Should I add a third ?

Remax

Remax

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Hi guys ! So I have my lovely girls who are sisters that I got at 9 weeks and are now 18 weeks old . I love them dearly and so far doing great (fingers crossed ) I hadn’t planned on getting more but when I went to pick up my dogs meds from the vets the receptionist asked how my new girls were then asked would I like another she is 10 weeks old she was part of a litter of three that were left at the vets last week and they have a home for the two boys and this poor girl has been left alone in the vets until she gets a home or a space at the rescue centre comes up and silly me said yes ! I’ll take her ! I pick her up next weekend and now I’m so very worried about bonding them or am I making a massive mistake? Help ! x
 
Firstly well done for thinking about it.
All your girls are at the age where bonding shouldn't be a huge problem, as long as it's done carefully on neutral territory.
From my own personal experience having 4 is actually better than 3 because in the long term if you do have fall outs, you have more options when it comes to splitting them up and creating 2 pairs.

No one can predict what will happen with the bonding, but follow the guides and hopefully it will go smoothly.
I am assuming your vet would also take her back if it didn't work out?

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
 
Remax said:
Hi guys ! So I have my lovely girls who are sisters that I got at 9 weeks and are now 18 weeks old . I love them dearly and so far doing great (fingers crossed ) I hadn’t planned on getting more but when I went to pick up my dogs meds from the vets the receptionist asked how my new girls were then asked would I like another she is 10 weeks old she was part of a litter of three that were left at the vets last week and they have a home for the two boys and this poor girl has been left alone in the vets until she gets a home or a space at the rescue centre comes up and silly me said yes ! I’ll take her ! I pick her up next weekend and now I’m so very worried about bonding them or am I making a massive mistake? Help ! x
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Hi!

At this young age, there shouldn't be a problem as they all have an overwhelming need to belong and have a guardian pig who can take them on as 'apprentice' to teach them the finer points of piggy social interaction and how to master the environment.
Perhaps you can think about adopting a neutered boar at some point as a leader for your girl group to complete it once lockdown restrictions are easing; he will be older so leadership and acceptance won't be an issue, as you are working very much with their instincts and not against them to create a stable mini-group. The RSPCA has a boar neutering policy but I am also adding our recommended good welfare standard rescues locator link (you can also find it on the top bar). Quartets are less prone to developing an outsider problem in the longer term; with a trio there is always a certain risk that two piggies will get on better.
Rescue Locator

Here is our step by step bonding guide, which you may find helpful but I would not expect any major problems with acceptance: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
 
Thanks guys I’ve read the bonding guides and feel a lot better about taking on this little lady and definitely will be getting an older male when these girls are settled in . And if worse case they don’t except this baby girl I will have to get her a friend and have the four split into twos but hopefully they will all get along xx
 
Glad to hear you are giving this lonely girl a home. Hope the bonding goes well. xx
 
Thanks so much hopefully they will get on and be happy together 🤞🏽
 
Thank you 😊 I couldn’t leave her alone at the vets xx
 
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