Third piggy situation

[klee]

Tia and Ruby have always been a bit feisty with each other: chasing and occasional nips and they do get quite hormonal at times.

However since Rosie has passed I think it might have got worse, and Tia is getting a bit left out. It has only been 13 days of them living as a 3 so I know it can take time for the hierachy to be sorted out and I have seen Tia ear grooming Ruby which I know is a sign of dominance. I have also seen them all licking each others eyes, they are a bonded 3 but they can be quite grumpy.

There seems to be alot more chasing and Tia squeals sometimes when Ruby comes close to her, and even Esme has taken to picking on her a bit (apparently she kicked Tia, the other day)
Little Tia has been having lots of TLC, but just not sure what the best thing to do with them is.

Thanks

 

[klee]

What do people think about introducing a neutered boar or submissive sow to them?

 

[helen105281]

I think a neutered boar is a good idea, as usually they are very good at keeping the peace amongst a group of sows. My Barney is the exception as he is a little wierdo but Barley is a great as was my late Johnny.

 

[klee]

I think a neutered boar is a good idea, as usually they are very good at keeping the peace amongst a group of sows. My Barney is the exception as he is a little wierdo but Barley is a great as was my late Johnny.

The only one that I would be worried about introducing to a new pig would be Ruby, as initially when we collected Esme and Tia the first pair she was introduced to she was very stroppy with. Obviously as time has gone on and Tia has become more hormonal she has got stroppy with her, although Tia can give as good as she gets (just doesn't choose to most of the time)
Would it matter what personality boar I would be looking for?

ETA: Also , never had boars. Are they much different to sows, other than the obvious boarly bits inspections ?

 

[helen105281]

It is probably best to take them dating as a group. I would go for a more laid back boar such as a rex or teddy. That's why we chose Barley. I would not say they are that different, other than boarly inspections like you say. I think sows are more stroppy.

 

[klee]

It is probably best to take them dating as a group. I would go for a more laid back boar such as a rex or teddy. That's why we chose Barley. I would not say they are that different, other than boarly inspections like you say. I think sows are more stroppy.

No teddies or rexes in any of the nearest rescues. I suppose it just depends on piggy personality. They have all been dating together before so that is what would have to happen. I haven't enough spare time at the moment to supervise bonding at home.