worming

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I have 2 male pbs that are 7 months old. My question is I wormed them when we first got them at about 6-7 weeks and then again 2 weeks after the first worming. I used ivermectin. Do I need to worm them again any time soon or is it just a one time deal with pbs? I don't see any sign of parasites in their stools and they are doing great.
Also, is it okay to add quaker oats to their pellets to give them a little filler since they only get a 1/4 cup of pellets twice a day?

ANSWER:  A pet owner should worm their pigs once a year. The eggs in the stool are not visible to the human eye, so a pig may have no symptoms. Ivermectin kills mange mites, too, so ya did good.
Two treatments 14 days apart...
A half cup of pellets per day will not keep a pig healthy. Shame on any breeder that told you this......where did they come from?
They need 2 cups per day (visit my site at valentinesperformingpigs.com and you will not see a fat pig on two cups per day).
We suggest children's vitamin for these pigs and upping their food.
I know you are only following what people (the breeder) have told you (obesity is not good either).
I think you have sensed that half a  cup is not enough. Oats are passed through a pig's system (great for dieting) undigested. Virtually no food value.
These pigs need a healthy feed like Mazuri Active, no oats....and fresh dark green veggies.
I am assuming they are neutered?
Unneutered pigs make bad pets!
We think you will notice your pigs being healthier looking and happier.....with more food. Otherwise, if they haven't already, they will become aggressive...
Thank you for taking the time to research!
Good luck, wishing you the best,
Priscilla Valentine
valentinezperformingpigs.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
Thank you so much for your prompt answer. I was feeding them one cup of Mazuri active adult pellets 1/2 cup each feeding, plus lettuce, cabbage and cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables at lunch. I thought they were doing good too. I don't know if you remember,but I asked about my one male that had been neutered at 12 weeks, but was still acting boarish? Anyway I had a testosterone test done on him and his level was off the charts! Needless to say he went back to the vet and they opened him up and found a third retained testicle, he already had removed one retained one at the first neuter. That's when the vet told me I was feeding too much and to only allow a 1/4 cup twice a day and also to limit the vegetables. So as you can see I am really confused I just want them to be happy and healthy, but not fat. I also give them about a 1/2 tbls. of safflower oil a day in their feed.
Sorry this is so long... also I purchased your book on Amazon and love it!

 Thanks again

Answer
I can't imagine a half cup being enough, but if they look a bit roundish, maybe they are getting enough calories from other food sources! Vets are usually right! Can you email me a side shot of both at nelliestar@aol.com?
Instead of the safflower oil, I would suggest concentrated fish oil
or flax oil caps.. good omega oils for healthy skin without the calories that pure oil has. Two per day..
Glad he found the testicle, and we are delighted you like our book (Potbellied Pig Behavior and Training" at amazon.com.
Thanks for writing back!
Priscilla Valentine