Bossy pig

[dangerman]

Good morning all, hope everyone is ok?

The last couple of days I've seen a change in my pig. They've been with me for nearly two weeks and have been together since birth, both are sows, 17 weeks old.

I have now gotten into a routine where I handle them twice a day and also feed them.

When I put the veggies, hay, pellets etc the one sow (caramac) seems to guard the food from her sister (mocha). They don't bite but I noticed that mocha sprayed her sister with what I assume is urine.

Mocha now has to either wait untill the other is finished or get some food and take it back to her house.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks

 

[Rachel WD]

I don't think you're doing anything wrong, it's probably just normal assertive behaviour. I'd put two piles of food in so Mocha can go to the unguarded pile. I'm currently doing that with my boys veggies as one is a baby and I don't want him getting chased away from the food.

 

[piggyfan]

It is great you are handling them so much. When you have two piggies you need two of everything as one will always try to take charge. Put the food into two piles in different areas so they do not argue over it.

 

[dangerman]

Hey thanks for the kind replies. Didn't realise that I needed two of everything. They have a bed each and that's it really. I will pop out the weekend and get another bowl.

Would you suggest placing it next to the current bowl or at a separate side of the cage?

The pigs don't like being picked up but once theyre on my lap they seem to enjoy a fuss.

 

[*becks*]

Didn't realise that I needed two of everything.

Nor me! I'm in the process now of making a second iglo. Ive not seen any guarding of food yet but then again when I'm around my lil two are in the iglo. Only seem to come out once I'm gone

 

[Rachel WD]

I only have one food bowl which hasn't caused any problems. I split the veggies though. At the moment they have two water bottles but that is only because new pig couldn't find the original one at first. It won't be a permanent feature.