Silk Is Sad.

[Pigwhisperer]

Instead of being snuggled in hay in the bedroom I always find Silk hunched in the furthest corner of the hutch now, as though she's hiding from previously-docile Clover.

When I pick her up she hides her face in my clothes like she's ashamed of having moved down the pecking order.

This has only happened in the last few days. They started squabbling since being in a smaller hutch (single storey 4ft) in the garage due to the freezing weather - normally they have a 2 storey 6ft hutch outdoors to roam in, with lots of tunnels and hideys.

So should I separate them? Will they go back to normal when they can go back to the bigger hutch? They are about 18 months old and have always been together.

 

[Pigwhisperer]

Anyone?

 

[Betsy]

I'm sure somebody will be along soon to help you. I've got no experience of this situation so can't advise.

 

[Hoppity.K]

I’m sorry I’m not experienced with this either & I've just seen this thread. But here’s sending hugs to Silk. Xx

 

[Swissgreys]

Unless the girls are clearly fighting, then chances are there is something in the new environment (or possibly just the move itself) which has upset Silk.
She may be feeling insecure or anxious in a new hutch, surrounded by different sounds and smells.
Combined with a reduction in space, this might all just be a bit overwhelming for Silk.
It is unlikely she is putting her head into your jacket because she feels ashamed - that is just projecting our own human interpretation of emotions onto an animals.
It is more likely to be related to fear or anxiety.

Is there any chance you could somehow attach a run or playpen to the hutch, so the girls have a bit more space?
It is good they are inside, but is there lots of natural light and fresh air in the garage?
Is the new hutch filled with things they are familiar with (hides, etc)?
Are there 2 of everything (hides, food bowls etc)?

Basically if they are not obviously fighting with each other then I wouldn't separate them.
This may break the bond and make it impossible to put them back together when they return to their regular set up.
Plus if the weather is bad they have each other for warmth if needed.
A small amount of squabbling in a new territory is fairly normal.
I am sure in a few days they will settle down and be fine.

 

[Pigwhisperer]

Unless the girls are clearly fighting, then chances are there is something in the new environment (or possibly just the move itself) which has upset Silk.
She may be feeling insecure or anxious in a new hutch, surrounded by different sounds and smells.
Combined with a reduction in space, this might all just be a bit overwhelming for Silk.
It is unlikely she is putting her head into your jacket because she feels ashamed - that is just projecting our own human interpretation of emotions onto an animals.
It is more likely to be related to fear or anxiety.

Is there any chance you could somehow attach a run or playpen to the hutch, so the girls have a bit more space?
It is good they are inside, but is there lots of natural light and fresh air in the garage?
Is the new hutch filled with things they are familiar with (hides, etc)?
Are there 2 of everything (hides, food bowls etc)?

Basically if they are not obviously fighting with each other then I wouldn't separate them.
This may break the bond and make it impossible to put them back together when they return to their regular set up.
Plus if the weather is bad they have each other for warmth if needed.
A small amount of squabbling in a new territory is fairly normal.
I am sure in a few days they will settle down and be fine.

I think they have been fighting, not major but in terms of dominance. There's been a lot of squeaking and one time I saw Clover getting between Silk & the hay and nipping if she approached. Seems like Clover's taken over as top pig and possibly bullying so providing 2 of everything sounds like a good idea, I had already started making sure Silk had her own pile of hay.