Please HELP!

[tinam5]

Ok so my mom was supposed to go and pick my pig from a shelter, however she could not find the one and so she bought her from Petco! She admitted this to me today when I discovered the Petco box she was brought home in in the trash. I am very upset about this. My poor guinea pig (Yuki) wont even let me touch her. She freaks out and runs away! I guess my question is is this normal when u first bring them home or somthing??? It does not seem normal to me. I know some pig are very shy and hate to be held but I cant even touch her! Is it because she was from the pet store?? The most important thing is how do I get her to trust me so that I can pet/Hold her? Is that even a possiblity? idk this might be normal. I got her yesterday.

[I<3MyBabies]

No, its not from being from a petstore.

Although it is unfortunate that your mom resorted to going to the petstore, this behavior is common in all pigs. They are prey animals and will therefore run and hide to feel safe.

Let her settle in, and don't give up. She may take months before she is acclimated to your presence. Be around her cage as much as possible, Move things around, put your hands in her cage. She will eventually calm down. Try feeding veggies when you hold her to calm her. I also like a warm towel from the dryer and wrap her up when you hold her.

Also, pigs should be in pairs so, you should consider getting her a buddy, from a rescue this time!

What are you feeding her? What type of cage does she have?

All this can and will play into her health and happiness.

[tinam5]

I cant hold her because I cant touch her...so thats a problem. but she is in a CC and she has pellets, hay, water, and she LOVES red peppers! she also really likes eating hay 2. and of course her igloo that she wont come out of

Also I plan to get her a buddy in March.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

She needs another guinea pig friend to reassure her. You want to double check that it is a sow. Pet store pigs often have mites and URI so keep a close eye on her and make sure she is healthy and eating okay.

[I<3MyBabies]

The not being able to touch her is just you having to learn how to pick her up :-)

Wait until she is in her pigloo/hidey or coral her there, slide your hand underneath her and them pick her up from under the pigloo.

Good luck!

[tinam5]

so by pickingher up she will trust me more and let me touch her??? or should I wait awhile till she comfortable and everything???

Sorry I have so many questions Im a first time owner .

[I<3MyBabies]

It will take her months to get used to it

I have had my 4 pigs for over a year and still they dislike being picked up. Once I have them though they are happy. They just are ground dwellers so being picked up is scary.

Keep asking questions, best way to learn!

[Susan9608]

You pig may never truly *like* to be touched and held. She may learn to tolerate it, but may never truly enjoy it. You may always have to chase her around the cage in order to pick her up, or you may be able to tame her enough to come up and let you pet her.

You need to start very slowly - let her get acclimated to her new home first before you start picking her up. Give her a week or so. Hanging around her cage and let her smell you when you're giving her food, especially the veggies. She'll start getting used to you.

Make sure she's a she and that she's complete disease free before you introduce a friend. Also, perhaps introduce your mom to this forum so she can see for herself why Petco is a bad idea.