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Pig and plugs/cords

22 9:11:32

Question
Hi Helen,

Our pig was neutered a month ago and his behavior has improved, however, he is still pretty obsessed with unplugging cords that are plugged into electrical outlets. How do we stop this? Is there a scent we can spray on them that will repel him?

Answer
Pigs depend a lot on their sensitive noses. It's hard to find an odor that repels them. They want to investigate every odor they smell. It's much easier to provide them with safer, more interesting things, and use an attractive odor on those items.

Pigs love all sorts of toys, especially toys that make noise or involve food. Infant toys and busy balls are two big favorites. Paper bags and phone books also provide hours of shredding fun.

Get piggy interested in the toys by sprinkling them with a little bit of vanilla. Pigs just love the smell, and can not resist investigating it.

A rooting box will also keep piggy busy. Fill it with rubber balls or river rocks, and sprinkle Cheerios or air-popped corn in it.

Discouraging piggy from playing with the cords is a little trickier. A lot depends on your set up. You might try blocking his access to the outlet with a fireplace screen or baby gate, or move furniture so he can't reach it. Check your local home improvement store, they may have child-proof outlet covers and cord guides to keep piggy out. You might be able to tie the cords to furniture legs, instead of leaving them dangle free. Or plug a powerstrip into the outlet, mount the powerstrip out of piggy's reach, and plug things in there.

Piglets are full of energy and curious about the world. Older pigs are more sedate, and chances are piggy will loose interest in the cords by the time he is five or six years old.