Lap Time

[Lorcan]

I know this might seem like a stupid question, but how important does everyone rate lap time? As a bit of background, it looks like I'll be going into respite again on Thursday for at least a week (yes, it's the neighbour again). I will be making sure the boys get as much interaction as possible as well as fed and watered, but the interaction will likely be through the bars, not physical contact.

I can't help but feel they're suffering from the lack of actual physical contact except there's also a part of me going "But they're prey animals, contact through the bars is absolutely okay because they're comfortable with it." And yeah, I'm rather torn about the whole thing.

So if someone could kinda set my mind at ease either way about this, I'd be cool with that, thanks. Heh.

 

[JCJ]

I think it probably depends on the pigs but my three get very little lap time because they would much rather be eating, sleeping or running about. I know that some pigs get to really enjoy lap time but I don't consider it a crucial part of their care. Of course it is important to get them used to being handled but a couple of weeks is not going to change that.

 

[Glynis]

Hi as long as your babies are fed and cleaned and get some time out of their housing when you can I'm sure they'll be fine.
You take care of yourself xxxxxxxxx

 

[piggieminder]

None of my 4 enjoy being handled so I only do lap time sparingly. I hold them because it's important they are used to it for essential maintenance and vet visits but their not cuddly pigs like some, I wish they were. It depends on the pigs but like Glynis I would say 2 weeks won't hurt as long as they are fed, watered and clean.

 

[Fweeper]

Honestly? My two are not cuddly pigs, they never have been and never will be, some pigs just aren't. We don't do lap time here because it just makes them miserable, whereas a tickle behind the ears in the run, bit of a chat at meal times/when I'm in the room with them and of course being handled twice daily to airlift them between run and cage so I can clean them out keeps them happily tame enough to be able to do all I need to. It's lovely if you have cuddly pigs, but many of us are quite used to not getting that I think! I'm sure it won't hurt your pigs for such a short time, and think of it this way, they'll be happy to have you back and get some cuddles again if that's what they like!

 

[Tiamolly123]

Have you notified the powers that be, about this latest bother with your neighbour. Surely now you can hang them out to dry. This is aggravating your condition & should not be allowed.

 

[Lorcan]

Oh yes. Incidentally neighbour now won't speak to me if she accidentally passes me in the street, won't come near me, the works. Normally I'd be a bit less cranky about it but she somehow woke me up at 1am on Saturday morning and you can just imagine how well that went down.

It's an unsaid rule at the minute that the two of us should be nowhere near each other.