Have you heard of Single Pig aggression?

• Have you heard of Single Pig aggression?

Have you heard of Single Pig aggression? Well, this is one of the reasons why a lot of pig parents end up rehoming their pigs as they believe their pig became aggressive. We know there are a lot of opinions out there; however, the research shows that pigs don’t do well as single pigs.

Potbellied pigs are intelligent and complex creatures and have social hierarchies and herd dynamics. To be truly happy, they need the companionship of another pig(s). Pigs love being in the company of other pigs despite difficult introductions, therefore if you’re considering adopting a pig, please think about adopting two instead of one if you don’t have a pig already.

Pigs are herd animals and need each other. Another reason why they need each other is because they are prey animals, pigs need each other to feel safe, but they also need each other as companions with whom to play, eat, sleep, root and sort out herd dynamics. Pigs should live with other pigs, since only another pig can provide true enrichment, mental and physical stimulation, and companionship that other animals can’t provide. A pig cannot have a meaningful relationship with a dog, goat, horse or chickens.

In fact, a pig without piggy friends can become bored or depressed, which often leads to pig aggression and behavioral issues.

For more info, please visit Pig Pals of NC: http://demo003642.hgsitebuilder.com/why-2-or-more

Pig Pals of NC even explains it further: Signs of aggression are not usually recognized as such by humans. Such as piglets woofing at the toes and a head swipe as a piglet. These are all signs of aggression and can be cute as a piglet but once they grow up it can become dangerous. Also, humans don’t talk pig and vice versa. Single Pig aggression does not normally start until around 2 to 3 years of age and then introducing another pig into the home at that time is more complicated than adopting two that are already bonded.

If you don’t believe in research, we are happy to share our personal experience as we once were single pig parents too and quickly realized Kevin urgently needed a companion. We welcomed Kevin into our home when he was a young piglet and he quickly took over the sanctuary. He tried to rule the dogs, peacocks and even us at times. Despite having many animal friends, he was lonely and misunderstood because nobody was truly able to communicate with him. As Piggeldy arrived, after a short while both boys became best friends. They are inseparable and all those behavioral issues seem to have disappeared. He is still a diva but this is just who he is.

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