Baby Pig. Now What?

EddieWalker · Nov 6, 2013

CurlyDave said:
That is a lot of tusk for an animal that big to have.

* * * * * * * *

I have been gored by a much smaller intact male -- I was hunting him with a knife, and we were squabbling over who was going to be lunch. I won that little contest, but my left thumb got sliced open pretty well.

I think you can get them pulled and they do not grow back...

So far he has never used his tusks on anybody, or even hinted like he would want to. I guess it's one of those things where it just takes one time, but he really is very easy going and approachable. We are all aware of his tusks and how dangerous they can be, but they really do make him more interesting to have them. The only concern is when he panics, he goes straight ahead, and if anything is in his way, he is going through it. We never stand right in front of him, and we never do anything stupid to scare him. So far, common sense and being respectful of his size and strength has worked out well. He is also fenced in, so anybody who wants to see him has to go in there with him and there is always somebody there to make sure the new people act properly. It seems the bigger he gets, the bigger his tusks get, the more people like him.

Eddie

Kyle_in_Tex · Nov 6, 2013

It seems like his eyelids are always almost shut. I wonder if he has a vision problem, might account for running straight ahead when spooked.

Sigarms · Nov 7, 2013

EddieWalker said:
So far, common sense and being respectful of his size and strength has worked out well.

Just remember Eddie, you're in the minority when it comes to the general public having common sense and respect:thumbsup:

EddieWalker · Nov 7, 2013

I've always been told that pigs don't have very good eyesight. His eyes do seem to appear closed, but I think he can see pretty good. He definitely recognizes people, and acts differently towards them. If he sees Karen from a distance, he gets excited because she gives him more apples then anybody else. Same with me, he seems to know who I am and watches me. Even from a good distance.

Eddie

300UGUY · Dec 17, 2013

I was wondering how Oscar was doing. My wife read the thread on Oscar and thought he looked cute!! Of course she says the same about me, so maybe a trip to the eye doctor is in order....

Dutch445 · Dec 17, 2013

Eddie has the new kitten and Oscar become buddies yet????

jimmyj · Dec 18, 2013

EddieWalker said:
He definitely recognizes people, and acts differently towards them. If he sees Karen from a distance, he gets excited because she gives him more apples then anybody else. Same with me, Even from a good distance.

Eddie

You mean you get excited about Karen giving you apples too!

EddieWalker · Dec 18, 2013

Oscar is doing great. He really seems to enjoy his house and has taken to decorating it with grass to create a bit of a nest. Yesterday I noticed some branches in there too!!!! I'll take a picture and post it real soon.

The kitty is staying indoors until we're comfortable that she wont run off. Karen is making the call on that one, so I really don't know when she will meet Oscar. With the colder temps, he is more active then over the summer. When it's raining hard, he stays in his house, but the cold seems to give him energy.

Here is the picture we used for our Christmas cards. I duct taped the Santa hat on him and gave him a big bowl of leftover potato salad. I think that is his new favorite thing to eat. He rolled in it, which is something I've never seen him do with food before. The white on his beard is potato salad.