pbp questions

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I'm responding to my last question,that you answered. About male pbp smelling. Now that he's neutered he should stop smelling, is that scent sac ever removed? How long generally does it take to stop smelling,and does that smell get worse as they mature? ( I can't imagine what an adult boar smells like,as mine was only 7wks and quite stinky!!!)

ANSWER: My vet says removing the sac is complicated surgery. Male pigs are prone to urinary problems, and in drastic cases where the urethra needs reconstructive surgery the sac might be removed as part of the process, but removing it just to remove it is likely to cause a lot of problems.
It will take a few weeks for the smell to go away. First, the hormones have to work out of his system, then the gland slows way down, and finally, the smell fades.
Pigs reach "adolescence" around age 2, they go through "the terrible twos". They finally reach full adulthood at age 5 or 6. Occasionally he might leave a discharge in his bed while he sleeps, but even this will stop completely when he reaches full adulthood. In the meantime, washing his bedding every couple of weeks will control any odor.
The odor is just as strong in male piglets as it is in adults because pigs can reproduce so young. Piglets as young as 12 weeks have fathered babies and gotten pregnant (gestation is 3 months, 3 weeks, & 3 days).

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QUESTION: another question, my pbp always wants to be in my lap,but when he gets there,he constantly roots my arms. Then I end up putting him down. Sometimes he cuddles,but usually I have to get him still,then rub his belly,then he relaxes.Other than that he roots. I know rooting is a normal behavior,but I don't know why he does it to me,or if thats normal also.
Thanks Again!

Answer
Piglets root on the Moma's belly as they nurse, it helps the milk flow. Rooting on you is a natural reaction to being weaned so young (usually weaning is at 8 to 10 weeks, some sows will nurse as long as 12 - 16 weeks!). It's his way of showing that he loves you and wants comfort. Just ignore it when he does this, you should see this behavior start to disappear in a few weeks as he reaches normal weaning age. He may continue to root on people feet and shoes, just because they smell like the places people have walked.