Re-introducing And Concerning Pig Noises

[Y2Craig]

Hi,

So, after Dean's operation (now almost fully healed), I had him separated from his cage mate, Seth for a few days. I've been reintroducing them gradually and they were getting on fine in the neutral area so I've now put them back in together (no hiding places but with a cover over one side of the cage).

They seem to be getting on fine with very little dominance behaviour so far. However, Seth was making what sounded like submission squeaking fairly constantly for a couple of hours, is this normal or something to worry about?

My other query is that the vet suggested keeping them separate when we're out of the flat during the reintroduction period. Is this a good idea? I'm in two minds since I would rather not leave them with nobody keeping an eye on them but I'm also not wanting to undo any bonding that could be taking place.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated, this is making me more anxious than the operation!

Thanks

Craig

 

[Y2Craig]

I should add that I talked to Seth for a bit and it seems to have calmed him down for the moment, pretty sure Dean was sleeping and Seth had still been making noise!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

So, after Dean's operation (now almost fully healed), I had him separated from his cage mate, Seth for a few days. I've been reintroducing them gradually and they were getting on fine in the neutral area so I've now put them back in together (no hiding places but with a cover over one side of the cage).

They seem to be getting on fine with very little dominance behaviour so far. However, Seth was making what sounded like submission squeaking fairly constantly for a couple of hours, is this normal or something to worry about?

My other query is that the vet suggested keeping them separate when we're out of the flat during the reintroduction period. Is this a good idea? I'm in two minds since I would rather not leave them with nobody keeping an eye on them but I'm also not wanting to undo any bonding that could be taking place.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated, this is making me more anxious than the operation!

Thanks

Craig

Submission squeaking is not a bad sign. It should settle down.

Please do NOT separate boars during or after bonding/re-bonding. It means that they have to start right back in square one when they meet again - and you can imagine how frustrating and disruptive this is for them, and for you!

Please take the time to carefully read this guide here; you will find it very helpful: Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[Y2Craig]

Thanks, unfortunately I did seperate them while I'm at work but will start again tonight and see it through (I'll be in most of the weekend so that's not a problem).

 

[Y2Craig]

Just a quick update. The pigs have been back together for almost a day now and are acting pretty much like before they seperated. Little bit of rumbling from Dean and Seth giving in quickly. There doesn't seem to be any bullying, food snatching or even teeth chattering.

Long may it last!

 

[Y2Craig]

I'm currently going with a sheet over one side of the cage rather than the normal shelf to let them get space quickly of they need to. Thinking I'll leave it like that for a few days until I know they've settled.