Babies

fmendonca · #1 10-20-04, 07:23 pm

Hi everybody. How long should the babies stay with their mom? I'm about to adopt two that are 4 weeks old. Should I wait a little bit more?

**cinn&sprinslave** · #2 10-20-04, 07:34 pm

No, babies are ready to leave their mom at 3 weeks of age. Females can stay with their mom a bit longer but males should be separated from their mom and sisters as soon as they are 3 weeks old.

**Treen** · #3 10-21-04, 03:36 am

Although physical separation of the sexes is recommended at 3-4 weeks, many people keep the separated bubs close by to mum for another few weeks and rehome at about 6 weeks. This just gives the babies a little more stability and reassurance until they're a bit older. This is especially important if the pigs are going to solo homes (which hopefully they won't be). But provided you have two, then I wouldn't worry too much about getting them at 4 weeks - they have each other and that's what's most important.

**AngelsCavies** · #4 10-21-04, 03:46 pm

When my Muffy had her litter of three. She had 2 girls and one boy. I left the boy in with his mommy until he was 2 months old and he did not mature until then. My hubby and I had a heck of a time trying to see what sex he was and finally just 3 weeks ago we were able to tell better.

**mncavylover** · #5 10-21-04, 03:59 pm

That's ok, but it may have gotten your sow pregnant again if it was left in there for that long. I don't mean any offense, of course, you're just pretty lucky if it was fine for that long! Thanks also for the clarification, Treen!

**AngelsCavies** · #6 10-21-04, 04:02 pm

actually none of em got pregnant at all. Im greatful for that. I WILL NOT breed them. I rather adopt them first.

**mncavylover** · #7 10-21-04, 04:10 pm

That's great! I'm glad you'll adopt. As I recall, you were breeding at first, correct? Sorry if I made a mistake. Whether you were or not, you aren't now, so that's totally awesome! I didn't mean to say that you did it intentionally or anything, just warning people reading about the risks.

fmendonca · #8 10-29-04, 11:24 am

Hi everybody

I brought my babies home today. I put them in their cage (2x3) and they don't want to leave the pigloo. What can I do? I tried to hand-feed them so they would start getting used to me, but they run. And the sound they make, according to mgpr.org is STAY AWAY.

How can I help them in this process of adapting to the cage and me?

**AngelsCavies** · #9 10-29-04, 03:05 pm

no I never bred my piggies at all. We adoped them all.

**mncavylover** · #10 10-30-04, 03:35 pm

Ok, sorry for the mistake!

fmendonca, just give them time. That's all they need. Good luck!

**Treen** · #11 11-01-04, 05:03 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmendonca

How can I help them in this process of adapting to the cage and me?

Just leave them to settle in for a while - it takes a few days for them to start to get to know all the smells and sounds associated with your home, and begin to relax. After this time, start gentle handling, bribing them with little veggie treats as you go. It helps to have their cage in a high traffic area of the house too, so they get used to the fact that noise doesn't mean danger. Having the cage up on a table at waist height is good too as you look less 'big and scary'!

They'll venture out of their pigloo when they're ready - just give them time to learn to trust you. Some people remove the hiding places so they're forced in to interaction, but I think it's far kinder and more rewarding to earn their trust. Just remember everything is pretty overwhelming for them right now and be patient - they'll soon find their feet!

fmendonca · #12 11-01-04, 02:14 pm

I took them to the vet today. She said everything is OK.

I wil give them all the necessary time. And I'll give you guys posted.

**mncavylover** · #13 11-01-04, 07:20 pm

That's great news! Thanks!

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