Just picked up my rescue pigs

[MsPepsi]

They are two boars who are two. Been in rescue since a few months old. One has a head tilt, which was the result of an infection when he came in to rescue.

They have names I'd quite like to change, would this be recommended since they are 2?

Also they were washed before I collected them, but they really pong. How soon can I bathe them?

Anything else I should know?

[JiltedJohnsJulie]

Our last piggy was a rescue, named fuzzles. We chained it with no problem. Can't advise on bathing though sorry.

[CocoaBeans]

We changed the names of our two rescue pigs and washed them quite soon.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

First congratulations on your new piggies and for taking on two adult long termers, especially one with obvious head tilt problems.

It is more known in rabbits - did they tell you what had caused your pigs tilt?
Was the piggie injured at all ( possibly prior to coming to Rescue? Fall or similar?)

He would've been vet checked before you got him (hopefully) might be an idea to get the name of the vet in case you have any ongoing checks or issues?

Keep a check on his ears and teeth (difficult to se them but the vet can put a retractor or a light scope in the mouth to see). Ears ,eyes and teeth are often inter related WRT problems.

washing them - yes, give them a chance to settle down, then order some Gorgeous Guineas Shampoo. They have treatment, conditioning and "Just for Boars" .
If your boys have been mite treated (drops on neck) you need to wait a few days anyway.

Names- mine are all Rescue. Only GP4 and GP5 had names (which we changed) GP1 GP2 GP3 GP6 all answered to the food being dished up, so yes, give them your choice.


Anything else - Boars need lots of space, lots of hiding spaces (for 2 pigs give 3 'housies' and cut two doors so they can't trap each other )
Space the food bowls apart a bit so they don;t squabble,

My DD missed her Lardy Boars so three weeks ago we collected a neutered boar who we aim to bond with the sows next week. Boar hugs are

[MsPepsi]

70, the previous owner noticed a tilt, took to vet who I don't think knew what do, medicine didn't help so they were taken to rescue. Rescue centre increased dosage of baytril (?) for 8 weeks and has improved and has been ok, but theres a tilt still there but when he came it was 'dragged' across hay, so has been improved since.

In their hutch there's a large dome igluu in bedroom and then tunnels, along with a litter tray with loads of hay.

The one with the tilt is extremely shy and hasn't come out much, but the monster boar has!

The centre said they are very tidy boys, so watch this space.

[MsPepsi]

They are both black and called reggie and roly. I'm considering changing roly to Ronnie after the Krays, but seeing as they are for my daughter (I tell myself that but they are really my babies!) don't know if I need something more child appropriate?

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

I love Ronnie and Reggie (I live in Essex so not a million miles from their patch)

Maybe Reggae and Marley if you fancy a musical theme?

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

boars are tidy, it's the sows that are middens

[fortifiedwithtea]

Its fine to change a guinea pig's name, just hold food in your hand and repeat new name. They'll associate new name with food and come running to you soon enough.

Gorgeous Guinea is specially formulated for piggies but I've never bothered buying it. A small drop of Johnsons baby bath has been good enough to make my lot smell nice. Be prepared with plenty of towels for you and pig. Bathing piggy is a marmite experience. Some love a soak (Old Boy RIP), others look shocked at you like how could you be so cruel (Millie took days to forgive the last bath).