When Bonding Is Too Smooth?

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Freela

Freela

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We just introduce Hadley (2.5 years) and Leela (about 9 or 10 weeks) earlier this week. It went well, but I'm not sure what to make of them. Whenever we have done introductions in the past, there has been some rumbling, some mounting, some chasing, etc. This time we've have none of that at all. We put them together in a neutral space, Hadley initially seemed kind of freaked out by Leela's presence, but when Leela finally came over they seemed to get to know each other. Hadley did put Leela in her place early on with a careful bite to the back of her neck, and Leela didn't put up any resistance to that. The two then sat with each other, engaged in mutual grooming, etc. We moved them to the cage and again, no chasing, mounting, squealing... nothing. It's been SO quiet. Leela really seems to defer to Hadley and give her lots of space and they are often at opposite ends of the cage, but I have seen them in the pigloo together at times. When we had Leela on her own for a month or so due to quarantine issues, she seemed very hyper (running around a lot and popcorning a lot), but with Hadley she seems quieter and much more passive. Of course, they are still settling and Leela, though she has been with us for over a month, has now basically completely moved house again to a new floor that she had never seen before, so I can understand that she is just settling in. It's just that no bonding we've ever done has been so.... quiet. I guess it's okay? I just somehow expected more. Hadley is pretty placid/calm in temperament and Leela also seems pretty mellow... is this what happens when you put two very laid back personalities together? I guess they're okay, but I feel confused! LOL!
 
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Freela said:
We just introduce Hadley (2.5 years) and Leela (about 9 or 10 weeks) earlier this week. It went well, but I'm not sure what to make of them. Whenever we have done introductions in the past, there has been some rumbling, some mounting, some chasing, etc. This time we've have none of that at all. We put them together in a neutral space, Hadley initially seemed kind of freaked out by Leela's presence, but when Leela finally came over they seemed to get to know each other. Hadley did put Leela in her place early on with a careful bite to the back of her neck, and Leela didn't put up any resistance to that. The two then sat with each other, engaged in mutual grooming, etc. We moved them to the cage and again, no chasing, mounting, squealing... nothing. It's been SO quiet. Leela really seems to defer to Hadley and give her lots of space and they are often at opposite ends of the cage, but I have seen them in the pigloo together at times. When we had Leela on her own for a month or so due to quarantine issues, she seemed very hyper (running around a lot and popcorning a lot), but with Hadley she seems quieter and much more passive. Of course, they are still settling and Leela, though she has been with us for over a month, has now basically completely moved house again to a new floor that she had never seen before, so I can understand that she is just settling in. It's just that no bonding we've ever done has been so.... quiet. I guess it's okay? I just somehow expected more. Hadley is pretty placid/calm in temperament and Leela also seems pretty mellow... is this what happens when you put two very laid back personalities together? I guess they're okay, but I feel confused! LOL!
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It happens sometimes that two piggies move in together with a minimum of fuss. Feel blessed!
 
My Emma and Erika moved in with Eliza and Enoch a few years ago. The bond was very straight forward and it was as if they had always been together. i am sure that @Wiebke would agree as it was her who bonded them :) x
 
:) So pleased to has been a nice introduction. Isn't it fab when it happens like this! Don't forget we are going to need pigtures to :drool: over!
 
Here are some pigtures of the new pair:
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And here during floor time:
17620118_10158399773610557_3180847659965021989_o.jpg

17636792_10158399774705557_603934159661696480_o.jpg

The size difference between them cracks me up. Hadley is such a big girl and Leela is so tiny!
 
They are lovely! They remind me of Carwyn and baby Heini - that was love on sight, too! Hadley has pbviously discovered her maternal side, and Leela just wants to have a mum... :love:
 
Wiebke said:
They are lovely! They remind me of Carwyn and baby Heini - that was love on sight, too! Hadley has pbviously discovered her maternal side, and Leela just wants to have a mum... :love:
Click to expand...
I do believe that Leela sees Hadley as a mom figure... she seemed to try to stick her head underneath Hadley as if she wanted to nurse when they met! I have never introduced a baby this young, perhaps that's the reason why they seem to have accepted each other so easily. The other pigs I've introduced have been three or so months of age, so maybe more unpredictable teenager hormones were at play!
 
Freela said:
I do believe that Leela sees Hadley as a mom figure... she seemed to try to stick her head underneath Hadley as if she wanted to nurse when they met! I have never introduced a baby this young, perhaps that's the reason why they seem to have accepted each other so easily. The other pigs I've introduced have been three or so months of age, so maybe more unpredictable teenager hormones were at play!
Click to expand...

Heini was 5 weeks when she arrived, and she clearly saw Carwyn as her daddy. It was so cute, especially as she taught him to run and popcorn after he'd spend most of his life in a foot square breeder box!
 
I hope my bonding goes as smooth! We are off to get a new gp tomorrow.
 
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