Neutral space for bonding?

[weesilvie]

So, I'm going to get a new pig

I want to keep to a minimum the new 'stuff' I get for the new pig and for the purposes of bonding new pig with existing pigs. How do I best make the things I've already got neutral and existing-pig-scent free?

I have fabric things (cosies, fleece etc) - can I use these and if so, how do I need to wash them to make them neutral? I know you can't neutralize wooden things so I'll avoid those. I have plastic pigloos and ceramic food dishes - will hot soapy washing up water do for them? What about the correx in the cage which I can't fit in the washing up bowl?! And the grids? What shall I use to clean everything?

I have a couple of cardboard boxes which my two haven't seen yet which I can use - any more ideas?

Thanks

 

[Pepperdog]

best thing to do intially on neutral ground is to not put anything in to start with, then put things in that have two exits/entrances so any pig cannot be cornered. When you are sure they are getting on ok there shouldnt be a problem putting in washed items the others have been using.

I use good old milton to wash my bowls, plastic stools and litter trays, the normal washing liquid I use for the pigs stuff anyway. Although so far have only introduced a boar to my existing females twice, I hadnt had any problems.

 

[weesilvie]

Thanks Pepperdog, I'll buy meself a bottle of Milton this week.

New pig plans on hold briefly until I get my washing machine mended, hopefully tomorrow. More pigs means more washing which is no use if I can't do any!