Pig help

[HenPotts]

Hi everyone, I need some advice. Recently took in two mini pigs, a gilt and a barrow (each approx 8 years old) from someone who no longer wanted to look after them. Never had pigs but did lots of research, built an addition on our barn for them to live in, they have big fenced area to root.
Went to see them before we took them home and they were both so so sweet. I brought them home and the male was perfect the first day. The next day was another story. He is biting us if we enter his space. It's very scary and I have a young son, I worry. I tried to do a good thing and now I'm feeling completely overwhelmed.
If I found another home for the male do you think I could keep the female and she would be mentally okay? He bullies her quite a bit. And I know this is a farm animal so if the new home needs to be someone who will harvest him, I'm sad but okay with that.
Any insight would be great.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If I found another home for the male do you think I could keep the female and she would be mentally okay?

No, not really. Pigs are not loner creatures and need to be with another of their kind.

Perhaps you could talk to the previous owners and see if he was a biter or if he's having a defensive reaction to suddenly being in an unfamiliar place without his family that he was bonded to.. and needs more time to settle in.

They're not just farm animals.. they're sensitive creatures.

Keep your son out until you've built a relationship with the pigs and it's deemed safe once again.. or consider rehoming both of them, even if for harvest as you state.

Maybe reach out to some rescue groups. There are many groups in many states. Keeping pigs is not for the faint of heart or the uncommited keeper.

As a pet mini pig keeper myself, who once tried rehoming at around 3 years old.. but then took them back after the new keeper was not adjusting well and crying herself to sleep at night over them challenging fence lines.. they raised cane when I brought them home and took a couple month to settle back down. I do understand your concern and also know the challenges of keeping them.. a good support group can go a long way to helping you figure this out.

Hang in there, and PLEASE try to be understanding.. while also keeping safe!

 

[HenPotts]

No, not really. Pigs are not loner creatures and need to be with another of their kind.

Perhaps you could talk to the previous owners and see if he was a biter or if he's having a defensive reaction to suddenly being in an unfamiliar place without his family that he was bonded to.. and needs more time to settle in.

They're not just farm animals.. they're sensitive creatures.

Keep your son out until you've built a relationship with the pigs and it's deemed safe once again.. or consider rehoming both of them, even if for harvest as you state.

Maybe reach out to some rescue groups. There are many groups in many states. Keeping pigs is not for the failt of heart or the uncommited keeper.

As a mini pig keeper myself, who once tried rehoming at around 3 years old.. but then took them back after the new keeper was not adjusting well and crying herself to sleep at night over them challenging fence lines.. they raised cane when I brought them home and took a couple month to settle back down. I do understand your concern and also know the challenges of keeping them.. a good support group can go a long way to helping you figure this out.

Hang in there, and PLEASE try to be understanding.. while also keeping safe!

Thank alot for your reply. If I'm looking at rehoming I'll send them both. I really appreciate your advice. Thanks a million!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank alot for your reply. If I'm looking at rehoming I'll send them both. I really appreciate your advice. Thanks a million!

Can you take them back to their original home? Was the original home advertising as "okay for harvesting"? Despite not "wanting" to take care of them anymore.. maybe they are still more invested than just letting them be passed around??

Since they were sweet at their original home.. it's highly likely the biting is stress induced and would return to their normal sweetness given the chance.

Some states have sanctuaries in addition to rescue organizations. And many city or county animal control shelters will also take them.

You might also try posting in the buy/sell/trade section here on BYC, link following..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing.16182/

You could also possibly post in your state thread.. I would provide a link for that, but your general location isn't listed in your profile.

Sorry you're facing this and for your experience!

Meantime, have you heard of a sorting board that you might use for protection when entering the enclosure for feeding, etc?

 

[HenPotts]

Can you take them back to their original home? Was the original home advertising as "okay for harvesting"? Despite not "wanting" to take care of them anymore.. maybe they are still more invested than just letting them be passed around??

Since they were sweet at their original home.. it's highly likely the biting is stress induced and would return to their normal sweetness given the chance.

Some states have sanctuaries in addition to rescue organizations. And many city or county animal control shelters will also take them.

You might also try posting in the buy/sell/trade section here on BYC, link following..

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing.16182/

You could also possibly post in your state thread.. I would provide a link for that, but your general location isn't listed in your profile.

Sorry you're facing this and for your experience!

Meantime, have you heard of a sorting board that you might use for protection when entering the enclosure for feeding, etc?

The original owner went through a divorce, and he doesn't want them back. He did get back to me and say he's never had a problem with them before, so like you said this is mostly stress induced.

I do have a sorting board for when I go in there with him. He seems to be getting more comfortable but I'm still pretty scared to go in.

Do you have any advice on how to get him to trust me? I know it will take time.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

He seems to be getting more comfortable but I'm still pretty scared to go in.

Do you have any advice on how to get him to trust me?

I don't blame you for being scared. Pig bites hurt and pigs, even "mini" are still formidable creatures with lots of power/strength and a good amount of speed behind them.

In truth, they can sense your mistrust/fear (energy) and will feed off of it themselves.. so whatever you can do to set your mind in a different place will help immensely. Get a different picture in your mind and focus on that, so it's what you're projecting.. like how sweet they were when you met them or how you want and expect the interaction to go (friendly) rather than what you don't want. Try to let the past be the past with regards to the undesirable behavior and otherwise scary experience. Do what you can to trust him, while still using the techniques to keep yourself safe.

The following link (down below) has some great suggestions that I would agree with.. Spend some time out there, just sitting and being present so they get familiar with you (on the other side of the fence if inside the pen is too scary, then let it progress to inside the pen as you become more comfortable).. talking to them in a calm voice is helpful and they will get familiar with hearing YOUR voice and having it become comforting. Maybe say their names and tell them they are good piggies, see their tails wag! (as they start to calm down and enjoy your presence) Bring snacks, within reason.. an apple slice, cucumber slice, baby (size) carrot, strawberry, etc.. something big enough that it's easy for them to find when you toss slightly near you.. initially at a distance that's comfortable for you both (even from outside the fence if need be) and start associating good things with this new person and environment.

https://americanminipigassociation.com/interactions-with-pigs/gaining-trust/

Additionally if the female is still enjoying your company and allowing interaction.. let him see you petting her and when he sees that she can trust you, he will feed off of that also. Keep your sorting board still, in case he initially feels the need to protect her.. and keep in mind that he's actually being defensive not aggressive as it may seem. I'm not saying feel sorry for him, just reminding that he isn't a demon that's out to get you. He is just as scared as you are.

Use your words.. a stern low and toned "no" when that's what you mean. I use the word "easy" sometimes, or "gentile".. whatever it is that communicates your intent and that you can remember. They will learn to communicate with you and vice versa.

When you initially start to make contact for petting or belly scratches.. using something like a back scratcher that has an extended reach may help to calm your fears. My husband used to use the dogs' ball tosser as while he was working before retirement was very distant and a stranger to the pigs. It's pretty incredible to see the transformation that's taken place.. they now greet him at the fence, follow him around, and even let him pet them with his hands.

Another technique I use if they're inside their hut and can't see me approaching is grunting to them in a contented grunt sound, which is kinda just a low "uh, uh" sound. I also do it when I see them out on pasture. Here is a link that has some general sounds and meanings associated with them (recordings at the bottom of the page)..

https://www.minipiginfo.com/mini-pig-sounds-101.html

I hope this tips are helpful!

ETA: also remember to move somewhat slow and deliberate. And try to keep a routine so they know what to expect.

 

[Gizabelle]

Really great advice!
I have two minis, one being a rescue that we took in at about age 3-4. It took him a while to settle in, and there were times I found myself quite intimidated (mostly, as I later learned, because we simply did not know each other I didn't trust him yet)
I 100% agree with just sharing space with them at first with a fence between you. That fence not only keeps you safe but gives you and the pigs a level of removal to observe each other for a while without the pressure of interaction. Pigs are so so smart and far more sensitive than they get credit for. This was an absolute upheaval for them, and they need time to learn that they are safe in this new place, and you are their new safe person. Just letting them watch you go about your business and learn that you are ok before pushing for interaction will help build trust. If you have any busy work to do outside... do it near their pen so that they can watch you. Talk to them so they can learn your voice, and (as mentioned) treats are always a sure bet with piggies. They take their time in assessing situations, but once you are deemed unthreatening they will be less reactive when you enter their space.
Also, x2 on the back scratchers!

As to keeping your kiddo safe, I would absolutely not let him go in the pen for now. I have a 7 year old myself, and I've only allowed him to come into the pig pen with me in the past year or so. (And this is after having one pig for 8 years and the other for 4!) From an animal's perspective, kids sound, move, and behave nothing like a trusted adult keeper which can be scary and result in unpredictable behavior. Although mini pigs are small, they are still plenty big enough to hurt a child even on accident... just not worth the risk.

Best of luck to you and thank you for giving them a chance!

 

[cassie]

Are you SURE the barrow is a barrow?

 

[cassie]

No, not really. Pigs are not loner creatures and need to be with another of their kind.

Perhaps you could talk to the previous owners and see if he was a biter or if he's having a defensive reaction to suddenly being in an unfamiliar place without his family that he was bonded to.. and needs more time to settle in.

They're not just farm animals.. they're sensitive creatures.

Keep your son out until you've built a relationship with the pigs and it's deemed safe once again.. or consider rehoming both of them, even if for harvest as you state.

Maybe reach out to some rescue groups. There are many groups in many states. Keeping pigs is not for the faint of heart or the uncommited keeper.

As a pet mini pig keeper myself, who once tried rehoming at around 3 years old.. but then took them back after the new keeper was not adjusting well and crying herself to sleep at night over them challenging fence lines.. they raised cane when I brought them home and took a couple month to settle back down. I do understand your concern and also know the challenges of keeping them.. a good support group can go a long way to helping you figure this out.

Hang in there, and PLEASE try to be understanding.. while also keeping safe!

Just because an animal is a farm animal it does not mean it is not an intelligent and sensitive creature. Where did that come from?

 

[HenPotts]

Really great advice!
I have two minis, one being a rescue that we took in at about age 3-4. It took him a while to settle in, and there were times I found myself quite intimidated (mostly, as I later learned, because we simply did not know each other I didn't trust him yet)
I 100% agree with just sharing space with them at first with a fence between you. That fence not only keeps you safe but gives you and the pigs a level of removal to observe each other for a while without the pressure of interaction. Pigs are so so smart and far more sensitive than they get credit for. This was an absolute upheaval for them, and they need time to learn that they are safe in this new place, and you are their new safe person. Just letting them watch you go about your business and learn that you are ok before pushing for interaction will help build trust. If you have any busy work to do outside... do it near their pen so that they can watch you. Talk to them so they can learn your voice, and (as mentioned) treats are always a sure bet with piggies. They take their time in assessing situations, but once you are deemed unthreatening they will be less reactive when you enter their space.
Also, x2 on the back scratchers!

As to keeping your kiddo safe, I would absolutely not let him go in the pen for now. I have a 7 year old myself, and I've only allowed him to come into the pig pen with me in the past year or so. (And this is after having one pig for 8 years and the other for 4!) From an animal's perspective, kids sound, move, and behave nothing like a trusted adult keeper which can be scary and result in unpredictable behavior. Although mini pigs are small, they are still plenty big enough to hurt a child even on accident... just not worth the risk.

Best of luck to you and thank you for giving them a chance!

Thanks a lot for your reply!

I don't blame you for being scared. Pig bites hurt and pigs, even "mini" are still formidable creatures with lots of power/strength and a good amount of speed behind them.

In truth, they can sense your mistrust/fear (energy) and will feed off of it themselves.. so whatever you can do to set your mind in a different place will help immensely. Get a different picture in your mind and focus on that, so it's what you're projecting.. like how sweet they were when you met them or how you want and expect the interaction to go (friendly) rather than what you don't want. Try to let the past be the past with regards to the undesirable behavior and otherwise scary experience. Do what you can to trust him, while still using the techniques to keep yourself safe.

The following link (down below) has some great suggestions that I would agree with.. Spend some time out there, just sitting and being present so they get familiar with you (on the other side of the fence if inside the pen is too scary, then let it progress to inside the pen as you become more comfortable).. talking to them in a calm voice is helpful and they will get familiar with hearing YOUR voice and having it become comforting. Maybe say their names and tell them they are good piggies, see their tails wag! (as they start to calm down and enjoy your presence) Bring snacks, within reason.. an apple slice, cucumber slice, baby (size) carrot, strawberry, etc.. something big enough that it's easy for them to find when you toss slightly near you.. initially at a distance that's comfortable for you both (even from outside the fence if need be) and start associating good things with this new person and environment.

https://americanminipigassociation.com/interactions-with-pigs/gaining-trust/

Additionally if the female is still enjoying your company and allowing interaction.. let him see you petting her and when he sees that she can trust you, he will feed off of that also. Keep your sorting board still, in case he initially feels the need to protect her.. and keep in mind that he's actually being defensive not aggressive as it may seem. I'm not saying feel sorry for him, just reminding that he isn't a demon that's out to get you. He is just as scared as you are.

Use your words.. a stern low and toned "no" when that's what you mean. I use the word "easy" sometimes, or "gentile".. whatever it is that communicates your intent and that you can remember. They will learn to communicate with you and vice versa.

When you initially start to make contact for petting or belly scratches.. using something like a back scratcher that has an extended reach may help to calm your fears. My husband used to use the dogs' ball tosser as while he was working before retirement was very distant and a stranger to the pigs. It's pretty incredible to see the transformation that's taken place.. they now greet him at the fence, follow him around, and even let him pet them with his hands.

Another technique I use if they're inside their hut and can't see me approaching is grunting to them in a contented grunt sound, which is kinda just a low "uh, uh" sound. I also do it when I see them out on pasture. Here is a link that has some general sounds and meanings associated with them (recordings at the bottom of the page)..

https://www.minipiginfo.com/mini-pig-sounds-101.html

I hope this tips are helpful!

ETA: also remember to move somewhat slow and deliberate. And try to keep a routine so they know what to expect.

Thanks so much for the advice. Just as an update, it's been 2 weeks since we brought them home and with the help of the sorting board and lots of time spent with them they have both come around. We used a dust pan to scratch him behind his ears for the first while and now he's flopping over and letting us give him belly rubs. I guess as you said he needed some time. Now we are thoroughly enjoying each other's company. Again thank you for the advice and for the understanding attitude. I truly appreciate it. Happy New Year to you and your animals!