Super Stubborn Barrows! Help!!

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Taylor_Ann
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Super Stubborn Barrows! Help!!

Post by Taylor_Ann » Tue Apr 14, 2020 8:08 pm

I have two barrows that absolutely hate to be apart. Every time I take one out of the barn (if I can even get them out of their stalls) he will squeal loudly, not respond to the whip no matter what, and just hopelessly try to get back into the barn while the other one also squeals like crazy. I am aware that walking a pig with another pig (as long as they are not side-by-side) works well usually. Even if I do have somebody walk one of them, they just don’t drive and walk like they should. They just don’t seem to respond to any of my whips! It is extremely exhausting and frustrating to chase them under fences and all around the barn while they don’t respond to the whip and try to get back to the barn! Any advice for training them to walk?

mjw1980
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Re: Super Stubborn Barrows! Help!!

Post by mjw1980 » Wed Apr 15, 2020 2:41 pm

If they are stalled together separate them. If they are stalled where they can see each other, block it off so they cannot see. This helps with breaking that connection.

buckI
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Re: Super Stubborn Barrows! Help!!

Post by buckI » Thu Apr 16, 2020 3:10 pm

Ditto on the separation advice.

Also I would set up an area apart from your barn where you take a barrow out from the barn and his comfort zone and pen him away for a while. Try offering feed/treats there. Leave him there for a while. Alternate out which barrow gets taken out and left away for parts of the day.

Essentially break the routine. Get them apart. Find a way to make the experience out and away a good experience.

Do not get frustrated and force something on the barrows. Take your time. Out think them and use your brain.

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