How to introduce a new pig

[Max&Ruby]

I just brought home my 3rd pig at the beginning of the week. I am seeking some advice as I am new to pigs and there is a lot of conflicting information Ive found on the web. Max and Ruby are already together, yes he is fixed. I am wondering how best to introduce them to Reily the new older sow.

With Max and Ruby I put their cages together so they could interact through the bars, and the first day I put them on the bed with a towel handy for about 10 minutes. 30 minutes the next, and 30 minutes for few days after. All they did was hide in their "corners" and sniff at each other. Well Max tried to mount her, but wasn't successful. Then I closed off the kitchen and let run free range for an hour, then the same the next day. I thoroughly cleaned out the big cage and put them together on my day off so I could keep an eye on them. Everything has been just great since.

 

[Max&Ruby]

should I introduce Reily to them one on one, or with both at the same time?

 

[Wiebke]

Give Reily time to settle down for at least a day or two, ideally next to her future mates, so they can get used to each other and are not total strangers when they finally meet. It also helps to keep Reily from overreacting because everything all at once can be just too much.

Stage any intros in a neutral space; I would let them meet all together over a big flat plate of grass or hay. Once you start intros you have to commit to them for as long as they take. Acceptance (or not) tends to happen fairly quickly. If the signs are not good (total disinterest or aggression), I would separate and give them more time next door until you see signs of friendly interaction.

Please be aware that a happy well bonded couple may not necessarily welcome an "intruder". Trios are difficult to get just right without an outsider problem.