Intense nibblers!

[Ananda]

Hi, I have looked around but cannot see anything on this subject (maybe I didn't look far enough so apols) and thought that this topic might come under Food or Behaviour so sorry if I got it wrong. Unless someone can point me to the relevant link on the forum?

My 2 new pigs are intense nibblers - they have already nibbled all the soft wood lining in their hutch and it even looks as though they are eating the wood as I can't see any bits on the floor!

Does anyone have any recommendations for nibblers to work on their teeth without destroying their home? I bought today some "carrot stick chews" made of wood and got one of those big "lounging logs" which is made of hard wood - but not sure if this will suffice.

Also, what about salt blocks, is they a good idea?

Thanks!

 

[mikulinek]

Hi Ananda again

I'm afraid with nibbling, there isn't much you can do. Even if you get a whole host of nibbling alternatives, your piggies will nibble whatever they want to and may prefer to chew something you don't want them to >>>

In terms of stopping them chewing something like chairs etc. there are anti chew sprays you can get which are quite effective. Just make sure to check they're piggy-safe.

Our two constantly chew things we make/buy for them - tunnels, chubes, houses etc. It's just what they do. Biscuit particularly likes to eat plastic, plastic bags etc. inbreeding

Salt licks/salt blocks are not really suitable for piggies. They don't need added salt in their diet and they either won't touch it, which is a waste of money, or they will and may get health problems.

The best thing to do is give them stuff you don't mind getting destroyed...

 

[Ananda]

Unfortunately I can't let them run around (3 cats) so they have a 2 tier hutch for now - but I guess that's pretty good for the furniture and electrics!

Mingus and Fitz used to eat through my telephone wires all the time |)

As long as they don't break loose, they can nibble their whole house because it is theirs to decorate.

Thanks.