can see how he's behaving and give you some live advice on what to do.
Are they nocturnal like regular hedgehogs? I don't know much about them at all, so sorry if that's a silly question!
Keep up the good work, Jo - have faith you will win him over! x
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Post by 3piggles on Mar 13, 2017 22:24:57 GMT
I know your problems with Timmy are upsetting to you, and for that I have a great deal of sympathy, but part of me just has to chuckle at your descriptions of him huffing and humping all over the floor. He sounds like quite a character I really hope the two of you start seeing eye to eye, but part of me will miss your descriptions of him and his attitude! Have trouble shifting my car into first gear(standard transmission), and it hadn't had an oil change for a long time, so hubby took it in for service at a place near where he works. Oil change is done. Looks as if the clutch linkage is the problem with the shifting, so we'll take it elsewhere for that. Hubby paid the bill, got the keys, and started out to the car, which was totally surrounded by police! Turns out they were pursuing a drug dealer who dove under my car to hide from the police. They had a drug sniffing dog with them, who tracked him to my car, and the police were trying to pull him out from under my car. They succeeded They asked hubby to wait until their dog sniffed out anything the drug dealer might have left behind, and then they released the car to him. My car, which has spend most of the last decade parked in the driveway, had quite an exciting outing today I'm not sure it will want to go to the city again, for a while, though We have a major storm moving across the Northeastern US. Hard to say what the outcome will be. We have 16-24" forecast between early tomorrow morning and early Wednesday morning, with winds gusting up to 50 mph. It's been a long time since one of these forecasts actually panned out, but this might be the time. I know it's already hit or hitting Chicago, to I hope you are all safe and warm, Baz and Piggiemommy2.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 14, 2017 9:21:32 GMT
Thank you Bean love, he was awful again last night but I will keep hold of him and hopefully one day it will stop but I am not going to hold my breath. No I don't have Skype but it would be a very good idea if I did. He doesn't huff on the floor Piggles hunni as we haven't put him in a run yet, it is when we are holding him he is so naughty. Yes they are nocturnal like wildies so he does sleep all day. Nothing like that ever happens here Piggles, it sounds as if you had an exciting day. Hope you weather the storm OK.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 14, 2017 9:37:04 GMT
Hope everyone in the path of this storm manages to cope it - I assume hub will be working from home, 3piggles?
Crikey, that sounds like a bit of drama with your car! I bet hub wondered if you'd been up to something dodgy to make the police interested in your car for a minute!
Aww it sounds like Timmy is quite put out by the move. Has the lady got any more advice for you about ways to hold him or things to do to help calm him? I think you can download Skype onto your computer, so that might be worth looking into if things don't improve - a bit more personalised support from an expert could really make the difference. Fingers are still crossed, Jo. x
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 15, 2017 9:11:26 GMT
Thank you Bean love, I am totally disheartened. I only have to look at him and he huffs. He was huffy with Paul too last night so I don't know what the problem is. Helen has given me all the advice she can now it is just a question of patience. I love him so much, he was looking up at me last night between huffs and I just melted. I really believe he isn't going to get better though, it is Lewie all over again.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 16, 2017 9:16:06 GMT
The huffing must be hard - he's probably got into a habit now, but I really hope it's one you can break, with some patience and confidence.
If you have him out but don't try to handle him (just reading a book or watching tv or something), what does he do? You've probably tried everything, I was just wondering if doing something slightly different might break the habit and give you a better chance of connecting. Lots of good vibes coming your way, Jo.
3piggles made a quick post in the facebook group last night to let us know that ger internet company has lost power so she won't be on until they get it sorted. Hopefully that won't be too long, both for her and for us!
Hope everyone affected by the storm is keeping safe and warm.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Mar 16, 2017 10:20:56 GMT
Thank you Bean hunni, I did that last night, just let him run all over me. I did stroke him some of the time as I have been advised to do but when I stopped he just went over onto his side and looked up at me. If I talk to him however, he huffs. I cannot help but love that little twitching nose though, I so hope he gets out of this but I have a very bad feeling.
Poor Piggles, I so hope she is fixed soon and is able to join us again.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by Bean on Mar 17, 2017 8:56:25 GMT
It's strange, as it's obviously a massive storm, but we've not head any mention of it on the news over here, at least not while I've been watching.
Really hope everyone is keeping safe and that your internet is back on soon, 3piggles.
I know it probably feels like he's got huffy with a thousand times, Jo, but it's still early days. Surely there are plenty of people who have got a huffy hog and things have turned around? You should sing to him tonight, see if that has the same reaction as you talking!
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