How long before my sows adjust?

[MarthaAndMaud]

As some of you might already know, I rescued 3 sows last week, all with various horrible skin conditions. They were used to being kept in a hutch that measured just 3ft x 1.5ft and one of them is a big piggy.

They are all still being treated with spot on and bathing and lotions etc and handling wise they are coming along nicely. They hardly ever squeal at me anymore when I go to pick them up. However I do feel that they are just not happy. They don't seem to be able to adjust to the fact that they've got room inside their hutch to move. I even positioned the hutch differently this morning so that they will catch some well deserved sunshine.

Nope.....they still just hide away. I haven't even seen the two smallest ones appear at the bars for more than a few seconds this weekend. The two smallest ones are underweight and they don't eat a lot as they are so used to the large one getting all the food that they just don't bother. Come on girls, there's enough room for all three of you to fit round the bowl now!

They have only ever known cramped conditions and they can't get used to the fact that they can play and run around.

I have a large run waiting for them as soon as the ground warms up but are they ever going to adjust?

Early days I know but does anybody else have any experience with this problem please.

Many thanks
Claire

 

[Black Jack]

I have had my boar for nearly six months and he still hides away most the time and runs off if he is at the food dish when I go into the shed. Some GPs are always shy and retiring while others are boisterous and outgoing. (I'm so sorry but this is probably not what you want to hear) I have had shy ones that suddenly become really adventurous - even though nothing has changed in their environment. As long as they are all eating, pooping, sleeping etc OK then I really don't think you need to worry. Just be patient.

 

[Vikki]

Some GP's take a long time to adjust to larger housing and it does need to be sdone gradually just seems like they get too much space to cope with all at once when they have been housed in cramped conditions. THey have not been with you long and may need more time to settle in, they have had a lot of treatment etc and need to leatrn to associate you going to their hutch with good things such as veg! Some guineas are just nervous and will always hide away when they hear someone approach. Givet hem time and see how they go O0

 

[Racheylcg]

Some pigs do take a long time to adjust-maybe of a few weeks, but it could take longer
When mine came inside for the winter they ran into their sleeping compartment every time I wlaked by and they have only recently become less scared so it took them about 2 months O0

 

[MarthaAndMaud]

Thanks all.

I can totally understand them being shy and hiding away when i'm near them or they hear a noise outside that scares them, but all the time? How can they be happy tucked away inside their sleeping compartment all day? Years ago when I previously kept GPs they were always out in there hutch, in their fresh air. I guess i'l have to be patient and carry on gaining their trust.