How do you pay attention to your pigs?

[Justin]

Speaking of TV, it's great if you get rid of that. You will have so much more time for books and pigs ... and may be a little bit of computer games and cartoons.

[bamby71994]

I have a really close bond with my pig, if I am gone for one day he will come up to my face and kiss me. Once a week I have a grooming day. We spend the whole day together. He gets a bath if need or I groom him. Then ever hour or so I put him in his potty. In his potty he gets to eat and drink. When ever I eat he gets a snack and plenty of exploring time.

[devilfish79]

Originally Posted by Cosmictadpole

Do pigs enjoy grooming? Mine hate to sit in my lap; would they like it more if I were to brush them? They are short-haired, so there is no real need to do it, but if they liked it, I'd do it anyway.

My piggies love being brushed with a soft-bristled ferret brush. It's probably the only time I can get most of them to sit still. I have very energetic piggies.

[Rachy1412]

The only thing most of my pigs will tolerant is a scratch on the head, only one of my six actually enjoys a good cuddle. Funny thing is, the one that likes a cuddle is the most skittish pig I have ever owned! Although she is a lot better now shes older. They do enjoy me talking to them though, and giving them little nose kisses. Some of my males and one female enjoy having the top of their back/rump rubbed! Makes them vibrate hee hee.

[ronald305]

Im a newbie cavy parent and I need help I adopted the sisters this past sunday and I can't seem to be able to how to say this grab them in order to bond with them, the cage I have is not helping because they go under the second level to hide, so I can't reach them to grab and to put in my lap, sophie will eat out of my fingers but lucie will grab the food and eat it, sophie just sits way in the back of the cage, they both run away when I come in to the room to talk to them and feed them treets none of the books I read help any I feel I adopted two guinea's with behavier problems, can anyone help me here have I messed up adopting these two pigs-thank you
Ronald305

[pigsmakemesmile]

Hi Newbie,
Don't be discouraged. You need to be patient while the pigs learn to gain their trust with you. I have 6 boys and when I first began adopting them I experienced the same situation. It's very normal for pigs to scurry away and hide but more so when they're in a new environment. In the wild pigs live in herds not only because they are social beings but also as a defense as a pig will guard and alert others if danger approaches. when they sense danger is near they scatter and scurry. That behavior is not much different when they're domesticated. They may percieve us as danger then scurry and run into a hidey or corner of a cage where they feel the safest. This is not a behavioral problem, they are acting only on instint. This is where you need to develop patients and allow the pigs to become familiar and comfortable in their environment. You can begin to build trust by developing a routine. Overtime they will see you as the keeper of the food and treats. Start by letting them see their treats and come to you then lay it down and allow them to eat. Overtime they will both start taking it from your hand and come to the edge of the pen when they hear a bag krinkle. Even when they've gained your trust don't be surprised if they continue to scurry when you reach for them. I found getting them into the corner of their pen and retrieving them there is a little easier. Once you have your pig, just let him or her rest on your lap or sit on your chest for a while. Talk to them and cuddle them. Let them get use to your voice and smell. I've done this with all 6 boys. Ben my first pig especially comes to the edge of the cage and stretches his head out sniff'n for his treat, at this point i'll tickle his neck and pick him right up where he begins to coo. My boys pretty much come to the edge of their pen any time I walk into the pig room. When I pull in the drive way and say "hey piggy poo's..mom's home", they begin to wheak as they know they're soon going to get treats. It takes time...just be patient also, remember don't apply human emotions to pigs because they're not capable of such. Be patient and let them get use to you and their new environment. good luck

[Sammy and Peanut]

Originally Posted by Justin

I never offered my fingers. Aren't you afraid of bite? They have pretty sharp tooth.

Peanut has actually never bitten me before! But I am used to it because Sammy, my piggie that died in Jan., was a biter. Not exactly a biter but a nibbler. And sometimes it HURT.

[Sammy and Peanut]

Originally Posted by Justin

I never offered my fingers. Aren't you afraid of bite? They have pretty sharp tooth.

Peanut has actually never bitten me before! But I am used to it because Sammy, my piggie that died in Jan., was a biter. Not exactly a biter but a nibbler. And sometimes it HURT.

[Pumpkin_RIP]

I talk to my baby, Savannah whenever I walk by her cage. I take her out often for lap time, I give her veggies and talked to her and stroke her when I do. I usually pet her in her favorite spot. I know she loves it because she will stretch out and relax, and she just is happy. I can't really explain how I know when she's happy, but I just do know. I give her tons of toys, and rotate rthem around often. I just treat her like a human child in a way!
Savannah has never biten me. She loves to lick my skin though, and I'm not at all worried that she'll bite. I actually think it's cute when she licks me.

[pigsmakemesmile]

chubbs and Pigster are my only two lickers. I love it....

[Toadies]

I talk to my boys all of the time. I do a poor imitation of a through the teeth whistle when I'm bringing them something "great" (treats). I also will just stop by the cage and stroke them or scratch their chins. After three years, one still runs, but he can't hide and is forced to endure my affections, poor boy.

[Jane_G]

Cookie for some reason loves my kids fingers. She licks them like they are a lypop. She sometimes licks my fingers, but I also get a little nip sometimes.

As far as lap time, she likes to sit on my chest or around my neck and under my hair. My kids sit next to me and they take turns with her on their laps. Every piggy is different. You have to find out what works for all of you.

[LoveCutePiggies]

How cute! I can't wait to start being able to play with my piggy!

[ronald305]

Hi cavy slaves
It seems that one of my two girls Sophie caught on to the tube trick to get her inside to catch her in order to bond with her Lucie Im able to get her inside of the tube, so how do go about catching Sophie in order to bond with her and how much time do I spend with both of them- plus Im trying to find a place in my home for floor time can anyone help-thank you

[Toadies]

Bathrooms are pretty good places. Also, depending on your appliances and traffic, the kitchen can be a possibility. I use my hallway. I just put my zip-tied grids along the walls and across the ends (to keep them off of the stairs and out of doorways) and away we go. Since the floor is laminate, the cleanup is a breeze.

[paula.m.moore]

Originally Posted by Biscuit

I'm pretty sure Zesty thinks Dr. House is extremely hotsauce.

That is one smart pig!

I have a question - does anyone have any ideas for floor time when you have other animals in the house? My pigs have their own room so they get floor time in there but if I could figure out a safe way to let them be out in the hallway or even living room I'd love to do it. The problem is I have a dog and a cat. The dog thinks they are her puppies and wouldn't hurt them intentionally, but she weighs about 85 lbs. and could easily hurt them unintentionally so I'm not going to try that. The cat thinks they are space cadets and runs to the far end of the house when they start moving in their cages, but I wouldn't trust him with them out in the open. So the only option I have is letting them have floor time while I do their daily cleanup and put fresh veggies in and hay, etc. They get about 45 minutes - 1 hour just about every day. They could be out a lot more if I could figure some way to keep them safe from the other quadrupeds in the house.

Any thoughts?