Cheering up 'Dad' whilst separated from 'Mum'

[SausageandBeast]

My sow gave birth to 3 gorgeous piggies last Thursday. Dad was neutered last Tuesday and we have kept him separately in an adjoining room since (I realise he can still be fertile for a couple of weeks and also to give mum space with the babies).

He seems depressed and isn't really eating, just sitting in the corner. If he hears mum and the babies, he starts calling out bless him. Is there anything I can do to cheer him up? Do you think putting his hutch right next to theirs will be better or make him more frustrated?

I am getting the piglets sexed on Friday and I guess once they're weaned (2-3 weeks?) I can put any little boars in with him?


Thanks!

 

[Connie]

Please be aware that to be 100% safe he needs to be kept appart from mom for 6 weeks after the opperation (I know thats a long time, but we have a very nice lady on here than has a baby as a result of 5 and a half weeks post neuter boy being in the run with her female for a few hours)

Male babies need to be removed from mom at 3 weeks old (they really do become fertile that young) and yes, you could introduce a male to dad. If you are planning to keep the babies, its probably best to only introduce one male friend to dad and keep them as a pair, however as you have had the dad neutered I guess you are wanting to put him back in with mom and either rehome the male babies or house them seperatly? If so, there is no reason you couldnt put all of the male babies in with dad untill he goes in with mom at 6 weeks.

For now, you can choose to move him beside the others. This may or may not be better for him, it really depends on the piggy in question. Some piggies will become too frustrated with the female near, others will love the company. You have to decide on that one Either way, popping a teddy bear in for him is a good idea (a baby safe one, with no eyes that can be easily chewed off etc)

 

[Shellza]

I would probably try him next to mum and babies. He will probably be happier, but may get frustrated and start chewing the bars of the cage which is the only problem.

 

[Wiebke]

Please be aware that a boar after two weeks is just over 50% safe, which is not worth spending all the money for! Unfortunately, if you want to be 100% safe, you have to wait the whole 6 weeks.

However, you can put any baby boars with daddy when you separate them at 3 weeks old/250g of wait. Especially if you want to any baby boars go to other homes, they need to bulk up until they are 6 weeks/400. By that age, they are much sturdier and much less likely to fall prey to a stress induced illness in their new home. That bridges the waiting gap rather nicely. depending on how many male babies you have and how well daddy is getting on with them, you can leave the boys together or introduce daddy to mummy and any daughters.

If you wish, you can post pictures the baby privates in our pregnancy section so our experienced "midwives" can help you with the sexing; the clearer the picture the better.

Here is a guide for baby care (part 3) with further sexing links.
http://wheekers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=library&action=display&thread=7303