Baby Piggy Question

[jolovespiggies]

Hello everyone

This may seem a strange question but I am wondering if I could have a few ideas, please. My little girls are very skittish and whilst they chat on my lap, they are basically scared stiff of every move we make. Has anyone ever had piggies who have started off like this but have become loving and confident pets who get out of that extreme nervousness or are they likely to be like this for life?

Thanks hunnies
Jo xxx

[Bean]

I've definitely had some who have come to me really skittish - they've circled the cage frantically at the smallest noise and looked horrified at the idea of being picked up or taken out. I couldn't imagine a time when I didn't feel like I was giving them a heart attack! I can't think of any who haven't been won round in the end though. I've had a couple who preferred pigs to people, even though they relaxed loads with me. But none that stayed as skittish.

I think it's great that they're relaxed while they're on your lap, and with them still being young, hopefully they'll grow out of it. Just keep on making all your normal noises and movements so they can get used to what's normal and I'm sure they'll soon adapt. They're still so new to your home, so won't have totally got used to everything that goes on compared to where they were before. And no doubt one being skittery sets the other one off too! I think they just need a bit more time, and the more time you can spend with them as they settle in, the better!

[3piggles]

I tell my pigs what I'm going to do, such as vacuum, blender(also for food processor), pounding(when I pound meat on the counter), and anything else that might scare them. They learn the words, and those things you do stop scaring them by catching them off guard.

I also tell them if I'm going to pick them up, give them treats, baths, clean the cage, etc. That way they always know what I'm going to do, and my actions don't scare them. I keep the statements simple, and always use the same words.

I've found pigs get used to regular noises, though while being part of the family is great for them, having children running, thumbing, bumping and screaming all over them never gives them a chance to settle in. Dogs barking endlessly, same thing. It will take them longer to adjust, and they may not adjust.

So whatever might spook them in your house, tell them what you're going to do, and they will learn to anticipate the noise, and not be as scared of it.

[jolovespiggies]

Oh ladies what wonderful posts, thank you so very much. Last night when they were on my lap Prudie turned on her side and looked at me, it was adorable. At one point Demi wouldn't leave Prudie's bottom alone so she walked off and went back into a nearby cuddle bag. Demi then settled on my lap making contented noises. Tonight Paulis going to handle Demi whilst I do the same with Prudie, they have to be held separately now at least for a while. Thanks Bean love that is great advice.

I hadn't thought of that Piggles love and in future I am going to tell them everything. They are getting used to other household noises too. It is just when I approach the pen in the sitting room or their hutch in my bedroom. As you say though it takes time and I feel as if I am making progress. I have had them for three weeks yesterday.

I will keep you informed.

Hugs
JO xx

[Bean]

Aww it sounds like it's going really well - Prudie's little glace sounds very sweet! Maybe once they've grown a bit and can't escape the pen so can stay in one place, that'll help them to relax into their surroundings. Ours go a bit nervy when we move them into a different room for a bit, even if it's in the same cage. It can just take them a while to adjust to their surroundings, even if they are already familiar with the place.

Keep up the good work, Jo. x

[3piggles]

Ooh, wonderful Your girls are really settling in nicely, Jo. I always enter the room saying hello to them. Most of the time they don't respond, but if they want a treat, they will come out and watch me from the front of Pigloo City

[jolovespiggies]

Thank yu for those kind words Bean hunni. Last night Paul held Demi and little Prudie wouldn't relax which is unusual as she seemed the friendlier piggy when I have the two of them on my lap. That is what I want ours to do Piggles love, not run away when we approach the cage but I have to accept that they may always be skittish but I a going to take your kind advice and talk to them all the time. I have little noses peeping at me from behind their nest so maybe with time, they will come up to the front and not be scared.

Hugs
Jo xx

[3piggles]

I have always talked to my pets as if they could understand. Even if they don't understand the words, they understand that they are being included, that I'm talking to them. I hope your talking to the girls gets them to settle down a bit. It will take time, but if they know they matter to you, I don't think it will take too long.

They may still run away when you approach the cage, even if they aren't afraid of you. It's a piggy game, catch me if you can, and they want you to play. I've found, if they're playing that game, they only play for a little while, then put themselves where I can catch them easily. There are also the times they just don't want to be picked up, so they run away. It can be really hard to tell what's on their minds.

[bazookagoof]

Jo, Oscar eventually warmed up (but still dislikes being picked up) while both Theodore and Murphy never got over being skittish. Even now Murphy scampers off if I try to pet him. I just roll with it.

[jolovespiggies]

Thank you Piggles love, I think with many it is just something in their heads and the may always be wary when I approach the hutch but I am doing as you suggested and talking to them all them all the time.

I think you are right Baz hunni, they may never get out of it but I will just accept it if that is the case as they seem to relax when they are having a cuddle.

Hugs
Jo xx

[3piggles]

I totally agree, Baz. Too many people try to change pets to what they want the pet to be, instead of appreciating pets for who they are. I think pets try to adapt to our style, but still have to be themselves, so they will settle in their way, and we need to appreciate them as they are. All of my pigs have been different. My Zippy was my special pig, but if I judged all my pigs by him, I would have been miserable with them.

Jo, your girls will show their personalities. Give them time

[bazookagoof]

Oscar always cracks me up, because he fights being picked up with every fiber of his being. You have to chase him around his cage, the whole time you can imagine him saying, "You don't hafta! You don't hafta!" Then, as soon as he's settled and you're stroking his fur, he lets loose with that warbling purr.

[jolovespiggies]

They are starting to show Piggles love and it is so lovely having them on my lap. I thought Prudie was the more outgoing but I am not so sure. When Demi is on my lap alone she seems much less shy that Prudie. Prudie is a bit more anxious than Demi when she is on her own but she still chortles.

I think mine are going to be playful Baz hunni, Prudie popcorns on my lap and I tickle her little back, she loves it.

Hugs
Jo xx

[Bean]

When we got Josh and Cadders I thought Cadders was going to be the boss as Josh seemed so relaxed and goofy. What I thought was a mild aggressive streak in Cadders just turned out to be some tension from having Josh, the swaggering alpha male, in his grill all the time. Josh's constant rumbling would lead Cadders to chase him round defensively, but to most people it looked like Cadders was a bully which couldn't be further from the truth - he's totally neurotic!

Once they really settle in, you get a much better gauge on their personalities and it's fun seeing them come out of themselves and show you who they are! That's so sweet that Prudie popcorns on your lap - lucky you!

[3piggles]

Aw, Zippy was the last one to popcorn on my lap, but he was a popcorning fool I do miss that My current two are ladies. None of the kid stuff, lol They popcorn when they think no one is looking I'm glad your girls are settling in and feeling comfortable enough with you to enjoy themselves, and to entertain you

[jolovespiggies]

Thank you Bean love, I am not sure who the dominant one is at the moment but I think it maybe Demi who is the samaller of the two. When she is on my lap alone she is fine whereas Prudie gets a bit panicky. Cadders and Josh sound adorable, it sounds as if Cadders was too scared to go anywhere without Josh. Yes Piggles love, they were both popcorning on my lap last night although Prudie really likes it. When they had had a few little leaps they turned on their side and go to sleep on me which is wonderful. The trouble is the slightest noise and they are up and awake again.

I am really looking forward to getting to know them both, they and Holly make me very happy.

Hugs
Jo xx

[3piggles]

Prey animals only semi sleep, until they are so sure of the security of their surroundings, they can trust going into a deep sleep. Give it time. They may take long naps on your lap

[jolovespiggies]

Thanks Piggles hunni, that is very true. I love it when they go onto their sides and look up at me.

Hugs
Jo xx