Young Erik Not Eating

[alexr]

In addition to Maurizio and Herbie’s abscess issues that I’ve posted about in separate threads - I now have a big problem with little Erik.

Erik arrived 6 weeks ago as a young pig to keep bereaved Herbie company. I thought he was 18 weeks old but apparently this is doubtful given he recently weighed 900g.

All was well for a month until I discovered on Boxing Day that Herbie was covered in nasty bites which are being treated. I thought Erik had got away lightly with a couple of minor scratches. They are now separated and living in neighbouring cages.

Just before the weekend, a tiny scratch turned into a lump on his shoulder. It finally ruptured so I gave him Zithromax and have been flushing it out.

Unfortunately, Erik seems to have had a negative reaction to the antibiotics and stopped eating. I stopped the antibiotics and have resorted to flushing as the pus seems to have gone and the lump has subsided.

However, after a day of no antibiotics, Erik was still refusing food. He sniffs it then runs away. I’ve tried everything to tempt him. I wonder if there’s something else going on. His incisors are good but unsure about back teeth. No sign of bloat and wee looks and smells ok.

I’ve started syringe feeding and aim to get him seen tomorrow. I’ve no idea what’s going on but it’s very worrying.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I hope he is ok

 

[Thebubbypiggies]

Call vet

 

[Wiebke]

In addition to Maurizio and Herbie’s abscess issues that I’ve posted about in separate threads - I now have a big problem with little Erik.

Erik arrived 6 weeks ago as a young pig to keep bereaved Herbie company. I thought he was 18 weeks old but apparently this is doubtful given he recently weighed 900g.

All was well for a month until I discovered on Boxing Day that Herbie was covered in nasty bites which are being treated. I thought Erik had got away lightly with a couple of minor scratches. They are now separated and living in neighbouring cages.

Just before the weekend, a tiny scratch turned into a lump on his shoulder. It finally ruptured so I gave him Zithromax and have been flushing it out.

Unfortunately, Erik seems to have had a negative reaction to the antibiotics and stopped eating. I stopped the antibiotics and have resorted to flushing as the pus seems to have gone and the lump has subsided.

However, after a day of no antibiotics, Erik was still refusing food. He sniffs it then runs away. I’ve tried everything to tempt him. I wonder if there’s something else going on. His incisors are good but unsure about back teeth. No sign of bloat and wee looks and smells ok.

I’ve started syringe feeding and aim to get him seen tomorrow. I’ve no idea what’s going on but it’s very worrying.

Hi

Please step in with syringe feeding asap if a piggy loses their appetite while on an antibiotic. It can happen with any brand. The appetite will not come back immediately as the gut biome is wiped out. You have to keep feeding until the appetite comes back, which in some cases can take a while.

Contact your vet to decide whether there is an alternative antibiotic to be used or whether you have to tough it out with syringe feeding.

Poo soup from a healthy piggy (i.e. direct transfer of live gut microbiome), fibreplex or if you can't get that, plenty of probiotic powder may help to bolster the impact somewhat.
More information about these gut support products and their individual preparation/application are in this guide from our emergency sub-section of the health section or in our syringe feeding guide that is stickied in the same section: Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

All the best!

PS: Most piggies tolerate zithromax well, but when they don't it really wipes their gut. Unfortunately you may have to push through it. Try to split the antibiotic dosage in two lots you give every 12 hours. That may bring back the appetite. Poo soup during and a course of fibreplex at the end of the zithromax can help in my own experience with piggies who lost their appetite on zithromax (but kept both their badly injured/infected eyes).

 

[pig in the city]

In addition to Maurizio and Herbie’s abscess issues that I’ve posted about in separate threads - I now have a big problem with little Erik.

Erik arrived 6 weeks ago as a young pig to keep bereaved Herbie company. I thought he was 18 weeks old but apparently this is doubtful given he recently weighed 900g.

All was well for a month until I discovered on Boxing Day that Herbie was covered in nasty bites which are being treated. I thought Erik had got away lightly with a couple of minor scratches. They are now separated and living in neighbouring cages.

Just before the weekend, a tiny scratch turned into a lump on his shoulder. It finally ruptured so I gave him Zithromax and have been flushing it out.

Unfortunately, Erik seems to have had a negative reaction to the antibiotics and stopped eating. I stopped the antibiotics and have resorted to flushing as the pus seems to have gone and the lump has subsided.

However, after a day of no antibiotics, Erik was still refusing food. He sniffs it then runs away. I’ve tried everything to tempt him. I wonder if there’s something else going on. His incisors are good but unsure about back teeth. No sign of bloat and wee looks and smells ok.

I’ve started syringe feeding and aim to get him seen tomorrow. I’ve no idea what’s going on but it’s very worrying.

Zithromax is usually well tolerated but it is a possibility. It can take some time for the gut flora to recover. Carry on syringe feeding, add probiotic or fibreplex, and maybe add some pooh from a healthy pig. How are his poohs? He may need gut stimulants so get him checked out today.
Sorry the boys dont get on, what are the plans long term?

 

[Siikibam]

Just offering support. Hope he’ll be on the mend soon.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Ah, poor boy, hoping he recoveries soon x

 

[Merab]

Hope he recovers soon.
Just adding support

 

[alexr]

Hi

Please step in with syringe feeding asap if a piggy loses their appetite while on an antibiotic. It can happen with any brand. The appetite will not come back immediately as the gut biome is wiped out. You have to keep feeding until the appetite comes back, which in some cases can take a while.

Contact your vet to decide whether there is an alternative antibiotic to be used or whether you have to tough it out with syringe feeding.

Poo soup from a healthy piggy (i.e. direct transfer of live gut microbiome), fibreplex or if you can't get that, plenty of probiotic powder may help to bolster the impact somewhat.
More information about these gut support products and their individual preparation/application are in this guide from our emergency sub-section of the health section or in our syringe feeding guide that is stickied in the same section: Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

All the best!

PS: Most piggies tolerate zithromax well, but when they don't it really wipes their gut. Unfortunately you may have to push through it. Try to split the antibiotic dosage in two lots you give every 12 hours. That may bring back the appetite. Poo soup during and a course of fibreplex at the end of the zithromax can help in my own experience with piggies who lost their appetite on zithromax (but kept both their badly injured/infected eyes).

Hi Wiebke,
I decided to take Erik to see Simon yesterday as he still wasn’t eating voluntarily and I wanted to check if there’s anything else going on.

I had been splitting the Zithromax into two doses. Fortunately, Simon felt it had kick started healing of the abscess sufficiently to discontinue the antibiotics.

He couldn’t find anything else seemingly wrong with Erik. I had wondered about his back teeth but they were fine. So, it’s thought the antibiotics have unbalanced things.

We’ve come up with the following plan:

- Syringe feeding with added donor pig poo. I decided Rupert would be good choice as he’s a bouncy, lively fella!
- Fibreplex 3x per day
- Loxicom 2x per day
- Ranitidine 2x per day to stimulate the gut (luckily I still have some left from Hamish).

Erik tried a tiny bit of greenery last night but not much. He gets excited when it arrives, sniffs it and runs away. He is still not eating voluntarily.

Syringe feeding Erik is proving challenging, especially as Simon recommended between 70-100ml per day. We’re nowhere near that amount currently as he won’t take more than 5ml per sitting. I have to firmly towel wrap him but he’s a wriggly beast. I’ve had to resort to a combo of towel wrapping and pinching the mouth open like I saw Simon do. It feels rather barbaric but necessary. Oh to have a wonderfully compliant pig like Hamish!

It’s a great shame Erik can’t eat with Herbie as he seems more interested in getting up on his ledge and watching Herbie eat next door. I find sometimes other pigs can encourage poorly ones to eat due to the sense of competition but I daren’t let them do this due to the horrible injuries Erik caused Herbie.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi Wiebke,
I decided to take Erik to see Simon yesterday as he still wasn’t eating voluntarily and I wanted to check if there’s anything else going on.

I had been splitting the Zithromax into two doses. Fortunately, Simon felt it had kick started healing of the abscess sufficiently to discontinue the antibiotics.

He couldn’t find anything else seemingly wrong with Erik. I had wondered about his back teeth but they were fine. So, it’s thought the antibiotics have unbalanced things.

We’ve come up with the following plan:

- Syringe feeding with added donor pig poo. I decided Rupert would be good choice as he’s a bouncy, lively fella!
- Fibreplex 3x per day
- Loxicom 2x per day
- Ranitidine 2x per day to stimulate the gut (luckily I still have some left from Hamish).

Erik tried a tiny bit of greenery last night but not much. He gets excited when it arrives, sniffs it and runs away. He is still not eating voluntarily.

Syringe feeding Erik is proving challenging, especially as Simon recommended between 70-100ml per day. We’re nowhere near that amount currently as he won’t take more than 5ml per sitting. I have to firmly towel wrap him but he’s a wriggly beast. I’ve had to resort to a combo of towel wrapping and pinching the mouth open like I saw Simon do. It feels rather barbaric but necessary. Oh to have a wonderfully compliant pig like Hamish!

It’s a great shame Erik can’t eat with Herbie as he seems more interested in getting up on his ledge and watching Herbie eat next door. I find sometimes other pigs can encourage poorly ones to eat due to the sense of competition but I daren’t let them do this due to the horrible injuries Erik caused Herbie.

Please only use healthy poos that have literally just been dropped and immediately soaked in a little water. Syringe the water promptly to enure the transfer of still live healthy microbiome. Otherwise it won't work. But if done correctly is more effective than probiotics - and you transfer exactly the right stuff.

Just try to syringe feed as often as you can in little portions around the clock. the more often, less is going in one sitting, including one night session.
I know how draining it is, getting my Dylan through his sudden loss of appetite since the weekend) at the moment (brewing jaw abscess and two courses of zithromax to get him safely through the holidays and my already booked family Christmas visit). But if I am VERY lucky, the zithromax has actually healed the abscess and has just upset the tummy right at the end. He also had his vet check at the Cat&Rabbit and a bit of a tidy up dental yesterday...

Just get into him as much as you can and hang in there. total loss of appetite is a battle; you simply do the best that you can under the circumstances. It may take a few weeks after the end of the zithromax, but the appetite and the weight will come back eventually!

As stated before - Nosgan didn't lose his bashed-in eye and even regained a modicum of sight and 6 year old Hafren (who was too old for an eye removal op) kept her eye into which an infection had penetrated deeply very quickly. It is worth toughing it out!

 

[alexr]

Zithromax is usually well tolerated but it is a possibility. It can take some time for the gut flora to recover. Carry on syringe feeding, add probiotic or fibreplex, and maybe add some pooh from a healthy pig. How are his poohs? He may need gut stimulants so get him checked out today.
Sorry the boys dont get on, what are the plans long term?

I think it’s interesting both Herbie & Erik had reactions to it. Maurizio is on it and hasn’t had any issues. Herbie hasn’t had antibiotics of any sort since arriving to me as a young lad and neither has Erik. I wonder if their first experience of antibiotics (and a strong one at that) has been a shock to the system. Herbie’s reaction wasn’t quite so drastic (more bad diarrhoea but no appetite loss) but I think, as a young pig, it’s hit Erik hard.

On vet advice, antibiotics have been stopped and Fibreplex started. I’m adding some Rupert poo to the syringe feed. I can also give Erik some of the Ranitidine I have left over from a piggy we recently lost.

The future plan is quite elaborate! The single pigs have been historically lucky in that they all loved spending some time with my old boy Hamish so that was a nice solution. There are sadly no pairs to be made from the singles. Now we have lost Hamish, I need to make plans for them.

I have eight boys in total. I currently have two functioning pairs (Fernando & Barnaby and Claudio & Maurizio). Rupert, Algernon, Herbie and Erik are all singles that live next door to each other.

The 22nd and 23rd January = neutering operations for ALL boars (apart from Maurizio who arrived to me neutered). I am extremely nervous about this and sincerely hope they’re all fit for their operations.

I hope to maintain the functioning pairs but I’d like to find wives for the singles. I plan to shift the room around to keep the boy pairs as far away from mixed pairs as possible. However, with all the pigs neutered, it should safeguard their futures if the boy pairs should fall out or one passes away.

At a minimum, we’ll be at 12 piggies. This would be an ideal number but I have to be prepared for up to 16 if my boar-boar pairs have trouble.

 

[Wiebke]

All the best with your plans! Keep the boy only pairs away and on a higher level to any sows. Sow pheromones don't rise (only if you create a real pheromone cyclone with all sows having a strong season at the same time, in which case, you'd best evacuate your boys into runs in another room for a day or so). A different level also prevents any break-ins and accidental meetings.

So far, my experiences with zithromax are that the majority of piggies tolerate it really well, but because it is such a strong last ditch antibiotic (sadly needed with abscesses), whenever a piggy has a bad reaction, the loss of appetite is total...

Dylan's zithromax has been stopped, and his appetite is thankfully gradually returning today. But he had 4 weeks of it without any issues.

When dating with several piggies, always start with the most dominant/difficult to bond piggy first.

 

[alexr]

Please only use healthy poos that have literally just been dropped and immediately soaked in a little water. Syringe the water promptly to enure the transfer of still live healthy microbiome. Otherwise it won't work. But if done correctly is more effective than probiotics - and you transfer exactly the right stuff.

Just try to syringe feed as often as you can in little portions around the clock. the more often, less is going in one sitting, including one night session.
I know how draining it is, getting my Dylan through his sudden loss of appetite since the weekend) at the moment (brewing jaw abscess and two courses of zithromax to get him safely through the holidays and my already booked family Christmas visit). But if I am VERY lucky, the zithromax has actually healed the abscess and has just upset the tummy right at the end. He also had his vet check at the Cat&Rabbit and a bit of a tidy up dental yesterday...

Just get into him as much as you can and hang in there. total loss of appetite is a battle; you simply do the best that you can under the circumstances. It may take a few weeks after the end of the zithromax, but the appetite and the weight will come back eventually!

As stated before - Nosgan didn't lose his bashed-in eye and even regained a modicum of sight and 6 year old Hafren (who was too old for an eye removal op) kept her eye into which an infection had penetrated deeply very quickly. It is worth toughing it out!

I am glad you had good results with Dylan & Nosgan despite all the difficulties. Fortunately, the Zithromax seems to have helped all three problematic piggies despite the length of time it was given. A 5-day course was sufficient to nicely clear up Herbie’s multiple wounds. Erik only had 2 days on it but Simon was satisfied his abscess is now pus free and doesn’t require further AB treatment. Maurizio’s treatment has been more drawn out but I am finally seeing improvements. He has been on Zithromax since Christmas Eve. This was initially for a cheek abscess that took a long time to heal up as we believe it was an old injury caused prior to arrival. However, a week later, he developed a secondary large lump on his back. Simon could not extract any pus so he’s hoping it’s filled with blood and will subside with continued antibiotics. If not, he will require further investigation under gas. Fortunately, I have noticed it’s starting to get smaller. Fingers crossed this continues!

Poo soup is new territory. Perhaps I didn’t do it right. Basically, I put Rupert in the kitchen and waited until he’d produced about 6 poos. I then put them in a bowl with some water from the kettle and mushed them up. I then mixed in the critical care and more hot water and let it cool down. This has been what I’ve been feeding Erik since yesterday. Would it be better to feed the poo separately so it’s fresher?

My interview process for the donor pig was quite entertaining...

Fernando = impacted so poo is v smelly
Barnaby = good prospect but a slightly older piggy
Maurizio = on antibiotics
Claudio = good prospect but perhaps a bit stressed with recent vet trips with Maurizio.
Herbie = recently on antibiotics
Algernon = agile and lively with a varied diet but a bit cheesy
Rupert = agile and lively but a more fussy eater.

The final was down to Algy & Rupert but the winner was Rupert based on the fact he’s less cheesy.

 

[pig in the city]

I am glad you had good results with Dylan & Nosgan despite all the difficulties. Fortunately, the Zithromax seems to have helped all three problematic piggies despite the length of time it was given. A 5-day course was sufficient to nicely clear up Herbie’s multiple wounds. Erik only had 2 days on it but Simon was satisfied his abscess is now pus free and doesn’t require further AB treatment. Maurizio’s treatment has been more drawn out but I am finally seeing improvements. He has been on Zithromax since Christmas Eve. This was initially for a cheek abscess that took a long time to heal up as we believe it was an old injury caused prior to arrival. However, a week later, he developed a secondary large lump on his back. Simon could not extract any pus so he’s hoping it’s filled with blood and will subside with continued antibiotics. If not, he will require further investigation under gas. Fortunately, I have noticed it’s starting to get smaller. Fingers crossed this continues!

Poo soup is new territory. Perhaps I didn’t do it right. Basically, I put Rupert in the kitchen and waited until he’d produced about 6 poos. I then put them in a bowl with some water from the kettle and mushed them up. I then mixed in the critical care and more hot water and let it cool down. This has been what I’ve been feeding Erik since yesterday. Would it be better to feed the poo separately so it’s fresher?

My interview process for the donor pig was quite entertaining...

Fernando = impacted so poo is v smelly
Barnaby = good prospect but a slightly older piggy
Maurizio = on antibiotics
Claudio = good prospect but perhaps a bit stressed with recent vet trips with Maurizio.
Herbie = recently on antibiotics
Algernon = agile and lively with a varied diet but a bit cheesy
Rupert = agile and lively but a more fussy eater.

The final was down to Algy & Rupert but the winner was Rupert based on the fact he’s less cheesy.

Ha ha! I love all their names. I look forward to hearing all about the bonding and pairing up.
You certainly have your hands full!

As for pooh soup, l just mush the poops into the critical care usually and it seems to work.

 

[alexr]

All the best with your plans! Keep the boy only pairs away and on a higher level to any sows. Sow pheromones don't rise (only if you create a real pheromone cyclone with all sows having a strong season at the same time, in which case, you'd best evacuate your boys into runs in another room for a day or so). A different level also prevents any break-ins and accidental meetings.

So far, my experiences with zithromax are that the majority of piggies tolerate it really well, but because it is such a strong last ditch antibiotic (sadly needed with abscesses), whenever a piggy has a bad reaction, the loss of appetite is total...

Dylan's zithromax has been stopped, and his appetite is thankfully gradually returning today. But he had 4 weeks of it without any issues.

When dating with several piggies, always start with the most dominant/difficult to bond piggy first.

It is in an interesting room to organise. Basically, my Mum had the garage converted into a room complete with shower. My Gran lived here and Mum thought she may have to live downstairs for mobility reasons. In the end, Gran had a stair lift installed so the room was never used for the intended purpose.

Since I moved back in, it has become the “Pig & Piano” room. There is also a tumble dryer to contend with. At present, on one side of the room, we have Algy & Rupert next to each other and Erik & Herbie next to each other on top. Opposite, the pairs are on top of each other. I did have the pairs next to each other but Claudio & Barnaby spent that much time flirting through the bars that they were neglecting their own pal!

I think I’ll move the piano out the room so the boys can be further away but the “upstairs to avoid pheromones“ theory is interesting. I suppose I could have the lads in a different room but it’s handy to have them all in one place. Especially a room with a wipe-clean floor! Plus, I think they all like the presence of other piggies.

I hope to set up mixed and boys sections in the gardens. Sadly, it may mean I have to stop supervised freeranging - unless they take outdoor time in turn, but this seems a shame when weather is nice. I have one big run and one slightly smaller one. However, I’ve managed to acquire lots of free wood so I thought I’d get busy in the Spring producing several runs. It’s like Grand Designs!

 

[Wiebke]

It is in an interesting room to organise. Basically, my Mum had the garage converted into a room complete with shower. My Gran lived here and Mum thought she may have to live downstairs for mobility reasons. In the end, Gran had a stair lift installed so the room was never used for the intended purpose.

Since I moved back in, it has become the “Pig & Piano” room. There is also a tumble dryer to contend with. At present, on one side of the room, we have Algy & Rupert next to each other and Erik & Herbie next to each other on top. Opposite, the pairs are on top of each other. I did have the pairs next to each other but Claudio & Barnaby spent that much time flirting through the bars that they were neglecting their own pal!

I think I’ll move the piano out the room so the boys can be further away but the “upstairs to avoid pheromones“ theory is interesting. I suppose I could have the lads in a different room but it’s handy to have them all in one place. Especially a room with a wipe-clean floor! Plus, I think they all like the presence of other piggies.

I hope to set up mixed and boys sections in the gardens. Sadly, it may mean I have to stop supervised freeranging - unless they take outdoor time in turn, but this seems a shame when weather is nice. I have one big run and one slightly smaller one. However, I’ve managed to acquire lots of free wood so I thought I’d get busy in the Spring producing several runs. It’s like Grand Designs!

Always do the boar only pairs first, from feeding, handling/grooming, cage cleaning/separate fabric washing and roaming/free ranging in any shared territory to minimise exposure to female pheromones.

 

[alexr]

Erik doesn’t seem to be producing any poo which is concerning. He still looks bright though. All the other pigs are very quiet. They always seem to know when there’s a poorly piggy.

 

[Wiebke]

Erik doesn’t seem to be producing any poo which is concerning. He still looks bright though. All the other pigs are very quiet. They always seem to know when there’s a poorly piggy.

Is he still taking food? If yes, his gut is still working.
If that stops (GI stasis), he would go flat very quickly or would really fight if he could no longer process any food.

Please be aware that the poos output generally runs one or even two days behind the food intake. I have noticed that many people who suffer from anxiety can get really stuck on a regular poo output, which doesn't always happen. As long as his weight is still the same and he is bright, his digestive system and food intake are OK, poos or not.

 

[alexr]

Is he still taking food? If yes, his gut is still working.
If that stops (GI stasis), he would go flat very quickly or would really fight if he could no longer process any food.

Please be aware that the poos output generally runs one or even two days behind the food intake. I have noticed that many people who suffer from anxiety can get really stuck on a regular poo output, which doesn't always happen. As long as his weight is still the same and he is bright, his digestive system and food intake are OK, poos or not.

He takes food that I pretty much have to force feed but he seems happy to munch on it once it’s in his mouth.

Despite not managing to get lots of food in him, his weight is decent. Before he stopped eating, he was 900g but still a growing pig. Simon weighed him at 860g yesterday and he’s about 850g today so no major weight loss.

 

[eileen]

nothing to add,just offering my support .I hope Erik feels better soon.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Poor Erik, it’s as though he has lost his confidence in eating. Does he like grass?

 

[alexr]

Poor Erik, it’s as though he has lost his confidence in eating. Does he like grass?

Yes, I think there may well be a psychological element to it. I decided to risk having both him and Herbie on the sofa with some salad leaves to see if seeing Herbie to eat would encourage him. He was initially quite excited and tried to copy Herbie by eating a couple of leaves but then he became hostile. I had a hand on both so they couldn’t touch each other but he tried to snap at Herbie’s delicate parts so I decided it wasn’t a good idea to continue!

I noticed he attempted a bit of food in his cage later but barely touched it.

I’m not sure about grass. Is there a way to ensure winter grass doesn’t cause bloat? I had thought it wasn’t a great idea to feed it until warmer months. Erik normally likes hay, Readigrass and greens. He’s not so keen on dry food. Could I cut some grass and bring it to room temp do you think?

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, I think there may well be a psychological element to it. I decided to risk having both him and Herbie on the sofa with some salad leaves to see if seeing Herbie to eat would encourage him. He was initially quite excited and tried to copy Herbie by eating a couple of leaves but then he became hostile. I had a hand on both so they couldn’t touch each other but he tried to snap at Herbie’s delicate parts so I decided it wasn’t a good idea to continue!

I noticed he attempted a bit of food in his cage later but barely touched it.

I’m not sure about grass. Is there a way to ensure winter grass doesn’t cause bloat? I had thought it wasn’t a great idea to feed it until warmer months. Erik normally likes hay, Readigrass and greens. He’s not so keen on dry food. Could I cut some grass and bring it to room temp do you think?

I have been feeding a small handful of fresh grass from the lawn to Dylan for as long as he would eat it to help keep his back teeth ground down, but have been blotting it with kitchen paper if it was very wet. I would start with little and build up from there so the gut can get used to it. He won't eat a lot on one go anyway!

PS: Unfortunately there is very obviously some real grudge between your boys...

 

[Bill & Ted]

Yes, I think there may well be a psychological element to it. I decided to risk having both him and Herbie on the sofa with some salad leaves to see if seeing Herbie to eat would encourage him. He was initially quite excited and tried to copy Herbie by eating a couple of leaves but then he became hostile. I had a hand on both so they couldn’t touch each other but he tried to snap at Herbie’s delicate parts so I decided it wasn’t a good idea to continue!

I noticed he attempted a bit of food in his cage later but barely touched it.

I’m not sure about grass. Is there a way to ensure winter grass doesn’t cause bloat? I had thought it wasn’t a great idea to feed it until warmer months. Erik normally likes hay, Readigrass and greens. He’s not so keen on dry food. Could I cut some grass and bring it to room temp do you think?

You could try grass, it just might get him eating again. I’d cut it with some scissors, lay it on a paper towel to remove any dew and try him with a little and see how he goes on. When Ted could not eat after his first dental (not done correctly) I had to syringe feed him for about six weeks before I got him to see Simon Maddock and he would eat grass, very slowly. It does seem that they lose confidence in eating if they have had either Dental problems not sorted correctly or other illnesses that impact on their appetite or meds that cause it. It’s a matter sometimes on getting them back into eating again. I used to hand feed grass to Ted for hours as he would not touch hay at all. Once he had his teeth done by Simon he was back eating hay straight away!
Its such a worry for you, it’s a rollercoaster of little gains and then setbacks which had really hard, hope he picks up soon and gets chomping.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I feed grass all year round! Just give a small amount to see if he’ll eat it!

 

[alexr]

You could try grass, it just might get him eating again. I’d cut it with some scissors, lay it on a paper towel to remove any dew and try him with a little and see how he goes on. When Ted could not eat after his first dental (not done correctly) I had to syringe feed him for about six weeks before I got him to see Simon Maddock and he would eat grass, very slowly. It does seem that they lose confidence in eating if they have had either Dental problems not sorted correctly or other illnesses that impact on their appetite or meds that cause it. It’s a matter sometimes on getting them back into eating again. I used to hand feed grass to Ted for hours as he would not touch hay at all. Once he had his teeth done by Simon he was back eating hay straight away!
Its such a worry for you, it’s a rollercoaster of little gains and then setbacks which had really hard, hope he picks up soon and gets chomping.

Well that’s good if I can try some grass. Anything to get the little scamp eating again! I’ll nip out with my torch. At least the neighbours won’t see me.

 

[alexr]

I feed grass all year round! Just give a small amount to see if he’ll eat it!

Ooh ok. I’m not sure where I read that info but if it’s ok to feed year round, I can do that. Do you just feed it as it’s been cut or wait until it’s room temp? Thinking about it, I suppose it’s no different to veg that’s been in the fridge.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Well that’s good if I can try some grass. Anything to get the little scamp eating again! I’ll nip out with my torch. At least the neighbours won’t see me.

I will never forget my neighbour asking me if I would like to borrow the lawnmower when he saw me cutting grass with scissors!

 

[alexr]

I have been feeding a small handful of fresh grass from the lawn to Dylan for as long as he would eat it to help keep his back teeth ground down, but have been blotting it with kitchen paper if it was very wet. I would start with little and build up from there so the gut can get used to it. He won't eat a lot on one go anyway!

PS: Unfortunately there is very obviously some real grudge between your boys...

Yes and the bad behaviour is still from little Erik! Well the good news is he has done some decent poo so the gut’s obviously doing what it should.

I have a bit of concern over Herbie. Not overly so as he’s eating well but there are a couple of issues...
-Weight loss. Herbie was normally 1.3kg but towards the end of Hamish’s life went up to 1.4kg where he’s remained. I think the weight gain was due to Hamish previously eating much more than we realised. When Hamish spent time supporting Harry with his eating, Herbie went to town on the unrivalled food! Since being attacked by Erik, having Zithromax for abscesses, and now living alone, he has gone down to 1.3kg again.

- Digestive issues. Herbie had bad diarrhoea due to the antibiotics but this resolved once they were stopped and greens withheld for a day. Poo returned to normal and he eats well but last night, the poo was quite loose. Not true diarrhoea but mushy. I wonder if he would also benefit from a week of Fibreplex?

- Depression. Poor Herbie was very down when Hamish died but really perked up when Erik arrived. He was pretty chipper in his new “Daddy” role for a month before Erik went rogue! Now they are neighbours, Herbie is very quiet and subdued. They rarely interact with each other through the bars. He’s really lost his sparkle. Obviously, I can’t do much about his solo status until he’s neutered but is there anything I can do in the meantime?

 

[Wiebke]

Yes and the bad behaviour is still from little Erik! Well the good news is he has done some decent poo so the gut’s obviously doing what it should.

I have a bit of concern over Herbie. Not overly so as he’s eating well but there are a couple of issues...
-Weight loss. Herbie was normally 1.3kg but towards the end of Hamish’s life went up to 1.4kg where he’s remained. I think the weight gain was due to Hamish previously eating much more than we realised. When Hamish spent time supporting Harry with his eating, Herbie went to town on the unrivalled food! Since being attacked by Erik, having Zithromax for abscesses, and now living alone, he has gone down to 1.3kg again.

- Digestive issues. Herbie had bad diarrhoea due to the antibiotics but this resolved once they were stopped and greens withheld for a day. Poo returned to normal and he eats well but last night, the poo was quite loose. Not true diarrhoea but mushy. I wonder if he would also benefit from a week of Fibreplex?

- Depression. Poor Herbie was very down when Hamish died but really perked up when Erik arrived. He was pretty chipper in his new “Daddy” role for a month before Erik went rogue! Now they are neighbours, Herbie is very quiet and subdued. They rarely interact with each other through the bars. He’s really lost his sparkle. Obviously, I can’t do much about his solo status until he’s neutered but is there anything I can do in the meantime?

Hi!

- 1.3 kg is still a very good weight! If you are worried whether a piggy is a good weight for their individual size, you feel around the ribs for their BMI (or, as it is usually called, their 'heft'). Our weight management guide tells you exactly what to look out for to work out whether Herbie is a good weight or overweight.

- you can give him fibreplex. If he doesn't like the taste, mix it into his syringe feed.

- Could you move Herbie's cage next to other boars of yours, including your boar pairs? A single boar should not upset the apple cart but it can give him new stimulation and interest.