Bereavement

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Grandad

I've had my granddaughters two boars living with me since they were a couple of months old and they are now just turned 3. They are Sooty - a self Black and Sweep - a pink-eyed self white. The names were my granddaughter's choice! They live in my living room along with Jack, my Westie. Unfortunately we lost Sooty in the summer. He had suffered an anal prolapse at a very young age and, against my Vet's wishes, I spent a lot of time keeping him clean and tidy but in the end, he just seemed to give-up on us.
Sweep had always been the dominant pig - he's a real character and let's you know just how he's feeling! Any unwanted stroking is dealt with by a toss of the head or a whole body wriggle as much as to say 'get off!' I can't say that I think he's missed Sooty vey much and is, I think, more than happy to have all the food and attention to himself.
I have thought about getting another boar of about the same age to keep him company, but as I said, I'm not sure that he needs it. Would I be able to tell if he is missing his mate? and if he isn't, can pigs live happily on their own - with a fair amount of handling and my Westie's nose through the bars for company?
 
Hi welcome to the forum :)

Yes I believe some pigs are quite happy on their own, a few people here have single boys who are happiest that way, how you can tell if he is unhappy being on his own i'm not sure but there are lots of people on the forum who will be able to tell you.

If you did get another boar though you would be better getting a baby as he would accept him easier. the head butting reminds me of my boy Piggie (my sons choice of name!) he's definately a pig with attitude!

Bev x x
 
Hello and welcome to our forum.

I'm sorry you lost your little Sooty. I know how unbearable the pain can be. x
 
Hi and welcome :)

Sorry about little Sooty :'(

What a lovely person you are to look after your granddaughters piggies. Our Duke is by himself it's taken him quite awhile to get over the loss of his mate Sully, keep an eye on Sweep and i'm sure Westie will help to comfort him too.
Good luck keep us all posted.
 
It is hard to tell sometimes if they are lonely or not. My 41/2 year old has had two mates in the past (lost them both) and I really couldnt make up my mind if he was lonely or not. He hung around the other cages talking to the others through the bars, but when I got him a baby as a friend he seemed really fed up with it following him and jumping over him! So I tried him with another baby and he was actually terrified of it! So I think although he likes to say "hello" through the bars he really prefers to be alone, maybe he's had enough of "whippersnappers"! But its a tricky one if there aren't obvious signs of loneliness like not eating etc.
 
Hi there welcome to the forum!

So sorry about Sooty :(

I've had boars on their own in the past and they have seemed fine. Tufty, my old boar used to love being on his own cause I think that meant he got all the grass and yums that came thru his door! I think as long as they get lots of cuddles and love and attention, they're fine.

Trace x
 
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