Advice Please: Introducing A Maybe-blind Pig To Herd

[catslovelycats]

I have a herd of guinea pigs - one of whom I think is blind. I've been asked by my local RSPCA if I can take another one. An elderly pig who's very underfed and thin and possibly blind.

Any advice on how to introduce her to the herd if I decide to say yes?

When I introduced the pig that I now think is blind it was a bit traumatic and she had a fight with one of my pigs. With hindsight I think it was because she bumped into her and they were both shocked. They are now best buddies, ironically! My blind pig took a long time to settle and spent most of her time in a cuddle pouch. Again, with hindsight, her being blind would explain this.

If I take on another pig who may be blind, is there anything I could do to make the settling in process easier for her? She's elderly as well and I don't know how strong she is. I'm wondering whether to introduce her to just 1 or pigs in a large cage before putting her in the shed with them all (7 in total and they have free range of the floor). Or would the changes freak her out more?

If anyone has any thoughts, I'd be very grateful to hear them.

Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

Introducing blind piggies can be difficult. It took me a good month with my two cataract sows Tegyd and Mali each, who arrived a couple of years apart; both had an aggression problem (ironically, they are now best mates...).

Tegyd simply went on overload with a big group, especially when she felt boxed in, but she became fast friends with my other cataract sow Taffy, so I separated them and found them a very gently, timid husboar of their own choice. Once Tegyd was settled, she didn't have a problem with having more (under)sows added to her group.

Mali was mostly fear-aggressive, and it was largely thanks to gentle Terfel's diplomatic abilities that her bonding with the cataract group worked out even though it wasn't for the faint-hearted!

I think the first rule is - take your time and the second is - take your cues from the the old lady! No two bondings are the same, and this one you have to very much play by ear. See how she reacts to other piggies nearby or when in physical contact in a neutral space. Bonding her with a gentle, supportive companion she gels with first may be the best way forward, especially if you want to feed her up, too! Be aware that she will feel very vulnerable in new surroundings, so give her plenty of time to get her bearings - even in any introduction space. That should hopefully help to keep any fear-aggression low.