Bonding two pairs

[FernEden]

Hello everyone!

I'm looking at adding two little girls into my cage with our 14 month old sow and neutered boar. The new little girls would be 3 months old and I thought that because Archie can be quite a brute that two younger girlies would fit in better as they wouldn't challenge his dominance? I was just wondering how to go about bonding two pairs, is it the same drill as usual - two weeks quarantine and then all piggies in a neutral territory together? Bonding piggies together stresses me out and I want this little herd to work out so much so I want to do things as well as I can for them. Any insider tips would also be appreciated!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone!

I'm looking at adding two little girls into my cage with our 14 month old sow and neutered boar. The new little girls would be 3 months old and I thought that because Archie can be quite a brute that two younger girlies would fit in better as they wouldn't challenge his dominance? I was just wondering how to go about bonding two pairs, is it the same drill as usual - two weeks quarantine and then all piggies in a neutral territory together? Bonding piggies together stresses me out and I want this little herd to work out so much so I want to do things as well as I can for them. Any insider tips would also be appreciated!

Hi! Please have a read of our bonding guide. It has also got a section on groups and one of the scenarios used as an example is from a group bonding. You can keep the two pairs next to each other in a divided bonding pen overnight after the quarantine (unless you have adopted from a rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care). At that age, there shouldn't be a major problem as the babies are still happy for guidance and your existing sow will gain massively in status being top lady of a whole group. Have a could of small tunnels that your adults can get into if necessary and keep in mind that your babies are at their most vocal and dramatic at that age.
I would strongly recommend to leave off any hideys until things have settled down after a couple of days and then only have hideys with two exits. Make sure that you conduct the bonding either on the lawn or somewhere wipeable with open windows, as it is going to a testosterone-laden pee fest from all parties!

Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
When Sows Experience A Strong Season (videos)