Jackie <3
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Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
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Post by Jackie <3 on Jul 15, 2015 6:05:40 GMT
I have just gotten two guinea pigs from a home that couldn't care for them properly. They were living in some really bad conditions so I love that I can give them a better life, but I am finding it hard for them to warm up to me. I'm worried that they are too scarred from their last home to be able to become comfortable with people. Every time that I come anywhere near the cage they instantly run and hide from me. If I can get them out of the cage they will sit and let you bet them, but they do not do well if you pick them up. i think this is because the woman who owned them before me didn't pick them up in a "guinea pig friendly" way. She was very rough with them, and if they struggled she would yell out of frustration. If you have any tips on how I could help them warm up and be more comfortable I would really appreciate it.
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Post by Bean on Jul 15, 2015 8:52:49 GMT
Hello, and welcome to Wheekers!
A girl piggy we acquired in spring this year had a similar tale to yours - neglected and manhandled (she was a pet for a very young kid who was allowed to get her out unsupervised). I'm pretty good at picking up pigs, even catching reluctant pigs without a chase, but the first time I went to pick up Rocky, she was like a Tasmanian Devil, it really surprised me. And she would squeal in protest at being picked up, wriggling to be let down. Now, just a few months later, she is the easiest to pick up of them all and loves being taken out and petted. Her previous owners wouldn't recognise her.
Rather than putting your hands in teh cage, it might work better if you had something in the cage with a bottom which you could wait until they were in and then pick that up carefully before moving them to your lap? Some pigloos have bases or a shoebox with a doorway would be fine and make a great hidey for them to play in. Just make sure you cover the exit while you're carrying it so they can't leap out!
The other thing I find helps best is simple bribery! Feed them tasty bits of veg while you have them out so they associate you with good times. It also relaxes them as they're concentrating on eating.
It takes some pigs longer than others to trust people, and you do get some who are never thrilled about being picked up or handled. But it helps just having them in a high traffic area of the house so they can get used to all the sights and sounds in your life, and also talking to them when you pass so they get to know your voice. Soon they'll realise they're safe and their reactions will not be so extreme.
Thank you for rescuing them from a rubbish home and I hope that they are soon feeling much more relaxed with you. Keep us posted!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jul 15, 2015 18:34:59 GMT
Welcome to our happy family love and thank you for rescuing those piggies from what sounds like a despicable woman!! I have given a home to a little piggy who is very nervous and runs away when we try to catch him but hopefully in time he will get used to us and become friendly. We all have/had piggies that are like this and it is a question of time and patience and a lot of love, which I know you have for these dear little animals. Brilliant advice from Bean. Please keep us updated.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 15, 2015 21:36:15 GMT
Hello and welcome Thank you so much for rescuing those poor babies. I'm always amazed at the number of people who get pets they don't want or can't handle Excellent advice from Bean. I would only add that, if you can keep nearby whatever you use as a conveyance from the cage, the pigs know they have an escape if they feel frightened, and they can go back in the conveyance. I have used an overturned pigloo, a basket, a cuddle cup and their favorite, a house meant to look like a tree trunk. I just gently herd them into the conveyance, pick it up and carry them to where I want to sit, but I let them come out of it, and go back in when they want. That seems to help them get over their fears fairly quickly. The treats bribe also works wonders Good luck!
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Jackie <3
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Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
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Post by Jackie <3 on Jul 19, 2015 18:16:00 GMT
Update! One of them is really starting to warm up. She is scared to be picked up but wont squirm to get away if you do get her. They both now don't mind having me around the cage very much, and are really starting to use and enjoy all of the toys and hiding spots I have for them. I'm hoping that things keep getting better for them because they really are loving and wonderful creatures! Thank you for all of the advice!
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Post by jolovespiggies on Jul 19, 2015 18:44:25 GMT
A very warm welcome to Wheekers love. It takes some piggies time to overcome nervousness but it sounds as if you are doing really well with them. Merlin a piggie I have had recently, is very shy, but once I have him in my arms he settles down and puts his little head on my arm.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 19, 2015 19:46:02 GMT
Once they feel they have mastered their surroundings, they tend to calm down. Some pigs never do, but will still get better, the longer they are around us. I'm one to pick them up and snuggle them right from the beginning, and it seems to work. I use a conveyance, if I can't scoop them up quickly, and give them snuggles. They don't like to have hands come at them from above, so if it's possible to approach them from nose level, they like that much better.
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Jackie <3
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Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
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Post by Jackie <3 on Aug 11, 2015 20:54:42 GMT
Thank you to everyone who gave me advice! It is working out, and they are slowly warming up. They really are starting to enjoy their lap time with both me and my friends. I am writing this to also show you some pictures of what they look like and their cage set up at the moment. I am currently pretty tight on money, but I am looking forward to being able to expand their cage to make them more comfortable. I also am waiting to be able to adopt some more cavys' to add to my family. Star is all white, excluding a few black hairs between her ears. She is the most shy of the two, but she is very lovable. Pat is white with a brown rump, and brown patches over her ears. She is better with being handled and doesn't mind who is holding her or where. Their cage is a Midwestern cage. These photos were taken before I got their fleece bedding, which I love by the way.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 12, 2015 18:42:02 GMT
They are just gorgeous love.
Hugs JO xx
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 12, 2015 18:47:43 GMT
Gorgeous I didn't know the Midwest cages could be expanded in small sections. I thought it was adding a whole extra cage. That's cool, and it gives you a kitchen area separate from the play area
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Jackie <3
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Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
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Post by Jackie <3 on Aug 16, 2015 21:39:25 GMT
It isn't expanded. I purchased the "Plus" cage which comes with the dividing wall and ramp. I wasn't planning on spending the extra money for it, but it was the only one available. It is totally worth the extra money though. I love having it divided between the kitchen area and the play/living area (the guineas love it as well). I am still working with them on lap time and getting on a better schedule. I try to make sure to feed them around the same time everyday, and also to have lap time at around the same time. I think it is really helping them to get more used to me. I am also making sure to give them treats when they are on my lap (they usually end up climbing up to my chest).
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 17, 2015 12:41:14 GMT
Giving them that special treat when they are with you definitely helps them enjoy their time with you, and get used to it. Because they are prey animals, they will always try not to be picked up, as that's basically being caught by a predator. Just having the basket or whatever conveyance you used, nearby, gives them a place to go and take a break, if they need it. Abused pigs usually take more time to adjust. Be patient and loving. They will respond I also didn't know there was an expanded version of the Midwest cage. I'm quite impressed with those cages, especially being able to connect cages with ramps.
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Jackie <3
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Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
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Post by Jackie <3 on Aug 25, 2015 2:02:58 GMT
They are so much better now and love to be held and cuddled! they love the schedule and when I get one out for lap time the other one will squeak to get their lap time. They know that it usually means one of their favorite veggies, (usually baby carrots. They go crazy for them.) and lots of snuggles. My boyfriend sometimes will help with lap time and they both love him as well. They usually prefer having him around for lap time so that no one has to wait lol. I am looking for some new ways to keep them cooled down though, so if you have any advice on that I would love to hear it. It has been really warm here in my house (especially the room that the guineas are in). I am not able to move them to a different room, and I have heard that you shouldnt put a fan on them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
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Post by Bean on Aug 25, 2015 7:23:39 GMT
Aww what lovely pictures - you can tell they are very well loved pigs! I've just posted in your thread about keeping pigs cool and am sure others will have some suggestions too - here's a direct link to it for anyone who has any nuggets to share!
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 25, 2015 18:55:13 GMT
Wonderful that they've adjusted so well, and are enjoying the attention They are such sweet animals, and it's great to be able to share cuddles with them I also commented on the other thread
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 25, 2015 19:00:55 GMT
Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos love, the piggies are just gorgeous.
Hugs Jo xx
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Post by bazookagoof on Aug 26, 2015 2:40:22 GMT
Seeing those pics puts a smile on my face, thanks for sharing!
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Jackie <3
Tin Member
Christmas snuggles by our little tree!
Posts: 50
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Post by Jackie <3 on Aug 27, 2015 19:24:40 GMT
I have a major update! I am hoping to be picking up a new guinea tonight! She is tri-colored and is in a home that can not care for her. If you have any tips for introducing new guineas please let me know. Also she is going to need a name so if you have any suggestions that will go with Pat and Star just let me know! <3 <3
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Post by 3piggles on Aug 28, 2015 19:31:51 GMT
The same rules apply for bonding any new pig to an existing pig. Do one session with all three of them in a neutral pen with a pile of hay in the middle. It can take minutes to hours to be sure they are really going to get along. While observing their behavior, clean the cage of all scent, and rearrange whatever you can. When you think all three are getting along very well, try them in the newly cleaned cage.
If it doesn't go as planned, remove the new girl, and put her in a cage where the pigs can't see/smell/hear each other. Wait a while-possibly a couple of weeks or more, and try the same routine again. If it still doesn't work, or before you try the routine the second time, give them a bath together. If you don't have any real guinea pig shampoo, just put a very tiny bit of baby shampoo in the water toward the end of the bath, and rinse all three pigs thoroughly (not above the ears). Then towel dry them, and put them in the neutral space to air dry while they get to know each other. Don't forget to de-scent everything, and rearrange as much as possible.
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Post by jolovespiggies on Aug 28, 2015 19:56:53 GMT
I am so excited for you hun, I bet she is gorgeous.
Hugs JO xx
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