Bonding Scared Piggies

[michwendt3]

Hello! I have two boys that I have had for a month. I got them as babies from separate places. They are doing well together. But they are still so scared of me. I take them out every day for lap time. One is better than the other.

Have any of you used a bonding sling? And if so, does it help?

Thanks!!

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

I have no idea what a bonding sling is.......but you don't really need one. They are very, very young and they are also prey animals. They are naturally fearful and while sometimes, some will trust immediately, the vast majority take a lot of time and effort to "tame" them. It very much depends on the piggies personality. I have a boar, Jack, who came to live with me almost exactly a year ago. He was about a year old when I got him, and he came to me the day after I lost a very special pig.

Jack is held and talked to, cuddled, given treats and other things every day. But, he is a naturally skittish pig and still runs like he's about to be eaten. At this point its probably just his personality. He's a very sweet boy and once caught, loves to be cuddled but its the getting caught part thats a workout.

Time and effort are your best allies. Don't give up.

 

[michwendt3]

I have no idea what a bonding sling is.......but you don't really need one. They are very, very young and they are also prey animals. They are naturally fearful and while sometimes, some will trust immediately, the vast majority take a lot of time and effort to "tame" them. It very much depends on the piggies personality. I have a boar, Jack, who came to live with me almost exactly a year ago. He was about a year old when I got him, and he came to me the day after I lost a very special pig.

Jack is held and talked to, cuddled, given treats and other things every day. But, he is a naturally skittish pig and still runs like he's about to be eaten. At this point its probably just his personality. He's a very sweet boy and once caught, loves to be cuddled but its the getting caught part thats a workout.

Time and effort are your best allies. Don't give up.

Hey thanks!!! Good to know. I will just keep trying. My piggies are named Gingie and Nutmeg.

 

[Guinea Pig Papa]

Hey thanks!!! Good to know. I will just keep trying. My piggies are named Gingie and Nutmeg.

Cute names! Just so you know........some pigs never do come around. I had a boy Sly, who was almost 7 when I lost him. He was always a naturally skittish pig. The boy I lost last October, Simon, was the sweetest, gentlest soul I've ever seen. He would stand in front of you and look up at you, waiting to see if you'd pick him up and if you did he would talk your ear off. He was also the LOUDEST pig I've ever had........I could hear him wheeking when I was down in the basement doing laundry!

Some pigs are lap pigs, some just tolerate us and others remain fearful their whole lives. Whatever personalities they have, they will always entertain you.

 

[4boipigs]

I have no idea what a bonding sling is.......but you don't really need one.

Here is a quick example of one from Amazon...I would agree there is no need for one, as cute as it might seem.

Time, effort, and piggy's personality are all a factor. All of my guinea pigs still flee from me. One I've had since he was a little baby at the animal shelter. Only one is happy to run to me. Treats make a big difference in whether you're a friend or danger.