QuestionI HAVE HAD A PPB SINCE HE WAS 3 WEEKS OLD. CHOPS IN NOW 1.5YEARS AND A SPOILED ONLY CHILD. HE LOUNGES WITH ME AND SLEEPS IN BED WITH ME. UNFORTUNATLEY CHOPS WAS EVICTED FROM MY APT BUILDING AND HAD TO BE FLOWN 2000 MILES TO STAY WITH FAMILY FOR NEXT 4 MONTHS. CHOPS ATTACKS AND BITES ALL OTHER HUMANS BESIDES MYSELF AND FIANCE. CHOPS TREATS ME LIKE HIS OWN MOTHER AND WAS NEVER OUT OF MY SIGHT. I AM VERY CONCERNED CHOPS MAY BECOME DEPRESSED AND NOT WANT ANY HUMAN CONTACT AND LOSE HIS AFFECTIONATE PERSONALITY. HE HAS BEEN WITH FAMILY FOR 2 DAYS NOW AND BITES THEM ON MANY OCCASIONS. I NEED ASSISTANCE ON HOW THE FAMILY CAN WARM UP TO HIM. WILL CHOPS REMEMBER ME AND BE AS CLOSE TO ME IN 4 MONTHS WHEN I GET HIM BACK? PLEASE IF YOU HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE OR KNOW OF ANYONE WHO DOES PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I AM VERY HEARTBROKEN
AnswerI am sorry to hear that you and Chops will have to live apart for awhile. What you are describing is typical behavior for an only pet pig who is moved to a new environment. The people at these sanctuaries have lots of experience with this situation and can give you more information than I can.
www.rossmillfarm.com Susan Armstrong rossmill@erols.com
www.minipigs.org Richard Hoyle rhoyle@minipigs.org
www.pigsaspets.org Lana papa@pigsaspets.org
Priscilla Valentine is a professional pig trainer, she can also help www.valentinesperformingpigs.com email Nelliestar@aol.com
Chops does not understand why he had to move. He misses you a great deal and is confused about his environment. He was used to being "top hog" with you, but doesn't know what his "position" is with his new "herd" (your family), and so he is aggressive.
The next few months will probably be very rough on everybody but it will be ok. First, if Chops is inside he will need a space that is his own where he can be alone if he wants.
Next, your family must NEVER give Chops treats when he is aggressive!! Feed him only at mealtimes and only the proper amount for his weight. BTW if he is overweight he may have vision problems, and that will contribute to his aggression.
If Chops acts aggressive, PUSH his snout away from you. PUSH him on his shoulders away. DO NOT HIT him. Persistance is the key.
Good Luck
--Helen