Shared Space For Piggies

[Rob]

Hi!

I have two pigs (one boar - 9 months - and a sow, who is 4 months) and have reached the end of the quarantine period. They have separate cages and have been in separate rooms but aren't being properly integrated until he has been neutered (still researching best vet), obviously.

My question is: I am considering moving their cages into the same room, which I've read is ok, but they both need space to scamper about in. The boar (Wilbur) has had free domain of the front room since he's lived here - and there is supervision - while the sow (Lottie) has had similar in the spare room but she needs more activity time. So: if they both move into the same room, would they be ok both being let out into the same space (at different times)? They will be kept separate but will it be an issue that they will both occupy the same space, even if at different times?

Thank you for all your help!

PS: If anyone knows of a good small pet vet in Liverpool please let me know!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Your boy and your girl will be OK for using the same roaming space at different times and for interacting through the grids/bars with each other in cages that are pushed next to each other. They will be more accepting of each other when they can finally be safely introduced and much happier for a neighbour until then.

Please be aware that a neutered boar requires a full 6 weeks post neutering op wait before he is 100% safe to go with a sow. I have the surprise present from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post op boar living with me, just to prove this particular point! You also need access to an experienced vet with a good track record in piggy neutering to minimise the risk of post op complications. We have got a piggy savvy vet locator for our UK members on the top bar.

With members from all over the world, we are grateful if you added your country, state (US/Aus) or county/general area (UK) to your details, so we can give the appropriate advice, links and recommendations straight away.

 

[Rob]

Thank you for the reply! That's good to know.

Yeah, the two that came up are ones that I've read about. Will contact them and speak to them about it.

I have updated my profile.

Thanks!

 

[Rob]

I have now booked Wilbur in with one of the recommended vets who were very positive about it. He will go in next week, so obviously it's going to be a couple of months until they can share any time together but I was just wondering...will the excitement wear off for them? Her cage is next to his and now they're both very excited. Is this likely to pass after a few days? Very loud!

 

[Briony_S]

Sounds like she may be on heat. Ive kept 2 sets of neutered boar and sow combos and they do get very humpy and loud during the females heat. Thankfully as they get older and passed the teenage stage bith my boys calmed down and were less humpy.

 

[klee]

I have now booked Wilbur in with one of the recommended vets who were very positive about it. He will go in next week, so obviously it's going to be a couple of months until they can share any time together but I was just wondering...will the excitement wear off for them? Her cage is next to his and now they're both very excited. Is this likely to pass after a few days? Very loud!

My neutered boar has just been bonded with my two girls having been living next door for about 4 weeks ( he was 2 weeks post op when we got him). Was so excited to be living next to the girls and would constantly popcorn and zoom around and bite the bars constantly to get their attention. They have now been together around 5 days and are doing fairly well and starting to calm down now.

Glad you were able to find a vet in your area. I'm from near Liverpool (across ghe water) myself , so if is nice to have a few more of us round this area.