Trust and acceptance in rescue pigs

[eppingstrider]

I just thought I'd put down what I noticed about Fred and George over the last two weeks - they're suddenly showing much more trust in me. I don't know whether this is longer than others due to being rescues, or just age and time, but I thought I'd put it here anyway.

Last week Fred started to come and explore the cage while I was cleaning it. This might not sound much to some people, but he and George have ALWAYS stayed in their grassy hutches until I moved them out to do that side of the cage up till now. They're even coming over to sniff my fingers (I wear a glove for picking up bits) and the plastic tray I put stuff in.

The other thing is that Georgie has started to really chill out when I'm stroking him in the mornngs - he even lay sideways today - and he puts his head down on my shoulder and lets his eyelids droop! It's so cute, but I also feel very priveleged that he's so relaxed with me now.

They're almost one year old and I've had them just over ten months (since they were six weeks).

Reason for Editing: Added to the title to make it more specific to the board - PigPog

[snailspace]

That's beautiful, ES I had that with Carmen, my piggie. For some reason she adopted me and when she settled down she would lie on me so relaxed and stretch her little legs out.

I loved that piggie, and I totally agree that it's a real privilege when they trust you.

[meggiepiggy]

And I've noticed you are calling him Georgie now

[eppingstrider]

Ah, Georgie Porgie, Freddie-ready....see the nicknames thread! It really is very helpful to have a forum where I can talk about them non-stop, you know!!

[PigPog]

My rehomers have been a mixed bag, but mostly they are far more nervous than guinea pigs I've got from pet shops or had given to me.

I guess it depends on where they were before they were at the rescue centre.

I had a sow named Bluebell who apparently was in a massive group of guinea pigs and left to fight and breed. She was very nervous to the point where cuddling her was almost impossible, but letting her do her own thing with her small new herd was more successful. In the end I found her dead in the pen and because I had no medical history for her, her death remains a mystery. She did however have a lovely end to her life with a group of guinea pigs who respected her and a mummy who loved her.

That's not to say that all rehomers with an unknown medical history are likely to die though. Rupert is another JSPCA special who previously lived with a rabbit, but before that we have no idea where he's been. He's completely healthy, a real character and he races around his pen with glee every day. I couldn't be happier with his progress and he's a really nice pig to get from the rescue centre.

On the other hand I have Ted and Dougal who were actually born at the JSPCA and they're the most confident pigs in the world. They're thick as two short planks though, as when cleaning them out I have to push them back in again because they repeatedly lean out of their hutch in curiosity! They also try to chew the fingers off my rubber gloves while I'm working and they follow the dustpan and brush around. Go figure!!!!!

Fred and George are obviously warming to you and as they came to you young I hope they had a relatively nice life before you had them.

It does take time to win the trust of any guinea pig but whether rehomers take longer is something I can't answer because mine have been such a mixed success.

[Hugs-Cavies (Doris)]

I think it depends where they came from before hitting the rescue centre.

For example, both Gabriel and Hufflepuff came from the big rescue in Bristol. Both of them feared other guinea pigs, and were not too happy with humans either. Over time though, after finding out that they are both blind, they have settled in to our routine.

They are both different personality wise, which could be another factor in the differences we see. Gabriel loves me letting him wander around the front room, he goes and visits the girls, and now hes got more confident he visits Powell and Rhydian and has a chat to them through the bars!!

Hufflepuff on the other paw, is more laid back. He much prefers me to sing to him. He listens intently, its ever so cute!!

We have had other rescues who have been very settled within a few days. These particular ones have been treated well, unlike Gabriel and Hufflepuff

[PigPog]

Jun 7, 2008 15:44:28 GMT Hugs-Cavies (Doris) said:

I think it depends where they came from before hitting the rescue centre.

I think Doris is quite right and the origins of the guinea pig can tell you a lot about them. In my experience even the most nervous of guinea pigs can be happy in a new loving home.

[eppingstrider]

I think the increased handling while George has been ill has made them a lot more friendly now too - even more than when I first posted this thread. Fred will accept being stroked and tickled behind the ears without running instantly I put my hand in the cage, and yesterday when I was taking photos they came over and sniffed the camera!

They still run round the cage if I'm trying to pick them up, but that's all part of the game, isnt it!

[piggiesgalorehere]

Well for me I have had actually a few rescues from people and one was really bad. Toby was a little less than a year old. He was a big enough pig, stuck in a very small aqruium, soiled shavings, no water, and barely any food. I thought I was going to start crying right there. We decided to defiantely take him in (they said his parents died from there dogs... ) I would say they weren't watching them closely. But I brought him home and he was wicked nervous of me and was very very skittish. I have had him for bout...year now and he is finally getting used to us.