Jumpy/erratic behaviour

Question
Hey Andy,

I just got my piggy, Lucky, about 3-4 days ago. She is about 3 weeks old. She has a nice big cage, a box to hide in and a tunnel to play with. Since yesterday, she has been really jumpy. She does little curl hops, and runs laps squeeking insanely. It's also really hard to pet her now, as any movement sends her into this 'frenzy'. When I eventually get a hold of her hiding in her little box and start to pet, she gives off that low purring sound, which, I have found out online, means 'get away'.

What could be wrong? Should she go to a vet? Does she not want to be touched?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Dickson

First of all Lucky is obviously a little scared about her new surroundings and really she is too young to have been separated from her mother and sibblings.

The purring you mention really is more a sign of being scared rather than telling you to stop petting her.

I have no reason to think there is anything wrong with lucky as everything you tell me is consistent with a scared, young piggy missing her brothers and sisters.

All you can do is speak gently to her, handle her as often as you can and gradually lucky should learn to trust you. Give it time though as she has been separated from her sibblings 2-3 weeks earlier than is recommended.

Andy