Question about my pbp's Nudging...

[Project7Studios]

I recently purchased a pbp and he is slowly growing into my home. Potty training is becoming quite an irritating adventure, but what seems to be odd for me though is his incessant nudging with his nose.

I had figured that it was merely something in my blue jeans that he was trying to get to, but a change of clothing and the nose nudging continues. Ive read around to find a reason for this odd behavior and havent found much for an answer.

Does anyone know why they nudge and more importantly even with constant discipline against his nudging, why he continues to do it?

Thanks for any help!

[thorngirl]

Hello... what your piggy is doing is called "rooting" it's in his nature to do so and there's no stopping it. Our pigs root anything and everything. Let him outside and he'll have a root fest in the yard, just make sure it's an area you want "plowed". One good thing is that if you want a back rub, he'd be great.

[gwildlifeguy05]

Firstly, the greatest problem would be with the housebreaking...if you haven't already, PLEASE have your pig spayed or neutered...not only will it help with the housebreaking, but it will allow your pig to live a long, healthy life.

You will want to start confining it to a smaller area...bathroom, single bedroom, gated kitchen, etc, depending on the age and size of the pig. Decide whether you want the pig to go outdoors for potty or to use a litterbox indoors. You will want to use a large litterbox...we have used large plastic cement mixing tubs (home depot) and cut down the front so it is only 2 inches tall in the front, for easy access. Line with newspaper and put some poop inside, and your pig will get the idea what it is for.

As far as the nudging, rooting is a very natural behavior. Is your pig trying to get into your lap and be comfy? Is your pig bored? Do you let him/her outside for grazing, rooting and exercise? A pig that doesn't get outside for some free time often becomes a cranky pig. A pig that doesn't have his mind stimulated with toys, training, a change of scenery or is overly fed and spoiled, becomes a REALLY cranky pig.

Greg