Help For Bonding New Pig

[Wiebke]

In that case, i'll keep up the usual routine and go from there. So it's alright to take one out for a while and feed them? I don't want reintroduction problems.

@Keiko The Pig okay, it's good to know this behaviour is not out of the usual. Yes, I guess that's why my poor boy got those little scratches/wounds. In the meantime, I guess I'll just wait and see mainly.

It is alright to take him out for feeding, as long as both are eating at the same time and the top pig can't smell extra food on the other.

 

[Piggiekisses]

It is alright to take him out for feeding, as long as both are eating at the same time and the top pig can't smell extra food on the other.

Okay, got it. So I have to get rid of all food somehow? I'd think one pig would smell of food from eating it?

 

[Piggiekisses]

Hello,

Sorry for bothering everyone again, but a new concern has risen. I thought a second opinion would help before I go to see a vet. The bonding is okay, sometimes I still find tiny scratches but they mostly mind their own business. The problem is, they are drinking such little water and eating only little amount of pellets. Both pigs eat hay and veggies, but a lot of hay is left over usually maybe because it is 1st cut. I plan to mix it with orchard hay so they'll eat more. My boar is around one year old and now only 800g :'( last week he was like 822g. I plan to hand feed and would like to know how to make the feed since I don't have critical care. Also, the sow has fairly small poops which I believe is not healthy either. Lastly, should I take them to the vet?

Thanks!

 

[Keiko The Pig]

I wouldn't worry too much about a 20G difference as a full bladder compared to an empty bladder could be 15G I believe! Hay is the vast majority of a pigs diet, and as long as they are getting enough vitamin C from their veggies (bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C and a hit with most piggies) I wouldn't worry too too much about less pellet consumption as adult piggies only need a very small amount of pellets per day. If you really think they aren't eating them at all though try a different brand perhaps? Or could it be that your pellets have just gone stale? I know with large bags of pellets that take awhile to get through they can lose their flavour and some nutrient qualities. My boys aren't like this about water but I've heard some piggies barely drink because they get all their fluid intake from watery veg such as lettuce, and cucumber. If you are worried about their hydration give them each a nice slice of cucumber. It's got lots of water and helps keep piggies cool in the hot weather. Since summer hit here in Canada my boys LOVE their cucumber slices and lettuce. Keep monitoring their weight, and I think switching up the hay may be a good idea. I know with my pigs they prefer long stringy hay to soft leafy hay and I notice they refuse to eat it when it gets too soft (usually the bottom of a bag is this way)

 

[Piggiekisses]

ok I feel 800g is so little for an adult boar though, and their pellets are actually brand new. Maybe its the brand they're bored of? I wonder, will it work if I mix in a new hay with this hay to make them eat it more. well, they have had cucumber recently so maybe that's why. I really hope my lil boy gains back his weight! So, I'm just still concerned about the sows small poops. Anyway thanks for the reply!

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Sorry I can't be more help! My boys are only 4 and 2 months so nowhere near being full grown! As for your sow, try giving her some brown cardboard to chew on. Whether this is a box hidey or a toilet roll. It's a source of Fibre

 

[Piggiekisses]

Sorry I can't be more help! My boys are only 4 and 2 months so nowhere near being full grown! As for your sow, try giving her some brown cardboard to chew on. Whether this is a box hidey or a toilet roll. It's a source of Fibre

No problem! Your piggies are adorable, if your picture is them.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

No problem! Your piggies are adorable, if your picture is them.

Thank you yes that's them Keiko is the brown Aby and he's 4 months. Milo is a white Aby-Peruvian mix and he's only 2months. They've been together since Milo was 4 weeks old and love each other dearly

 

[Piggiekisses]

Thank you yes that's them Keiko is the brown Aby and he's 4 months. Milo is a white Aby-Peruvian mix and he's only 2months. They've been together since Milo was 4 weeks old and love each other dearly

Oh , that's so sweet! And they're so young.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Oh , that's so sweet! And they're so young.

Yes I got very lucky there's no dating here I did all the bonding myself and I had Keiko for 2 months before the only rescue around had a young single boar available. I think Keiko was craving companionship so much at that point that he didn't care who I brought home. Also helped that Milo was a baby who showed no threat and to this day has never rumbled at Keiko

 

[Piggiekisses]

Yes I got very lucky there's no dating here I did all the bonding myself and I had Keiko for 2 months before the only rescue around had a young single boar available. I think Keiko was craving companionship so much at that point that he didn't care who I brought home. Also helped that Milo was a baby who showed no threat and to this day has never rumbled at Keiko

That's so awesome ! Now Keiko has a best friend!