Quick question

[metalhead]

Hi, to those of you who are experienced pig bonders, would i be ok to take my new Pig Buddy out of the cage for a few mins, i have had him now for 4 days and i just want to check him over quickly and weigh him so i can keep track of his health, will it affect the bonding process by taking him out and putting him back again? Sorry if its a stupid question but this is my first time bonding! x

 

[weepweeps]

Hi. It’s not a stupid question at all. If you are not worried about buddy’s weight then I’d leave it a few more days. Just while they are still settling in together. But obviously if you are worried about something then you’d have to do it.

 

[metalhead]

No, I'm not worried and that is what i was thinking too, but not having done this before i thought i should ask those who have! thanks x

 

[weepweeps]

How are they doing together?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I agree in that if you aren’t concerned, then I’d wait until Smokey Joe’s next weigh day and then just do them both. Make sure you do everting for Smokey Joe first (if I am remembering correctly that he is the dominant) as it’s good practice for you to respect their hierarchy also

 

[metalhead]

I agree in that if you aren’t concerned, then I’d wait until Smokey Joe’s next weigh day and then just do them both. Make sure you do everting for Smokey Joe first (if I am remembering correctly that he is the dominant) as it’s good practice for you to respect their hierarchy also

Thanks, yes, he is having no messing this time, he and Gizmo, being brothers never really 100% decided who was top pig! They had the odd rumble session every now and then but this time Smokey Joe has put his paw down! Thank you, that is not something i would have thought of, so will do Smokey First, he is due a weigh on 25th, so will leave them both till then x

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, to those of you who are experienced pig bonders, would i be ok to take my new Pig Buddy out of the cage for a few mins, i have had him now for 4 days and i just want to check him over quickly and weigh him so i can keep track of his health, will it affect the bonding process by taking him out and putting him back again? Sorry if its a stupid question but this is my first time bonding! x

Hi

If your two boys are getting on well, then there is no problem. By now they are well into the fine print of their relationship.

What I would recommend is to take either both out together and give them a check over together, so the newbie learns that this is normal (do it with some veg treats and plenty of praise for both piggies) or take the more dominant out first and then the under-boy so you are respecting their bond and their hierarchy.
In piggy society, the top pig has first dibs at everything - even the less fun parts. This doesn't matter if dominance is not an issue and you do not know who is boss but matters a real lot with an insecure/overly dominant and jealous piggy where not observing the hierarchy and ignoring the status can cause a minor diplomatic crisis with their mate.