[copperycat]

Hi Everyone.

New to this site but I've been reading through and it is just a fantastic source of information.

I have had two pigs - which I got as weaners. One has just been slaughtered and I am finding the other is pining and I think she is lonely . I was hoping to let the her have piglets perhaps next spring but now I'm wondering if I need to get her a new pen mate for company. Or will she settle down and be OK on her own?

Sorry if this sounds niave - first year at keeping pigs and learning as I go

[doganjo]

I'm sure some of the pig experts on here will reply but from experience with other animals I personally think it is cruel to have just one.  I would get her a friend as soon as you can.  I have known dogs to pine away and die when their companion has gone.

[Farmer]

Hi Copperycat,

I suggest you get another similar age or younger pig or better still an in-pig gilt to keep her company - you'll have the same problem later on anyway though - a couple of weeks on their own is o.k. but any longer and they do pine and can develop health problems. Hope this helps

Farmer
 

[HappyHippy]

Pigs are very intelligent & social animals, it's never a good idea to just have one.
They can get depressed and/or stressed neither of which is good for them.
Get her a pal - quick !     

[copperycat]

Thanks everyone.

My commonsense was telling me as much - 

[carl]

shame, poor girl on her own. hope you find another soon. where are you?

[The Relic]

personally thinking keeping any animal on its own is depriving it of being able to interact "naturally" with its own kind which can lead to all sorts of behaverable problems and possible death especially if it was in a social environment to begin with whether it be with only one other animal of its own kind.(dogs being an execption if kept in the house)

[daviddb]

Perhaps a sole pig being another exception; if kept in the house.......

regards as always

David

[ukag0972]

Talking about that!!

Did anyone read the sun newspaper on Friday??

Some stupid folk in Aberdeenshire direction kept a Kune Kune pig in the house..........

Usual story of wee cute piglet to 14 stone baby hippo and the council caught them, the pig is now being kept in a santuary in Ellon.

Nowt as queer as folk!!!1

[Pigtails]

I'm sure some of the pig experts on here will reply but from experience with other animals I personally think it is cruel to have just one.  I would get her a friend as soon as you can.  I have known dogs to pine away and die when their companion has gone.

I too think it cruel to keep only one of a kind, a companion is the answer.

[copperycat]

Sole Pig is not solo any more!

Large black gilt has been introduced today - what a carry on! - the first few hours the large black who is younger than my tamworth was a right bully - chasing her about, biting her, commanding the arc! Lots of biting going on. Then after a few hours the rain came on and they were obliged to share the arc. Then my girl got her confidence up in the afternoon and started to fight back. By teatime peace and harmony reigned and they were last seen lying together sleeping.

Long may it last.

[doganjo]

Great news - till you decide to eat one of them.  What will you do then?

[Hilarysmum]

... get another one quick ?