Do pigs ever get use to being picked up?

[CaliGirl]

I have had my pig since July. He is the sweetist thing. He eats food out of my hand and always runs to me when Im by his cage. But any time I try to pet him or pick him up he runs away. I have to corner him and try to grab him any time I have to clean his cage or plan to give him lap time. I understand that they are pray animals and are used to fleeing. Some of you have had guinea pigs all your life, do most of your guinea pigs lighten up after a while, or are they always that way (or does it vary depending on the pig)?

 

[4Girls]

I have had my pig since July. He is the sweetist thing. He eats food out of my hand and always runs to me when Im by his cage. But any time I try to pet him or pick him up he runs away. I have to corner him and try to grab him any time I have to clean his cage or plan to give him lap time. I understand that they are pray animals and are used to fleeing. Some of you have had guinea pigs all your life, do most of your guinea pigs lighten up after a while, or are they always that way (or does it vary depending on the pig)?

Some will get used to it and others will run by nature. I've had one for a year and sometimes she runs and sometimes she just goes with the program. I think what counts is how they act once you get them in your arms. I had a foster who would run every time I tried to pick him up, but once I had him he would snuggle right up to me.

 

[Poohbear]

They do get use to you eventualy if you cuddle with them a lot.

 

[lipglossartist]

I would say it is a lot to ask to get your pig to LIKE getting picked up. Dont blame them, it is in the genitic makeup. It is what come most naturally to them to freak out when they are not able to run....considering their major purpose on earth is to serve as a "prey animal". They are low on the food chain and thier brain knows it.

Some pigs (very few!) may become TOLERANT! to being picked up, but so much as for LIKING it.....hmmm...probably not. :0)

Thats why is it so important to respect your piggy pets as "view" pets and to have a friend in the cage with them to provide the cuddling that they need. I remember when I was first entering the gp world and thought that I could provide them with all the affections from myself.

Worse than breaking up with a boyfriend. They just cant handle our love. :0)

Good luck,
Melissa

 

[dagwellismypigy]

I think it depends on your pig, one of mine loves to be picked up, one doesn't mind, and the other two run like heck.

 

[guineagurl]

Yes I agree.
One of mine is happy to be picked up and the other is almost impossible!
How did those little legs get so fast?! *laughs*