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Not Putting Weight on

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nutmeg

nutmeg

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Most of you will remember Roly, the lovely black fox boar I have. I got him on 14.4.09 and he weighed 822g. Today, 2 weeks later he still weighs exactly the same. He doesn't seem to have the biggest appetite, but eats hay, all his veggies, and picks at dry food. I also cut him fresh grass, and he has been out in the garden when the weather has been good eating grass. I have given him a good once over, and his skin, teeth, hair/fur all seem fine. The only different thing with this piggy is that he is still MEGA terrified when we go near his cage, and tears round it like the devil is after him. Tried all the usual talking calmly, chin tickling, but to no avail :{ Maybe he is running all his weight off? He is very nearly 6 months old. Anyone any ideas what may be wrong or how I can fatten him up. Will endeavour to have 10 - 15 minutes cuddle each day, but don't want to keep stressing him out. ? Thanks. xx
 
If he's that terrified it's difficult. Poor little chap!

You could try with just talking to him, and slowly come closer.

Or you could do a slightly whacky thing and try to "mind speak" him - just sending him your love and reassurance. I chanced onto it one day when I gave Llewelyn a little cuddle in my mind and he twitched wherever I "touched" him. He's become a lot tamer and trusty with that and mind speaks back - only I'm not a receiver! It takes a bit of practise to focus clearly, but most animals do respond to emotions and pictures.

When you can get close, be casual. Don't look at him straight. Fold down and imitate a "piggy wash" - that way you are telling him you want his company, but are no threat. It helped me with skittish pigs.

He's obviously had a very bad experience with people which has frightened him out of his wits, poor boy!

Best luck! You'll need it!
 
I'm now worried about tiger, because your worried about your roly! Tiger has kinda stuck at his weight which is around 820 / 830 for about three weeks he gets same food as george and seems to eat simular amounts too and george is still steadily increasing to around 1kg now!

Tiger has days where he doesn't eat much dry food but some days he even clears out his bowl by the time I get home from work and I have to say bad mummy (he still has hay though) and then I top him up again (which I hardly ever do for george).

I just thought that was what he should be like as maybe a diff kind of piggie! If anyone else can help I would be very greatful!

Does Roly eat much hay? I have noticed tiger doesn't seem to eat that much of it so maybe that is why?.
 
Some piggies are smaller than others. If he's eating, drinking and pooing normally then I wouldn't worry to much. Spend more time with Roly. Sit him on your lap and talk to him whilst hand feeding him. When he has floor time or when he's in the garden talk to him so he gets used to your voice. Then you can approach him in his cage whilst talking to him and maybe he wont be so nervous :)
 
Thanks everyone. He is indoors and very nearly in my kitchen so can hear us all day long, I think possibly I am concerned because he is so young to just maintain weight. He is definitely very twitchy when we touch him, but will happily sit on our shoulders. Time will tell, at the moment though I think I will just have to carry on being very patient with him, and watching him for any signs of illness. Thanks again.
 
Jane do you wrap him in fleece/towel when you have him out for cuddles? Remember how Haggis was? He still runs off but is nowhere near like he was :(|)

Lyric & Lark are another matter - they are part gazelle :(|) :(|)

As for his weight i'd not be too worried as althoi' he's not gained, he's not lost, it may be that he's still settling in & will start to gain when he feels "more at home" :)
 
Some advice needed please. Roly has continued to maintain weight, up til yesterday and lost a bit, but still incredibly scared of life itself, and not showing too much interest in food except grass. Visitied the vet this morning, she gave him a thorough once over. Looking for impaction, she pulled out a whole load of smelly, white cakky stuff from his bottom. His temp was on the high side of acceptable range for gps. He has had baytril injection, and I am giving it orally now twice daily for 6 days. She suggested I gave probiotic and hour or two after to help any possible tummy upset.
I have read the label on my probiotic which says dissolve 1 scoop in 200ml water which is fine, but how much of this do I need to give him after each dose of baytril? Thanks. (first dose due in about an hour) x
 
Sorry, I'm not a specialist, but I would fill a syringe and try as much as he takes?
 
hi i don't know how i can help maybe offer different veges and some that are higher in fat?maybe he dislike what most piggies love he could just be fussy maybe try some diff pellets to I'm a bit puzzeled on this one hope i helpedxx>>>
 
I have syringed a full 1 ml syringe, slowly so he was drinking it. He spilt about 0.2 ml so just hope if Baytril has made him feel off, or begun to upset the balance of his gut, this has helped. xx
 
Good - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the poor boy!
 
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