[Gpdd] [BEHAVIOUR] Reaction to change in environment/sleeping (Re. Fluffy)

[DebJonSara at aol.com]

Linda

I think piggies definitely do become upset if they are moved to an unfamiliar 
place. I have minded other people's piggies when they have gone away on 
holiday, and they are always a bit subdued the first few days after being left. 
What I have noticed, though, is that the piggies who come with the rest of their 
"herd" settle much more quickly and appear much less upset, presumably because 
they still have their same piggie pals to chat with. The pigs who have seemed 
most distressed have been those who are lone pigs and live alone in their 
cage. These appear less distraught if I put their cages where they can see and 
hear my own piggies. 

When I put the first single pig I minded in a room on her own (so she 
wouldn't be disturbed by the dogs and cats which also share our home) she hardly 
moved or ate, and I got so worried I had to phone her slaves whilst they were on 
holiday. I was all for taking her to the vet, but they said she was probably 
just missing them and her usual environment, and sure enough, as soon as they 
came to collect her she started munching her way through that morning's veggies 
that had lain untouched in her cage!

I am sure they do also miss having someone around that they are used to. Mine 
all know me and my partner, but know instantly if there is someone different 
in the porch where their cages are and they all hide and go quiet. They are 
also much more quiet when my partner feeds them, as it is usually me and they 
know my voice and smell.

If Fluffy were mine, I would most definitely go to a rescue and find him a 
playmate - I am positive he would be a lot happier. Just make sure you are 
certain both he and the playmate are the same sex -  and if he really is a "he", go 
for a very young male, as an older male will accept a young one more readily. 
Don't just put the youngster into Fluffy's cage though - let them meet during 
floortime. 

Whilst they are running about the floor would be a good time to replace 
Fluffy's cage with a new, larger one, and I would advise putting two new sleeping 
quarters in it before putting Fluffy and new companion in, plus lots of 
favourite foods to distract them. My girls certainly love their igloo, although I 
have to say cardboard boxes and plastic baskets seem to be their favourite hiding 
places. They love to throw them about, and I think the baskets are so popular 
because they can be inside them and protected yet still see all the way 
around them, and they can move them along whilst still inside them - I have even 
seen them place the basket over the food dish so they have all the food to 
themselves!! But whatever sleeping quarters you choose, I would certainly recommend 
having two in the cage if you have two piggies - that way each has somewhere 
to sleep and feel safe if they do fall out.

Good luck and keep us posted

Debbie (and her 18 Dolly Mixtures!)