first pig in YEARS

[Rebekka Bishop]

I now have a skinny boar, about 6 months old--this little guy was given to me, and I have NO IDEA how to read 'pig body language'.

Right now he is stretched out on my lap and SEEMS to be content--but it's been 40+ years since I've even TOUCHED a Cavy, much less owned one and I am starting all over.

Do Cavies 'purr' when content like rabbits do? What does soft squeaking mean? Is nipping normal for a boar this age? (it could be moving stress?)

Do they like to be touched/cuddled or would they just as soon be left alone?

I'm really not too concerned with the care and feeding (I've had rabbits for years and I think I can figure that out--I know they need extra Vitamin C) it's the learning of pig behavior I am really neediing to learn!

Thanks in advance!

[Lupe]

Just curious - what was the man person's reaction? ROFL

Content pigs do sorta purr - soft talk is pretty much a content pig. It's the loud MINE, MINE when you open the fridge that is really going to get your attention. Big things with a skinny are warmth and lots of food to maintain the internal furnace.

[Rebekka Bishop]

Actually, pretty well recieved--he just bought a new drill and push mower so he really didn't say too much--and Kid #2 loves him--Kid #1 will meet him Wednesday

[Rebekka Bishop]

oh yeah--he ate a BIG handful of grass, a baby carrot and about 1/4 cup of pellets as soon as I got him home--I gave him some cabbage another carrot and some celery leaves today, so moving doesn't seem to have affected his appetite any...

[Pasada]

Hey Rebekka! Just checking up on how your skinny pig is doing By now you have probably figured out that little dog sweaters work great to keep him warm, that snow peas are SUPER HIGH in Vit C (he should be getting 30mg/daily), he will need sunscreen if he goes outside, he should be on a heavy portion of feed since he's burning off so much energy just to stay warm. Any photos???