Bonding Two New Formerly Single Sows

[Merry2018]

Hello everyone!

I just got two new girls (formerly single pigs) that I want to bond together.

One (Roberta) appears to be 3 months old and is very very skittish. The other (Bea) is 1 year old and quite social and confident.

I’m starting them in separate cages across the room for about a week, but I was wondering if I could bring them closer to each other (still separated) to maybe help Roberta feel a little less alone especially since she’s scared of me as well right now.

Let me know any thoughts or advice

 

[Roselina]

Hello I’ve added the guide on bonding and behaviour for you.
I’ve only ever owned boars and a charity rescue did the bonding for me
I’m sure someone with experience and advice will be along soon but that guide will help you
Good luck

Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes their cages should be right next to each other, particularly as a three month old baby should never be alone.
Being across a room from each other means they cannot interact at all and that won’t be good for either of them but definitely not for the baby.

Being side by side will allow for interaction through the bars but will also help the get to know each other before you bond them.
Do carry out the neutral territory bonding as soon as possible - we would normally recommend a bonding involving a baby is done much sooner than when bonding two adults. You could leave adults side by side for a week or more before bonding but a baby being involved you would want the bonding done after just a couple of days side by side particularly if baby is struggling being alone

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

 

[Merry2018]

Yes their cages should be right next to each other, particularly as a three month old baby should never be alone.
Being across a room from each other means they cannot interact at all and that won’t be good for either of them but definitely not for the baby.

Being side by side will allow for interaction through the bars but will also help the get to know each other before you bond them.
Do carry out the neutral territory bonding as soon as possible - we would normally recommend a bonding involving a baby is done much sooner than when bonding two adults. You could leave adults side by side for a week or more before bonding but a baby being involved you would want the bonding done after just a couple of days side by side particularly if baby is struggling being alone

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours

Ok, I pushed there cages together. Roberta seems already to be much better. Bea doesn’t seem to care haha