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Post by teddypig on Mar 28, 2008 20:33:32 GMT
There's someone who lives near me who has a single 4 month old Himalayan sow that needs rehoming!
I don't have any other sows at the moment to keep her company, but I really want to give her a home. If I take her I'm going to have to find her a friend asap! Do you think it would be ok to buy another sow to introduce to her after she's settled in, or would she be likely to be aggressive after being on her own so far?
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Post by PigPog on Mar 28, 2008 21:00:01 GMT
Sows are generally not as aggressive as boars when given a companion, so I would estimate you're usually 90% safe introducing two unrelated sows. Obviously take the usual precautions, and also if you get a second sow from a rehoming centre they may allow you to trial the two together to see if they get along. She's only four months old, so I think she's likely to take to a companion very well.
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Post by teddypig on Mar 28, 2008 21:06:07 GMT
Is it best to introduce them on neutral ground, or can I just put a new sow straight in the cage? Should I keep them apart for a while before putting them together? I'll get a spare cage just in case I think. I can't believe I'm planning this in my head before I've even agreed to take her! I must be mad!  |
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Post by eppingstrider on Mar 28, 2008 21:11:07 GMT
Planning it before you take her is a wise move - taking her and then discovering things can't be worked out - that would be terrible for her.
Wish you luck!
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Post by teddypig on Mar 28, 2008 21:19:44 GMT
Planning it before you take her is a wise move - taking her and then discovering things can't be worked out - that would be terrible for her. Wish you luck! Oh yes, I know planning is sensible I didn't really word that well! I just meant planning even more guineas when I haven't even got one yet seems mad! ;D I will let you know how I get on! |
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Post by PigPog on Mar 28, 2008 22:30:50 GMT
Usually with sows I just plonk them together. The sensible way to do it is to use neutral territory and introduce them gradually over a few days though. I don't usually recommend people do it my way, but then my way works perfectly well, so I think it's largely up to your observations of them and how well you feel they're taking to having a companion. Also, I suggest taking both sows to see the vet before putting them together to make sure they're both healthy. |
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Post by teddypig on Mar 28, 2008 22:57:26 GMT
Good advice, thanks PigPog!  I think I'll clean the cage out before the introduction so there's no scents marked anywhere and it's new for both of them. I'll keep a pair of gardening gloves close by in case they go for each other too - I remember you showing me that picture of your injury!  |
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Post by PigPog on Mar 28, 2008 23:24:30 GMT
 That was caused when the sow got distressed and started lashing out at anything. Hopefully you won't get to that stage!!  I'm glad my injury is making a difference on here though, I'd hate for any of you guys to end up like I did.  It sounds like you're doing the right things, so keep up the good work and let us know how it goes!! 
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Post by eppingstrider on Mar 29, 2008 12:23:39 GMT
Oh yes, I know planning is sensible I didn't really word that well! I just meant planning even more guineas when I haven't even got one yet seems mad! ;D Yes I know what you mean by that alright! They are definitely addictive. I keep seeing others that I'd like, then I sit down and fan myself till the feeling goes away - I know I wouldn't have enough time to spend on them and I wouldn't want to let F&G think I didnt love them any more.  |
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Post by teddypig on Apr 1, 2008 9:01:44 GMT
Good news! The himalayan sow (last one left to be sold bless her!) will be having a friend come home with her!  The breeder is letting one of her older retired sows go with her for company, so she won't be a poor lonely himi anymore ;D I collect them on Thursday evening so will try and post pics on Friday. I'm just going to take some photos of Barnaby and Wilbur now! |
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Post by eppingstrider on Apr 1, 2008 17:58:04 GMT
Mm, from 0 to 4 in about 20 seconds....... |
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Post by teddypig on Apr 1, 2008 18:15:00 GMT
Mm, from 0 to 4 in about 20 seconds....... What can I say?! Went to the pets at home today, and one of the piggies that was there the other week is still there (looks a lot bigger/older than the rest) - I have told the OH that if it's still there in the next couple of months I'm taking it!  |
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Post by PigPog on Apr 10, 2008 19:18:56 GMT
Mm, from 0 to 4 in about 20 seconds.......  Have you got them yet??!! ;D |
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Post by teddypig on Apr 10, 2008 20:28:02 GMT
Mm, from 0 to 4 in about 20 seconds.......  Have you got them yet??!! ;D Yep - Heidi and Tisiphone are them! |
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Post by PigPog on Apr 11, 2008 21:52:02 GMT
I knew that.... I did. Really. I was um, just testing to see if you knew!!! Yeah, that's what I was doing.... |
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