Barrow won't cooperate

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Savanah1
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Barrow won't cooperate

Post by Savanah1 » Tue Jan 09, 2018 7:28 pm

I have 2 pigs, a gilt and a barrow. I've been working them seperate the whole time I have had them so this would not happen, but it has. My barrow does not like being worked with without my gilt. My gilt is the total opposite. Also, my barrow is still very skittish with me and I have had him since November 6. He has gotten alot better with me touching him, but it is still not good. Please help!

mjw1980
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Re: Barrow won't cooperate

Post by mjw1980 » Wed Jan 10, 2018 7:46 am

Pigs are smart animals. Try using treats such as a marshmallow to get him to walk. Kind of a reward system. Now don't feed him bags a day but 1 or 2 wont hurt. You can also put something on the end of your whip. Some people have dipped them in sugar or syrup. Something he can taste and smell. Keep trying and don't give up. Pigs can also pick up on your frustration and stress. If you are in a bad mood he will probably be in a bad mood. I am sure other people have some better tips. The main thing is don't quit and keep pushing him.

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hogger39
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Re: Barrow won't cooperate

Post by hogger39 » Wed Jan 10, 2018 9:09 am

One thing I wish I had when I had this issue with my gilt is a new place to walk them. Sometimes a new place will get them to walk slowly as they do not know what the place is. Because of this, you can now train the pig correctly. I know its cold out, but this could be an option depending on where you are.

eucathepig
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Re: Barrow won't cooperate

Post by eucathepig » Sun Jan 21, 2018 11:52 am

My advice for you is to not give up. My pig was just like yours. It didn't want to walk anywhere without its buddy. (They didn't even share pens.) I would award the pig with treats but only if they are good. Start out walking for short bursts of time. If they behave give them a treat. Each day slowly build up the time you walk them. This should make them used to walking alone and it will build up their endurance.

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