What next?

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kez_s

We have two boars that we got just over a week ago, they settled in the first day ok and we had a bit of popcorning from one of them. Since then we've not put too much on them, I've spent lots of time outside their hutch and when they get their veggies I've been feeding some through the hutch and over the days they've quite taken to it and one will more than happily take food from me, the other is slightly reluctant but gets there in the end.

At any other time they will not go anywhere near me and hide from me even if I have some little treats, it's only veg they will come out for. They spend most of the day in their various hideaways and we rarely see them, they don't spend much time together and are almost always apart. I talk to them often and am taking things as slowly as poss but I wonder what are the next stages? When should I think about holding them? Should after 8 days apart from veg should they still run like the clappers if they see me and not venture out for love, money, treats - just veg!

Would appreciate your thoughts! Thank you!x
 
It's quite normal, don't worry :) Most pigs act this way when they have moved environments, they are prey animals and therefore it is instinctual to run and hide, or freeze.

I would definately get holding! They need to learn that this will happen and the more it becomes the norm for them, the easier it will become. I have a very skittish pig who was mishandled before he came to us and it was a nightmare, but he's really come around with a lot of patience and gentle but firm handling. I find the best way that works for me is to approach them carefully talking nonsense in a low calm voice and place one hand in front of the chest and the other at their rear and firmly scoop them up. It seems to be the best way for my timid boy so it may be worth trying for yours.

They will need to learn that there will be sudden movements and loud noises, so I would now start as you mean to carry on and carry on as normal around them, they'll soon be potterning around when you are heaving the hoover about :)

It will take time though and it's all quite normal. I always try to think of us being large well meaning aliens who don't talk their language, so imagine how scary that must seem when we approach with our arms waving around trying to pick them up and chasing them around the cage/hutch, must be terrifying!

Good luck :)
 
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