Talk

Flip

Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Small pets

New friend for bereaved pig?

8 replies

itsbetterthanabox · 08/10/2017 17:25

Sadly my beautiful, boisterous boy died. He was only 2, it came out of nowhere he was lethargic and eating less. We took him to the vet they weren't sure what was wrong but gave him hydration, painkiller and some mushed food sachets. He died a couple of hours later . So sad.

His brother (also 2) my other lovely pig is fine healthwise fingers crossed but he's going to be lonely. He's always been in a pair. Vet said it's best to get him a new companion.
She said a girl would be best but he's not neutered and I don't really want to neuter him as I know it can be a risky op.

Any advice other than that on here?
I read a younger/baby boy might be ok instead? Is that true? That one a similar age to him or older he might fight with so avoid that? What's the best thing to do?
Any advice at all?
Thanks

OP posts:

Report

EastMidsGPs · 08/10/2017 18:10

I am so sorry to hear this.
We lost an older sow a week and a bit ago. This left a not yet 3 year old. She went into a bit if a depression and wasn't really enjoying life so we have found her a friend - a baby sow (as she refused to be wooed by a lovely boar)

I've only ever had sows so cannot advise except that yes he'll want a friend. There are others here with boars and will be able to advise.

Report

PurpleDaisies · 08/10/2017 18:14

Really sad news.

Neutering is usually a routine procedure. All three of the boys we had were neutered with no issues.

Currently our newbie is living next door to our girls until he's safe to move in with no babies. Some shelters do "dating" where you can take yours to see if they get on with any of theirs. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Report

FernieB · 08/10/2017 18:50

I’ve been down both routes. I had a boar neutered with no issues. Make sure your vet is pig savvy - not all of them are. He’s now happily paired with a rescue sow.

I’ve also paired a lone boar with a baby (again from a rescue). Both routes worked well. The main thing is to make sure your lonely boy picks his own friend. You can’t be sure of success if you get a pig and just put them together. Phone around rescues and then take your boy to visit. A good rescue will be happy to spend some time letting your boy choose a companion. If they’re not going to get on, it usually shows quite quickly. I spent quite a bit of time in lovely foster carers living rooms whilst my lone boars sussed out prospective mates.

Report

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 08/10/2017 19:00

Aw very and out of the blue , and yes even with intensive treatment (they don't enjoy hydration, our GP3 had several saline injections, poor lamb ) they often won't pull through.

We've had adult boar+ baby boar
Young boar neutered and paired with sows his age
Pre-neutered boar to go sterile and bond

The most straightforward was the piglet (6 weeks) they were a good strong bond though invariably pigletty one gets to The Terrible Teens and thinks Lets Get Ready To Rumble, luckily older boar thought meh, you're Alpha Boar now son

It is a straightforward operation if they're healthy and good weight and you do the aftercare (they'll advice you)

Many Rescue adult boars are pre-castrated. The vets that REscues use must get loads of referrals and do countless small mammal ops.

Good Luck and very to read of another Super Furry loss

Report

itsbetterthanabox · 08/10/2017 20:45

Thanks for all the advice that's fab.
I'm very sad. My pig seems all out of sorts too, he nipped me for the first time today! so he's definitely unhappy . They were the best of friends with the occasional food fight!
My surviving pig was always the more passive one. So I think he probably would accept another dominant one but you never know.
I'll think about the neutering. I suppose I don't want to risk it at the minute as we only just lost his bro.

OP posts:

Report

Toottootcar · 11/10/2017 00:03

We paired a bereaved male pig with a new one only a few months old - mind you the original pig was only 6 months himself. Followed the slow introduction approach and were very pleased that they did hit it off and are now very well bonded.

Report

EastMidsGPs · 11/10/2017 14:53

Our bonding of a nearly 3 year old sow with a 10 week old piglet some has gone well.
When I say well, the baby is constantly damp from vigorous washing by her adopted mum, and if she stupidly decides to go and sit in the fleece pod thingy Sadie sits on it trapping the baby inside.
know your place little one!