Moving with a pig: How to prevent loneliness and help her adjust?

Maisy is so cute! It may be just fine but here are a few ideas: 1) consider a dog walker/Sitter to come visit once or twice a day to play or walk 2) if work allows, you can start with half days and see how she does 3) there are video camera systems that allow you to see and even talk to your pet when you’re away 4) try treats and toys that take a while such as Kongs with peanut butter inside or chew bones. 5) if you haven’t already, consider crate training, which can actually alleviate anxiety. Best of luck in the new place!

If Penelope is bonded with you she will likely be fine, but there are a few things you can do that might help make the move easier. Look into Feliway products and start using before the move and at new house. A vet checkup before a major change is never a bad idea since stress can exacerbate underlying illness. Keep food and litter the same as what she's accustomed to using if you make any changes don't do it right away with the move and make sure to change things slowly and gradually over the course of a week or two. Possibly get her some toys or beds now that you will take with you when you move so she has a familiar scent. And make sure that you're being realistic about when and where you're moving, if it will be a good move for Penelope. The fact that you're thinking about it this far in advance means you do have her best interest in mind. But many times pets are abandoned by college age students who don't understand the responsibility of taking care of them; so make sure you're doing what's best for her and hopefully you would be able to visit if you do leave her at home. Good luck with your decision and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Pigs are natural rooters and puzzle solvers, so anything that involves nosing around with or digging in will be fun. Giant rubber balls (like the kind you see horses playing with) treats hanging from a chain, places to dig and more can all help encourage some playfulness and enrich the environment. Pregnant pigs should be up to date on any needed vaccines in your area prior to breeding, and should be fed a diet appropriate for enough nutrition for growing piglets and nursing them after birth. A growing or lactation diet is best for mom to prevent nutrient deficiencies during these high-energy periods. Signs of problems that warrant a call to the vet are lethargy, loss of appetite, failure to gain weight, or struggling to stand/move around. Depending on your production style, most pregnant sows are crated or kept in a special birthing pen that allows piglets to safely move away from mom without having her accidentally lay on or step on babies. Providing a heat lamp for the babies to come to and move away from is also useful after birth. When your sow is closer to labor you may see waxing from her nipples (a waxy, milky like substance that isn't milk) that indicate she is nearing labor. Making sure she has comfortable bedding, access to food and water, and safety for the piglets to get to is best.

Hello, and thank you for your question. I'm sorry to hear that Honey is having some trouble adjusting to her new home. Hopefully you brought with you a few familiar items with you from Honey's previous home, like a blanket or bed. Make sure she has access to that. Offer her plenty of cuddles and attention. Offer her usual food and treats from your hand, to help gain her trust. If Honey is used to a crate, make sure you use a similar one in your home. Place her bed in there and she should quickly be drawn to it as a place of comfort and safety. I'd also look into a product called Adaptil, which is a canine pheromone that can help reduce stress and anxiety in new environments. Give it time. It is a difficult phase for Honey right now, but she should gradually get used to her new home and learn to love her new family, if you are patient, consistent, and offer her a nurturing loving home! Best of luck!

Pigs are intelligent playful creatures and chewing on things may be a sign of boredom.. If you can make a play area for her with a straw or hay bale, balls, cardboard boxes, and other "toys" she can push around and chew on , and she will be a happy piggy. If you cannot make a play pen like that, you will need to take her for a lot of walks so she can sniff, and play around during the walks, chew wooden sticks, etc.

Hello, congratulations on your puppies. Most puppies will adjust quickly to the change and this is most easily achieved by directing your attention towards them more. You can provide plenty of toys and play time to make Appa feel loved and comfortable. Spend as much time with her as possible as the ultimate reward for any dog is attention from their human companions. Appa may feel sad and look for her litter mates for the initial hours to day, but as long as she can receive the care and companionship from you, she will adjust well. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Thanks for your question about your guinea pigs. It depends on how far you are going. If it is only a couple of hours or so, the crate that you have in the photo should be okay. I would recommend having a place for them to hide, a towel or bedding on the bottom, and some access to food/snacks. If you are making a longer trip, such as overnight, then you’ll need a larger area for them. You’ll still need to include the same components - place to hide, bedding, and food - but you’ll want to include hay for them to access at all times, and then when you stop for breaks you can offer them pellets or greens so that they can eat while the vehicle is stopped. You’ll also want to offer them water at stops so they can drink. I also recommend covering part of th travel cage with a towel or blanket so they feel more secure. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your travels!