Mini pigs and vacation

Question

Winston   Hello,

We are going to go out of town for two days and we are debating what we should do with Winston. He is a 2 1/2 year old neutered mini pig. We can not decide if it would be better for him to stay at home in his own environment and have someone come over to feed him and walk him or to have him go stay at a relative's house.

If he stays at home he will be by himself for most of the day except when it is time to go to the bathroom and then eat. If he stays somewhere else there will be people around him but there will also be big dogs. Is it better for him to stay at home with his ipod, blankets, and toys with a visitor twice a day; or is it better to have more human interaction with family members he does not ever stay with?

We will only be gone for two days but I don't want to torture Winston while we are away. Any advise that you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

Answer
Pigs are creatures of habit. Winston may be a bit lonely while you're gone, but he will be comfortable and in safe, familiar surroundings. On the other hand, leaving him in a strange place with unfamiliar people and dogs, would put him under a lot of stress.

Putting most of his food in a busy ball or scattering it in a rooting box will help to keep him occupied. Give him lots of things to shred, like phone books, old magazines, paper bags and worn out sheets. Make sure cupboards, etc are locked shut.