Using enrichment to modify behavior

Rooting is a behavior exhibited by potbellies that is often described as an unwanted behavior done only by pigs that become bored in their environments. This is absolutely untrue and does an incredible disservice to pigs. Rooting is a NORMAL, HEALTHY behavior for pigs. Please do not expect the implementation of an enrichment program to stop your pig from exhibiting this normal behavior. Your pig should always have access to root, and this too can be considered a form of enrichment.

Enrichment CAN however, help stave off UNhealthy behaviors that are not normal and are exhibited by pigs out of boredom in a stale environment. It is important though to realize that the best way to deal with unhealthy behaviors is to PREVENT them from happening in the first place. Begin an enrichment program with your pig as soon as you acquire him or her and BEFORE your pig starts exhibiting unhealthy behaviors. Remember, the goal of enrichment is to enhance the well being of your PIG. Please do not ignore the needs of your pig and wait until your pig has developed unhealthy behaviors before deciding to implement an enrichment program.

Types of enrichment

There are virtually no limits on how many different enrichment items you can come up with. There are a few things to keep in mind when designing and implementing enrichment items. Safety should always be your number one concern when choosing enrichment items. Certain items that I use for my pigs are relatively risk-free and can be left with the pigs unsupervised while I am away at work or elsewhere. Other items may carry larger amount of risk. Some of these items can still be fantastic enrichment for the pigs, but need to be constantly supervised to ensure that the pigs’ safely is not compromised. Pigs can accidentally (or intentionally!) ingest small items and can become tangled in rope or string. Please select enrichment items carefully after fully considering all of the health and safety aspects of each item.

Many of the enrichment concepts used for pigs involve food items. Please be careful with selecting food items for treat dispensing toys. Be sure to only use healthy foods, and be careful not to add too much extra food to your pigs’ diet through enrichment.

Remember that enrichment does NOT have to be complex! Some of the easiest enrichment items are also some of my pigs’ favorites. Also, don’t assume that since you have one type of toy that your pigs won’t benefit from another similar toy. I have many different versions of the treat dispensing rolling toys, and even though they all are basically the same, their size and shape are different, which provides for more variety for the pigs. I would encourage you to be creative with your enrichment program. Remember that the ultimate goal of enrichment is exactly that- enriching the lives of our porcine companions!

Enrichment can be divided into categories based on ease and simplicity of implementation. Below are some of the enrichment concepts that have worked well for my own pigs. This list is in no way conclusive… new enrichment ideas from readers are welcome! The more reader input, the more it will benefit our pigs… If you have any suggestions, modifications or new enrichment items to add to this list, please contact us!

Enrichment I (under 5 minutes) :

Cardboard box
Stuff box with shredded or crumpled newspaper and a few treats (Make sure there are no staples or tape on the box).

Cardboard tubes
Stuff paper towel tubes, wrapping paper tubes or toilet paper tubes with shredded newspaper and a few treats.

Paper grocery bags
Stuff with shredded newspaper or straw; add a few treats. If the bag has handles, it can be hung from a branch.

Browse holder
Stuff a braided rope dog toy with clippings of rose bushes or other favorite edible plants; hang from a branch.