Getting 4 to 6 week old baby boar is thought to be the best chance you have of getting your piggies living in pairs. The success rate of introducing new pigs is higher with this method. Although its not as rewarding as introducing another lonely adult pig to your lonely boy it is certainly a great thing to do for your boar & he will appreciate the company! You will also experience the joys of seeing your piggy acting in a 'Daddy' role, taking care of the little youngster & hopefully watch their friendship grow! It is also a option to find a replacement friend for a pig who has lost his companion.
The gorgeous Rex Ted (Pictured) was introduced to several adult boars, but although he was happy to be with them each one was not happy to be with him! So 4 week old cream pig Toby was owner Kate's best option to provide Ted with the piggy company he craved.
You must follow a careful process in order to do this to ensure the safety of the little baby,
1) Make sure you find a good source for your baby. Pet shops WILL NOT have babies young enough for this process. Please try all the rescues within traveling distance before looking for a breeder. Even if they have no babies they will be able to put you in contact with a GOOD breeder. Not just anyone.
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above: Zak & Pugsley were both adopted from Squeaky pigs rescue. Baby Pugsley was introduced to lonely Zak after pairing him up with an adult pig was unsuccessful. Thank you to owner Janet for sharing pics! Janet says Zak is a new pig since Pugsley's arrival & a perfect 'Daddy' to him too!
2)Speak with the Rescue or Breeder about this introductory process & discuss if you can fetch back a baby if there is a problem in the early stages.
3) Ensure the baby boar is a boar! Sexing correctly at 4 weeks is essential as a mistake could mean a tiny baby pig getting pregnant too young a serious health issue & may well result in her death as well as the risk of an unwanted litter. Getting from a reputable breeder or rescue will help to ensure this but please double check!
4) Introduce them at the rescue or breeders if possible.
5) If you have a small animal carrier then place both pigs in there for the journey. Usually even if two pigs will hate each other they will not bother one another during the journey. This is a good time for them to get used to one another (as well as reducing the stress of the journey for both pigs). Take a spare carrier (or even a cardboard box with hay in it) & keep an eye on the situation incase you do need to separate the pigs.
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Above: This Alladino Carrier lined with a pet blanket & vetbed is perfect.
6) If you were not able to introduce them in a carrier, introduce them again in a small space/ cordoned off run when you get home. Do not take your eyes of them for an hour. Things can change fast.
7) Only then put them together in the washed out and clean cage. Watch again.
8) If things are still going well they will probably be fine.
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Above: Baby Meep was introduced to Lazy rex Josh by owner Karen to try get him more active. Meep has certainly done the trick as Josh is happy & the pair are firm friends.
9) If not take the baby back if possible. If not keep him separate from the adult. The baby boar will be too young to cope with any aggression towards him.
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- DO NOT:
Bath a tiny baby boar to remove the scent. In theory this is a good idea but a little baby will not cope with the stress or water.
Better to put dirty bedding into his coat. He will then smell of the big boar and this will completely confuse him for a bit. - DO NOT: buy from a Pet shop or amateur breeder. This increases the risk of mis-sexing, & future health problems as well as fueling people making profit from over, back to back & in breeding pigs. Buying from a rescue or a good breeder recommended by a rescue will give you the extra support of an expert if you need it.
