Poppy Is A Bit Low At The Bottom Of The Herd

[piggyme234]

My eldest Poppy has been at all levels of the pecking order in her nearly seven years. I adopted her and Daisy when she was about 5 months and Daisy was a baby. She was so protective of Daisy and soon took over from Rosie as top pig, Rosie was just so laid back she wasn't bothered. When we lost Rosie aged 5 and adopted Annabelle who was 3, Annabelle took Rosie's place in the middle. When we lost Daisy, Poppy had nobody to protect any more and let Annabelle take over. There were no squabbles and Poppy really came out of her shell, it was like a weight had been lifted off her. Then we got young mum and daughter Tabitha and Francesca. Tabby and Poppy had an understanding, Annabelle was above, Francesca was below and they just accepted each other in the middle. When we lost Annabelle, Tabby took over command and then when we suddenly lost Tabby last year, Francesca pushed her way to the top. Poppy is now below Francesca and new mum and daughter Louisa and Jemima, right at the bottom of the herd. She does get special cuddles and treats but I am starting to wonder if she wouldn't prefer having a quieter life with just one new friend.
As I was writing about my herd dynamics in another thread I started to think that perhaps Poppy would be happier if I removed her from the herd. Louisa and Jemima did used to bully her, that has stopped now but she isn't as happy as she was. I know that could be due to her age but she was OK until we lost Tabby in October.
If I did decide to get her a new friend and make another herd the question then becomes should I get her a baby to look after or an older quiet lady after a similar lifestyle. I have heard plenty of stories of old or ill piggies who really bounce back when introduced to a baby, it gives them something to focus on. If the baby thought of Poppy as mum then she would be used to being at the bottom of the pecking order and therefore easier to introduce into another herd when Poppy is no longer here. On the other hand a baby might be too much for Poppy and it might stress her feeling like she has to look after it. If I got her an older quiet lady then Poppy would have a nice quiet retirement with someone of a similar age. The problem then is what to do when there is only one left, do I get another elderly one and forever have a retirement herd?
It would be good to hear everyone else's ideas on this. Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

I have gone down the road of an elderlies group for my own "pensioners" that have struggled in the Tribe; since I have lost my two fittest very unexptedly within 3 weeks of each other at the beginning of the year, I am very glad I did. They have their own neutered boar. For over a year, it was a widowed 5 year neutered boar from BARC in Barnsley, who was looking for new company. Alternatively, you may want to look out for a gentle neutered boar, even if it means a bit of trip.

 

[piggyme234]

Poppy really didn't like the neutered boar she met once. Maybe I will look for a nice older girl for her. Thanks

 

[VickiA]

It's a question of personalities. She may love a different neutered boar if they get on. I have a very laid back gentle neutered boar who is a real sweetie and lives happily with my older and very set in her ways sow.