Need a bit of help.. sexing very skitish pigs

[LiloElf]

I just got my new pigs home 2 days ago, they are very scared and run away when all I do is stand up from sitting on the couch. I've been trying to at least get next to their cage while they eat or are just out of their houses. Even if I move slow, a sudden small sound will send them back into hiding.
I have almost gotten my hand close 'cause sometimes they'll just freeze and watch me move, but as soon as my hand gets 2-3 inches away they'll book.
From what I was told, both my pigs are the same age and same sex, not sure if they're related or anything. One is definitely smaller than the other and I was curious if size is an indications of sex.

My point being, I can't get a handle on them to check them, I was able to pick one of them up yesterday with much chasing but she struggled so much I had to put her immediatly back in =(

Any ideas?


Lilo

Pics coming soon, I still don't have names for them either =x

 

[citronsoul]

You could always have a vet check if you don't feel comfortable with it yet.

 

[laura220]

Maybe you could catch them with a towel. Keep it over their eyes while your checking. You might need two more hands though.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

Since you just brought them home a couple of days ago, the best bet is to leave them alone for a couple more days so they can get used to their surroundings. If you got them from a pet store, then you will definately need to sex them right away and if that means chasing them to catch them, then that is what you have to do. If you got them from a rescue/shelter, then they should be correctly sexed. Size is not an indication of sex as some sows are larger than boars and vice versa. The only way to tell what sex your pigs are is to sex them yourself or take them to a Vet to be sexed.

Pigs are prey animals by nature and it sometimes takes weeks or months to get them to where they will even come to the side of the cage to be petted. Some will always run and hide when you go to pick them up. It's just part of their nature. Sit next to the cage, talk to them and offer them veggie treats (piece of lettuce, bell pepper, etc.) and let them take it from your hand and maybe try to scratch their nose while doing this but don't get discouraged if they run. Just keep trying.

Most of my pigs love being petted in the cage but when I go to pick one of the pigs up for laptime or floortime, they will all run like little bats outta heck.

 

[Slap Maxwell]

https://cavyspirit.com/sexing.htm

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

She got them from a shelter according to another post. You should give them time to settle in.

I'd double check their sex. It really depends on the shelters, but many do not know how to correctly sex them and just take the owners word for it. They rely on volunteers to sex rabbits and gps around here. I've picked up many 'sows' and found boy parts. Not trying to scare you. I would always double check the sex.

 

[LiloElf]

She got them from a shelter according to another post. You should give them time to settle in.

I'd double check their sex. It really depends on the shelters, but many do not know how to correctly sex them and just take the owners word for it. They rely on volunteers to sex rabbits and gps around here. I've picked up many 'sows' and found boy parts. Not trying to scare you. I would always double check the sex.

Yeah, I did get them from a shelter, a small seemingly unknown one at that. They didn't do much in helping me with them or answering questions, except where they had the males vs females. They were either too busy, or didn't care =/

I mostly want to double check, since they weren't so helpful. I don't think cavies were their forte. They mostly had birds really, a few cats and dogs, they didn't have room for much so I'm glad to get my girls outta there.

Thanks much for the feedback

Lilo

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

They're usually too busy and don't know much about small animals.

 

[Daisy Duke]

Yes, when I got my piggies they just made my parents and me sign the adoption form and we were out of there.