Healthy pig not happy since piggy spayed.

[rufcjoe87]

I have 2 girl piggies, Luna ans Iris. 3 years old lived together since we got them 3 years ago.

IRIS recently had ovarian cysts and was spayed and is recovering well. However since she got back luna doesn't seem happy. She's very curious and keeps following iris round, they are both wheeking loudly, occasionally chattering and rumble strutting. Luna keeps poking her nose into iris' bed and when iris does come out luna seems not to be happy. No actual fighting apart from a few warning kicks and the odd quick chase.

What is causing this behaviour change?
Do I need to do anything before it escalates or is it one of those where I need to let them sort it

I just don't want iris recovery to be hampered by this

They are getting a brand new cage tomorrow so hoping that helps but any suggestions, or putting my mind at ease... Would help.

Thank you!

 

[Piggies&buns]

She will know her friend is under the weather and is likely reacting to that.
When was the spay?
Who is the dominant piggy in the pair?
Do all your hides have two exits?

When you move them to their new cage, ensure you used soiled bedding in the new cage (don’t put anything in fresh). This is to ensure they still recognise it as their own space. If they go into new unscented territory then they can go into a period of reestablishing their relationship (additional dominance) and Iris won’t need that stress.

 

[rufcjoe87]

Hi

Thank you for your reply

Spay was yesterday, Iris came back yesterday evening

I think iris was perhaps the dominant pig, her behaviour was certainly more aggressive but this could have been due to the cysts.

I'm just wary of leaving them together. They don't seem to actually fight but I don't want to stress iris in her recovery.

Thank you for the advice re new cage and old bedding also

 

[Piggies&buns]

Its also likely that she smells very different at the moment so that may be unsettling Luna .
Companionship is important and you will want to keep them together (there’s always a risk with medically separated piggies that they may not be happy to be reintroduced).
This guide may also help

Tips For Post-operative Care

 

[rufcjoe87]

Thank you.

We had them our for cuddle time last night and they were fine. Iris snuggled into luna ans luna let her. Its only in the cage they seem to have issues. Nothing major like j say it seems luna seems curious and iris wants to be left alone. Is it something that will eventually sort itself out. I ideally want to allow them to be together but obviously don't want iris stressing, or luna of course.