Socialization

[SquiglyPiggy]

Hello. I’ve created yet another post on bonding to ask if it’s better to try to rebond my separated piggies then have them live side by side.

Both of my piggies are still very healthy, (stable weight, eating and drinking, healthy poops) but I feel like when they go out for playtime (more Peanut then Pumpkin) they’ve been less active and less energetic. Not really lethargy but jsut less then before when they were together. When they had playtime together they would run around and around and popcorn and just look very happy and active. Now, they kind of just walk around a lap or two and sniff and then jsut lay down. We do take them out at their most active times so its not the time of day. I just kinda feel like this is because they are alone and have no physical contact with another piggy.

Another thing we thought about was the cage size. We don’t really have a way to expand the cage as we already expanded it and my parents aren’t keen on making it any bigger. They think it’s big enough because we originally had a pet store cage (embarrassing I know) so they say it’s an upgrade. I don’t think there’s any point in trying to convince them or build it secretly myself. They currently each have a 2x2 which is kinda small with a hidey and hay piles and stuff like that, not to mention it’s not even the minimum.

I really can’t bear to give them up or surrender one and try to rebond the other. My parents and the rest of my family is blaming everything on Peanut and saying he’s a monster for biting Pumpkin when we don’t know the full story (if he was provoked or anything else) and they are talking about surrendering Peanut without my opinion. I’m wondering if surrendering them both is the better thing to do at this point because my family is pretty stuck on not getting them each new friends and for some reason I feel like them just getting interactions through the bars (which is mostly just rumble strutting and chattering anyway) is not the best thing for them and their social needs. Sorry if I’m repeating myself I’m just a little stressed about this situation. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Siikibam]

I think given how they behave through the bars isn’t a good indication of what would be a peaceful reunion. What happened for you to split them up? And how did the underpig behave when split from his cage mate?

 

[SquiglyPiggy]

Blood was drawn on two occasions, with constant chattering and rumble strutting to go along with it.

What was weird was we didn't really notice an underpig. Pumpkin was the one getting bitten but he wasn't submissive whatsoever, unless I just don't know what submissive behavior is. They both seemed to equally lunge and do regular dominance behaviors.

Pumpkin has seemed overall more happy in his cage, (zoomies, wheeking and more vocal) however, they both seem to lounge around a considerable amount more then when they were together, in both their cages and playtime, hence the thread. They are very healthy though which is why I am not convinced its due to an illness. Being the cautious person I am, I weighed them both daily the first two weeks of the separation and did more thorough health checks. Once again, nothing out of the ordinary.

I also feel that somehow since the separation Peanut has become even MORE shy than he was before the separation. He spends most of the time I'm in the room in the pocket of his liner or in a hidey. When he comes out for hay/pellets/water he is very hesitant and will run at lightning speed back to his hidey if he hears as much as a cup move on my desk. He did none of this before. Is this a cause for concern?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Given your description of what has happened, they cannot be rebonded with each other. They don’t like each other.
If one isn’t being submissive, then that is your problem - two piggies who both want to be dominant will fight because they can’t form a functioning hierarchy. To be submissive, they will squeal, allow themselves to be mounted etc.

Companionship - For two piggies who can’t get on together, then living as neighbours is absolutely fine but both piggies need to be happy with it. It sounds as if Pumpkin is happy with their neighbourly set up, but it’s possible a Peanut is in need for more contact and a live in friend would be of great benefit to him.
Housing - You are right though a 2x2 (only 6 sq ft) is far too small and is below welfare requirements. They need a 2x3 each as a minimum - a 2x3 covering just over 9 sq ft and 8sq ft is the minimum for a single piggy. And a boar pair, needs a 2x5, so if you were to be allowed to get Peanut his own new friend, his cage needs to be made much bigger, and so does Pumpkin’s but Pumpkin’s cage also needs to be side by side with a pair if he is to remain single, so he can interact through the bars with them. Therefore, a lot of space will be taken up. If they both had new friends, then they could live in a 2x5 each but with the cages stacked one on top of the other.

Ultimately it comes down to their welfare - do you think they are truly happy and living as well as they possibly can? If not, then considering what is best for them needs to come first.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m afraid if blood was drawn then it’s not a good idea to try bonding them again. Their bond doesn’t work. For it to do so, only one can be top pig. If the other doesn’t accept the situation then it can’t work.

You really need to extend their living space though. 2x2 is not enough room to run around if they have hides and hay in there. I know it’s not what you want to hear (and I say it reluctantly and without pleasure ) but if you can’t provide them with what they need then you may have to surrender them. I see you say the family has considered surrendering one. Would they get a friend for the other or just leave him living alone. The latter is not at all right, as you know. They can’t and shouldn’t be kept alone.

Lastly, boars need minimum 2x5. But 2x6 is recommended. If you can’t give that space would you be able to neuter them, wait six weeks and get them a sow each? You would have to stack the cages as they would need minimum 2x4, although of course 2x5 would be even better.

There’s no harm in getting them checked out by the vet if you’re worried.