A bit disappointed.

[Hannah_xx]

Hi everyone!
I was away the past couple of nights, so my friends 12 year old daughter was feeding my pigs for me. ( we live on their property in our own separate cottage) and as grateful as I am I don’t feel she ever listens to what I ask. I made a point of saying a couple of times that they must get hay. Yet when I’ve got home today their hay clearly hasn’t been topped up since I left as it was just flat, wet sparse stuff at the bottom of the hay tray. But she does pick grass for them ( which I haven’t ever said she can do) but not just a bit of grass, she collects massive tubs full and gives them so so much that there is always left over bits ( and muddy wet bits) still in the cage. My pigs aren’t use to this amount of grass and it’s totally unnecessary, in fact Olive got a bit of squidgy poops last week from when I had them outside for a couple of hours. (It’s winter so they don’t get out much). I don’t know how much veg and pellets she feeds them.. but I know she gives hers too much carrots and cabbage.
It’s really bothering me, it’s happened a few times now when I’ve had nights away. And I’m really concerned for when I go on long trips such as the U.K. to visit family.
They have 6 of their own pigs, and I know they don’t get hay everyday. Despite my constant hints, tips and care advice.

I feel awful moaning as they’re such good friends and I really appreciate them looking after my pigs when I’m away. But I just wish she’d give them their hay! They looked so depressed when I got home, and as soon as I put the hay in all four of them jumped in the tray and started eating ravenously! And also upset with me because they usually have about 3 hours floortime every night.

Sorry just needed a rant.

 

[Alisa3114]

Could you possibly have a talk with her mother and just say that your piggies have their own routine which is different to their piggies routine and they prefer their hay over too much grass.

 

[Livia Rabideau]

I am always paranoid about hay when I leave too. I'm not sure if you have a c and c cage, but I use a bent grid, zip tie it to the cage and stuff it full of hay. I'm sorry they aren't listening.

 

[Betsy]

Despite leaving an Idiot's Guide when I go away giving strict instructions only to give a small handful of pellets in each bowl for my 2 herds the bowls are still overflowing with pellets when I get back. It annoys me that I go to such lengths as to have my piggysitters round the day before, go through the daily routine and give them the Idiot's Guide and for them to tell me that yes yes they understand. We should be grateful that there are people around that will look after our pets when we can't for a bottle of wine (or whatever) and that we don't have to pay boarding fees. I am grateful as are you but I just wish they would listen properly and follow simple instructions! Can it be so hard?

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, it’s a difficult one, we try not to leave the piggies with anyone and take them with us if at all possible, even on holidays x

 

[Hannah_xx]

I’m glad you all feel my pain it’s just so frustrating, and makes my anxiety so bad!
I don’t feel I can talk to them about it because as they have their own pigs and I don’t want to make it sound like I don’t agree with how they care for the piggums.
I’ll just have to keep hinting and telling her every time.

 

[Reenie]

I think I would make it sound like your piggies need a special diet on vet's instructions. Say something like ' I've needed to up them to at least 80% hay to stop the issues with their teeth getting overgrown'. Not a lie exactly, but it suggests there is a health reason to do things your way. It actually sounds to me like the girl has a different idea as to what a good diet is and thinks you're not giving them enough fresh grass, it's a lot easier to give hay, so she is going out of her way to give grass instead. Good luck x

 

[sport_billy]

I would say your piggies need extra hay as their poi’s are often soft and it helps, a little white lie may persuade them to pop in some thinking they are helping out without questioning their misguided knowledge....

 

[Hannah_xx]

Thank you everyone. You’re right, I think I will just mention that Olive especially gets soft poops from too much grass and not enough hay (which is true!), But over exaggerate it a bit..

Love this family to bits and they are doing so much to help us out at the moment. But I just get so anxious when it comes to my animals care, I just can’t help but be over protective.