Piglet Has Always Been Gassey...

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I'm a little confused. When I hold Piglet, I frequently notice evidence of him being gassey (in the smell department!).I never really thought much about it, it seems like he is always being smelly. But I read threads about pigs with bloat and I can't help but worry. I mean he never seems ill, everything is normal (eating, drinking, pooping, peeing, socialization etc). Are some pigs just gassey, or is this something that I need to keep an eye on? I don't think I have ever read about a generally gassey pig. Also, his veg/fruit intake is modest and I never give him too much of any new thing. Thoughts?

 

[klee]

I have seen threads before where the pig has been quite 'windy' without being bloated. My Rosie used to be quite smelly sometimes after brocoli or cauliflower but she never had bloat.
Best way to check is by tapping his sides, if he was indeed bloated or obviously gassy it would sound hollow.
From what i understand in bloat the pig isn't able to get rid of the gas and it just accumulates in the tummy and is very painful. Generally pigs will let you know if they have a build up of gas as it will be painful round the stomach area and they might turn to try and get to you or show other signs of pain (hunched,fluffed up in the corner).
In your case i wouldn't worry so much, checking his stomach is a good thing and provided it isn't hollow sounding he is likely just a windy pig- at least he is getting rid of his excess gas

 

[Cavyhappy]

I don't know, but one of my guinea pigs always seems to stink, so maybe it's just a trait ?

 

[Poppy'sMum]

As Klee says, depends what you feed them ! Mine don't get a lot of gassy veg as I have one who has had bloat from medication, so if they ever get a little broccoli as a treat I soon know about it

 

[Abi_nurse]

Is this definately a gassy smell and not a boar smell?

x.

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

It is very obviously gas, and his favorite thing to do is pass it while he is snuggled up in my arms!

 

[Abi_nurse]

That sounds delightful. What veg do you give/how often etc?

x

 

[piglet_and_rogers_mama]

I vary their veg intake from tomatos, green bell peppers, carrots, celery, cucumber, and occasionally a little bit of apple or a teeney bit of banana (they get fruit as a treat). But if i had to guess i'd say he gets more green pepper than anything. They get some vegetables every night. During the day they have unlimited timothy hay and pellets that has a first ingredient listed as timothy hay.