[Gpdd] CARE - establishing trust

[Penny Charlesworth]

When piggies arrive here at Piggyfriends, they have often been neglected, ill-treated and ignored and, as such, they are not used to being handled.

Sometimes they have to be started on meds straight away so I have to be able to catch them. They can be terrified and hide in their box or pigloo but I have to get them out for their own sake. By the time the course of meds is finished they have usually become used to being picked up and remain that way.

Your problem is not so drastic so you can afford to take your time with your little ones. You are doing just the right thing by taking things slowly and eventually they will snatch that leaf from your hand. Then they will start shouting at you for more leaves.

There will be times when you need to pick them up for health checks, grooming and nail clipping so I would try catching them now, while they are still young, even if it means invading their safe space. Give them a cuddle and something good to eat every time that you pick them up so that they come to associate being caught with a good outcome, even if one day you have to give them some nasty medicine. They will learn that they do not need to be safe from you.

I have never had a pen with a ramp but I would imagine that it will take a while before they are brave enough to venture up it as it will seem rather exposed, especially if your cats are around. When they have become more used to their new surroundings, try putting some food on the ramp, moving it further up each time and they may well feel more like exploring.

They are only little and there is a lot to learn. They will come to trust you, especially as you are bringing the most important thing in their lives.......food.

I am looking forward to seeing their pigtures. Babies are so cute and rapidly become huge adults, who demand food every time that they see you.

The Piggyfriends are shouting for the next course of their never-ending meal and send their best wishes to Cocoa and Rocky.

Penny and the Piggyfriends.