Getting a new pig for one who has lost his buddy

[Piggysmalls]

Hi everyone,

First time poster but really need some advice. I had two pigs that I adopted last year, probably around 3-4 in age but not entirely sure. Unfortunately the non dominant (neutered) boar died yesterday and now I’m in the position of needing a friend for the dominant unneutered boar.

I’m just wondering what kind of pig I should be looking for as a new friend, I read somewhere that a baby is best but as my pig is older I’m reluctant to get into a never ending cycle of pig ownership?

Also wondering how I would go about introducing my boar to his new friend when I do find one?

Appreciate any and all advice as a new piggy is the last thing I want as I’m heartbroken that my boy has died but want to do what’s right for the remaining pig.

Sorry for the loss of your boy

Unfortunately the never ending cycle of pigs is a bit of a 'thing' as most piggies don't do well alone, been there, done that. It generally is thought to be easiest to bond lone males with either a female (but no good for you of course as he's not neutered) or a baby as unfamiliar adult boars can bully one another, but all depends on the personalities of the individual pig(s), it is possible to bond two adult males if done carefully.

Your best bet might be to contact a local rescue centre or specialist small animal rescue if you have one nearby, and see if they have another adult male in that might suit, you can ask to take your boy along and see if he seems to 'click' with a potential new friend. Otherwise it may have to be a baby if he won't take to another adult boar, you might want to think about getting 2 babies (I know this is more pigs not less!) if you have the space, as then they can be companions for each other in the future...

Bonding advice is generally to keep them separated but nearby at first, so they can hear/smell one another. Then perhaps a small introduction on neutral territory such as an outdoor run or in an enclosed area in the house. Then before putting them in the same cage, bath them both in the same soap/shampoo so they smell similar and completely clean out and disinfect the cage so it also smells 'neutral'. Ensure there's plenty of food so no cause for squabbles and also hideaways/space in the cage to get away from one another...

Good luck!

We recently lost one of our piggies. We took the remaining one on a date to the rescue centre to meet a new one who were v.helpful.
I would steam clean the cage. Replace anything the scent of the previous piggies may be on (tunnels /houses etc),get new water bottle etc. Anything our new boy can smell the scent of the previous piggie - he goes crazy.

A few weeks on and our original non-dominant piggie is putting up with our new boy and beginning to bond.

Hey

Thanks for your replies. We visited the rescue where we got the boys from today and met a very handsome neutered boar who they reckon could be a good match for himself, he’s a little younger and smaller in size so they reckon he will accept our lads dominance. They’ve got a date this weekend so will report back. Noted as well re steaming and removing things with our old boys scent. Thanks :)

Good luck with the Pig Dating.

Steamer to clean and white vinegar to remove those chalky pee stains and give a 'neutral' smell .

Your best bet might be to contact a local rescue centre or specialist small animal rescue if you have one nearby, and see if they have another adult male in that might suit, you can ask to take your boy along and see if he seems to 'click' with a potential new friend

We always did this and it seemed to work well. OP, I'm glad you've found a potential mate for him.

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for all your helpful replies. The date was a success and we’ve brought Arkle home today. He came with the name Theo but we decided to rename him. They got on really well and despite Arkle being a neglected and solitary pig before he was rehomes he seems to love having a friend! Right now he and Attila are snuggled up together but we are keeping a close eye on them in case of fighting! Bonus pics (Attila is the mop of barbershop hair and Arkle is the short haired one)

Hello and Welcome Arkle ( Arkle was a famous race horse wasn't he? Well they both eat grass and hay but there is very little racing about with lardy boars )

I always re-name my piggies : New Name for a New Life.

They get used to it very quickly and have an almost Pavlovian response "Haha , I;m hearing a salad bag and some weirdy chat , I;ll wheek"
And you say "Oh he's answering to his name , he's so clever"

Enjoy the piggie snuggles

he's cute.

Glad it has worked out