Hi, We have an 8 yr. old pot-belly pig. She used to be very sweet, but lately Tootsie is just all around grumpy. It seems like anything sets her off; walking past her pen door, chickens crowing and clucking loudly, etc. Dad says pigs get that way with old age. Can anything be done? It's getting frustrating tip-toeing around her temper never know from one minute to the next what her mood will be. any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks. Bye for now. Indiana Gardener

-- Indiana Gardener (greenthumbs777@yahoo.com), March 25, 2001

Answers

Get her another pig for company.Maybe she is lonely.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), March 25, 2001.

sausage??

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), March 26, 2001.

I was thinking a shot gun , sorry .First I would have a vet check to make sure nothing is wrong .She may have some pain and that could make anyone grumpy .Also they tend to get very over weight , I hope she is not .It may be winter , I"m grumpy and cannot wait for Mother Nature to read the calander.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), March 26, 2001.

I have one too,check her feet are they long? if walking is painful i am sure she would be moody. When was the last time they were trimmed? also her teeth some times the tusks grow long and need to be trimmed. good luck.

-- renee oneill{md.} (oneillsr@home.com), March 26, 2001.

Boredom? Maybe she needs more times with her humans :^)

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 26, 2001.

I know you said she's always been sweet, but typically these piggies tend toward nastiness anyway. Grumpy is the normal state for them.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), March 26, 2001.

Hi, At this point I'm not sure but what she probably wouldn't nearly kill another pig. She's not over weight. The lady we got her from 7 yrs. ago (for free) raised show quality pigs and she told us about the feeding. So, there's not enough to her for sausage. She can run quite well. She nearly out ran my brother when she chased him through the lot. I suppose it could be winter since she loves to be outside, but doesn't care for snow. She's quite active and has always done a superb job of keeping her tiny hooves in shape. We should check her teeth though. That is, if she'll let us. We haven't looked there yet. I go out to see her quite a bit. She used to enjoy head and back rubs. She only had a few tummy rubs when we first got her, but that stoped when we found out that it would make her think she was in charge. Thanks every one for replying. I'll ask Dad about checking her teeth. Probably nearly impossible though without anesthetic. I've heard that's sometimes risky on small animals. Bye for now. Indiana Gardener

-- Indiana Gardener (greenthumbs777@yahoo.com), March 26, 2001.

Arthritis?

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), March 26, 2001.

I have known many grumpy pot-bellied pigs, and feel many "attitude" problems are health-related. Joint problems are very common in older and overweight pigs. Glucosamine/chondroitin (i.e., Cosequin for dogs or horses) can dramatically improve joint problems in pot- bellied pigs. Less pain means less grumpiness. However, it sounds like your pig is in really good shape. Perhaps your vet can help.

-- Sandy (scwilson@mindspring.com), March 28, 2001.

I mentioned boredom in a previous post. Critters need a job to do. Here's some folks I know. Their pigs aren't grumpy. They perform all over the country. In fact, the pigs are their only income. These pigs are really 'hams' in front of an audience!

http://www.valentinesperformingpigs.com

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 30, 2001.

Wow, Rogo! That is quite a site! Thanks for posting it. Sandy

-- Sandy in MN (jpevans_56353@yahoo.com), March 30, 2001.

== I think boredom may have been at least part of her problem. Since the weather has been nicer and she has been able to be outside more she has been a little nicer. She really likes to sun bathe, and for so long there was no sun. When there was sun, there was snow, which she's not too fond of.

Thanks for telling me about that cool site. Can I teach an old pig new tricks? If so, it may be worth a try. She would probably like it. She likes attention, but usually on her terms. She's very independent. ==

I've tamed/trained/turned around a lot of critters, both domestic and exotic, and I haven't found that age matters. So yes, an older pig CAN learn new tricks! :^) Should be fun for both of you! I only have to show my Hampshire hog something once or twice and he has it down pat.

-- ~Rogo (rogo2020@yahoo.com), March 30, 2001.