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Dec 22, 2009, 5:46am

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Topic: Handling and hand taming ... (Read 41 times)

janew
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Handling and hand taming ...
« Thread Started on Sept 12, 2009, 9:38pm »

I got 3 new piggies a week ago (called J, D and Coke - after my favourite drink!). They are all boys and live in an outside hutch.

I've read the books and done the web research, and I just can't get answers to some questions. What is the best way to hand tame a guinea pig? My 3 are still nervous and only come out of their bedding compartment when they think I'm not looking. I know its early days and this is quite normal, but I'd like to think they'd start settling by now.

Although most of the things I've read say to pick them up every day and sit them on your lap to get them used to being handled, I've been reluctant to do this as they get so stressed out whenever my hand gets anywhere near them. Also, they are so nervous still I know they'd never keep still on my lap and I wouldn't want them to wriggle free in a panic or to force them to be held against their will.

The common theme of every written piece of advice seems to be to obtain their trust - and it usually involves food. So rather than bulldoze straight in and start handling them, I've decided to go down the 'taking it slowly' route.

I spent loads of time talking to them last week, and they even let me stroke them a few times (in their bed - they wouldn't come out for me). By the end of the week they seemed to be getting to know me, but I had to pick them up today so I could clean their hutch - now their not talking to me! I feel like I've completely traumatised the poor little chaps and that I've undone all my hard work last week. Although they came out of their bed when they realised there was fresh veg waiting for them.

I'd be interested to hear about other people's experiences/knowledge in hand taming their own piggies. Roughly how long is the process of taming them and how quickly do they learn to trust you? Am I doing wrong by not picking them up daily, even though they haven't learned to trust me yet?

Sorry if this seems trivial, but there are some things the books don't tell you.

I'd love to hear from you.

Thanks,

Jane

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meli
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Re: Handling and hand taming ...
« Reply #1 on Dec 18, 2009, 7:02am »

I've got two new piggies as well, and the exact same thing has happened! Whenever I hold them, they struggle really hard and when I just let go a little they try to escape. I hold them whenever I can, but will just escape in my lap. I've tried sitting on our sofa while holding them and trying to give them lap time, but they just go all frantic and I'm afraid if they fall off the sofa, and it would no doubt be really bad for them.

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