Here's blog post number two! The blog isn't going to have a particular theme, it'll just be my rambling thoughts on all things guinea pig!

A common reason we have piggies surrendered is that they are 'unhandleable'. How can you encourage a piggy to be more friendly?

People often adopt or purchase guinea pigs and expect to be able to cuddle them and hold them immediately. This is not always the case, especially if you have young piggies or piggies who haven't been in a home before! It takes time to build their confidence and trust in you, they aren't cuddly toys!

The important thing to remember is that pigs are prey animals. Their instinctual reaction to us is one of wariness, their default setting towards people is 'avoid'. We are big, and loom over them, we are quite loud and a pair of hands coming at their little bodies prompts a flight reaction. That's just how prey animals are! Picking up a prey animal takes a lot of trust - after all, the only time they would be picked up otherwise is when they are caught by a predator. Also, remember each piggy is an individual. Some will quickly become quite tame and will happily be picked up and cuddled. Some will eventually learn to like a stroke and a chat with you. Some will remain wary and prefer to interact with you from a distance. In that respect they are just like people!

As a new piggy owner it is up to you to be willing to put in that time and effort - in general, you get back what you put in! Before you take on a piggy (or any animal in fact!) it's important to really think about what you can provide for them. Will you have time to spend with them every day, getting them used to your voice and smell? Hand feeding them and teaching them that, actually, big scary hoomans can be quite nice really? If you'll only have time to clean them out and feed them, you will still have lovely pets - but you will probably find that a bond doesn't really develop between you and the piggies don't become very comfortable with being handled.

So what do I recommend when it comes to being friends with your piggy?
+ Give them time to settle in to their new home. - Moving home is a big change for a pig and they need time to find their feet, find their way around and get used to new sounds and smells. Leave them be overnight, and begin the next day by approaching slowly and talking to them in a low, calming voice. Talking is important, not only so they get used to your voice, but so they know you aren't a predator - when a predator approaches prey it stays as quiet as possible so as not to disturb it. By babbling away, they know you aren't hunting them!
+ Find their favourite foods - knowing which treat your pig loves will help you encourage them to come out and about - the more they want it, the more likely they are to come out and interact for it.
+ Don't pick them up with your hands to start with - it can be much easier and less stressful for a pig to place a box or fleecy hide in their enclosure and 'herd' them into it to pick them up.
+ Provide them with hiding places - a blanket to hide under on your lap for instance. A frightened piggy may sit still to be stroked, but this can be a fear/freeze reaction rather than them feeling comfortable. If they know they have safe space to retreat to they will feel more at easy coming out a bit.
+ Persevere - it can be disheartening when your efforts to bond with your piggy don't seem to make a difference, but don't give up! Making little changes and taking little steps do make a difference - the more you get them out the more they will come to realise that it's actually ok and they aren't going to get hurt.
+ Know when they have reached their limits - as I mentioned before, not all pigs will become super tame. Sometimes it's just part of their personality, and then it's time to try a different approach. If they don't like being picked up, stroke them. If they don't like being stroked, talk to them. Build them mazes, make them toys, sit in a play pen with them.

TL;DR pigs aren't toys, it takes time and patience for them to become tame - but it's so worth it! If you (or your children) aren't willing to wait until the piggies are ready for cuddles on their own terms, then don't get piggies!

Do you have any hints of tips on piggy bonding that have worked for you? Let me know!

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