wonderrodent
Well-Known Member
Can anyone help me with my 4 nippy foster girls?
They came to us as two pairs from 2 different sources (two are about 1 year, the other two seem to be around 6 months) but we were able to intro them successfully, so they live together now. It's obvious that they haven't been handled at all before. All 4 are very nippy and shy. I only handle them with gloves and I can't really pick them up (or I don't try it because I don't enjoy getting bit). When I sit down, they eventually come up to me and jump into my lap and look for treats (more like "demand". They are very hyper!). Did I make the mistake by giving them treats right from the beginning (I was hoping that would make them less shy)? It seems like they just see me as their "food giver" and all they want are treats now and go after my hands (I tried not giving them treats and just pet them but that doesn't seem to work, either). When I try to pet them, they follow my hands and nip. They also nip my toes, legs, etc. (I wear long pants, socks, and slippers). Did I also give them too much "freedom" in the beginning by letting them run around all day in the sunroom (cage door is closed only at night). When I come in of course they have lots of places to hide. How can I change their behavior?? Work with them individually in the bathroom, maybe? I am getting really frustrated
Thanks!!
They came to us as two pairs from 2 different sources (two are about 1 year, the other two seem to be around 6 months) but we were able to intro them successfully, so they live together now. It's obvious that they haven't been handled at all before. All 4 are very nippy and shy. I only handle them with gloves and I can't really pick them up (or I don't try it because I don't enjoy getting bit). When I sit down, they eventually come up to me and jump into my lap and look for treats (more like "demand". They are very hyper!). Did I make the mistake by giving them treats right from the beginning (I was hoping that would make them less shy)? It seems like they just see me as their "food giver" and all they want are treats now and go after my hands (I tried not giving them treats and just pet them but that doesn't seem to work, either). When I try to pet them, they follow my hands and nip. They also nip my toes, legs, etc. (I wear long pants, socks, and slippers). Did I also give them too much "freedom" in the beginning by letting them run around all day in the sunroom (cage door is closed only at night). When I come in of course they have lots of places to hide. How can I change their behavior?? Work with them individually in the bathroom, maybe? I am getting really frustrated
Thanks!!