On His Own/bonding

[Choy Andrews]

Hi Everyone

Complete newbie but learning.

We have taken Jerry who was bought as a birthday present to my granddaughter two years ago and was told by a well known shop that it was ok for Jerry to be his own. About six month ago they moved him from living room to a room on his own as my daughter in law had allergy from the hay and they have another child. A month ago we babysat him while they were on holiday and when my son came back he told us what was going plus my granddaughter showed hardly any interest in him so we decided to have him. We did a bit of research found he needed another pal. Went to a rehouse charity who thought a 6 month old boat name Tim would be the one did play date for about 30mins but since Saturday we have to divide them up. Basically they lunged at each other but no blood was drawn as we stopped it immediately.

Jerry is quiet, happy with us, does not play with toys just happy to eat and run around and sleep.

Tim makes alot of noise, rumblestruts when he is near Jerry, skittish which we understand as he only been us less than a week.

I have spoken the the rehouse charity who said to bring back Tim ASAP which I can't until Saturday as they are one hour drive.

I don't think they have another pal for Jerry and I am worried for him.

One - He has been on his own for such a long time
Two - Would he withdraw once he sense Tim is gone.

I do not know what to do for the best whether to look for another pal for Jerry or keep Tim but have them divided which I don't want to do.

Please advice many thanks

 

[DM030819]

Bonding can be stressful. Pigs live in a hierarchy, and in a pair one will be the alpha pig. That's what they were trying to work out when they lunged.

You have to be strong and let them be, and only separate when blood is drawn. It sounds cruel but that's what would happen in nature.

If you're not comfortable doing that then you can return Tim and wait for another pig to be avaliable. Some bonds happen a lot smoother than others.

 

[Choy Andrews]

Hi Jaycey

Thank you for replying. I will speak to my son and let you know what happens next. Hopefully it will be a happy ending.

Many thanks

 

[Guinea Mum]

I wouldn't keep him alone as you have realised. If bonding isn't going well right now, they could live next to each other for company, many piggies live happily like that. It's not ideal space wise, but bonding is indeed stressful and it could be another solution if you don't want to wait for another pig to become available.

I don't think Jerry would withdraw if Tim left, but he does need a friend.

 

[artcasper]

Good Luck!