Adding new babies

[LMPigs]

Hello

We have, since February, a solo female pig (Caramel, aged 4). We have been trying to find a rescue where we can bind/adopt a friend for her since shortly after she said goodbye to old Mr Toasty without success. Although we would always prefer rescue piggies and that it what we have always done before, we feel Caramel is suffering from having only human company for so long so we have decided to make a purchase from a local person who breeds guineas at home.

There is no option to introduce the pigs or attempt bonding before we purchase as the breeder (understandably) doesn't want our unknown pig interacting with the babies due to health concerns etc.

My thinking is to take two baby girls. They will be just over 6 weeks when we take them and I'm hoping that older sow plus 2 babies has a good chance of working. This seems to be indicated in the forum guides as a potentially successful grouping. I also though that it the bond doesn't work at least we might be able to salvage a pair and then have the odd pig out love alongside of necessary.

The other option would be to take just one baby but that then perhaps puts a lot of pressure on that interaction.

We have space for a pair or a trio having had both in the past, so I'm really just looking for any thoughts on whether the introduction of on or two babies is more likely to lead to long term happiness for the pigs concerned!

Thank you
Hannah

 

[Wiebke]

Hello

We have, since February, a solo female pig (Caramel, aged 4). We have been trying to find a rescue where we can bind/adopt a friend for her since shortly after she said goodbye to old Mr Toasty without success. Although we would always prefer rescue piggies and that it what we have always done before, we feel Caramel is suffering from having only human company for so long so we have decided to make a purchase from a local person who breeds guineas at home.

There is no option to introduce the pigs or attempt bonding before we purchase as the breeder (understandably) doesn't want our unknown pig interacting with the babies due to health concerns etc.

My thinking is to take two baby girls. They will be just over 6 weeks when we take them and I'm hoping that older sow plus 2 babies has a good chance of working. This seems to be indicated in the forum guides as a potentially successful grouping. I also though that it the bond doesn't work at least we might be able to salvage a pair and then have the odd pig out love alongside of necessary.

The other option would be to take just one baby but that then perhaps puts a lot of pressure on that interaction.

We have space for a pair or a trio having had both in the past, so I'm really just looking for any thoughts on whether the introduction of on or two babies is more likely to lead to long term happiness for the pigs concerned!

Thank you
Hannah

Hi

Two young piggies generally works. Please make sure that you double-check the gender with us in our Sexing section before introducing them.

Also please make sure that they haven't been with a boar over 3 weeks of age at the breeder's or there is a risk of a pregnancy. Sows have have their first season usually between 4-6 weeks although the earliest documented sibling pregnancy is 24 days. Dads will also mate with their daughters.

Make sure that you only have huts and tunnels with 2 exits so no baby can be 'locked in' or comprehensively chucked out of a prime location or just on principle. Dominance with babies is generally very vocal dramatic but short. If necessary, please remember that babies are far to agile to be hurt although you wouldn't think so the way they carry on!

We recommend to introduce any youngsters under 4 months as soon as possible since the need to belong to a group is overwhelming and outweighs a quarantine. If necessary, you will have to treat all three together.

Here is our comprehensive and step by step bonding guide: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

Our sow guide also touches on typical sow dominance behaviours in newly bonded pairs and groups: Sows: Behaviour and Female Health Problems (including mounting and ovarian cysts)

All the best!