Tear shaped droppings

[PeachyKeen]

I have a small (300g) female piggy about 5 weeks old, that passed some tear shaped droppings today. Is there anything besides dehydration/eating less that will cause this?

I saw Plum drinking water this morning but I've noticed that my larger female Peach, will take any green food/veggies from Plum if she decides that she wants it. I've decided it would be best to seperate them at mealtimes to make sure Plum gets her portion of greens/veggies. Has anyone else had to do this?

I'm positive they are both eating hay and pellets and sharing them nicely just not the other food.

[smartorl]

I know some may not agree but I feed alot of veggies so I usually end up removing some that is not eaten. I make "salad" twice a week with fresh veggies from the farmer's market which is only open on Wednesday and Saturday. I buy whatever looks good and is in season, prep it and place it into ziploc bags with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture. I try to provide a good solid balance daily. I find that it is alot more cost effective because I have little waste. A usual mix is squash, bean sprouts, a carrot chopped, mixed greens, bell peppers, green beans with strings removed. I use the same mix to feed to my birds as well. I feed unlimited hay, alot of fresh veggies, and a small amount of quality pellets. My first thoughts when I think of tear shaped droppings are stress. I have noticed those droppings more when a new pig arrives for fostering or even when there is a storm and mine get upset. A quick question, what is the size of your cage? Personally, if the size is adequate and one pig is pestering and dominating this one to the point of running her off of food, I would make sure that the size is above average and plenty of toys were provided and rotated to provide activities besides dominating each other. If you are noticing other signs like listlessness, runny nose, loss of appetite, I would advise you to take it to the vet asap.

[PeachyKeen]

I have a 2x3 cage with a 2 grid loft. These are my first pigs and I've had them for a very short time. I try to let them out to run around for 1-2 hours (sometimes longer) every day.

Peach is about a month older than Plum but she is so much bigger! She is somewhat of a bully and I've seen her push Plum out of the hidey, out of the tunnel, nip at her, etc. There is no question who the boss is. I feel sorry for Plum sometimes.

I am taking both of them to the vet this afternoon to be treated for mites. They both appear to be quite itchy so hopefully the vet will be able to diagnose any other problems that either have.

[smartorl]

Sometimes a meeker more skittish piggie can be stressed to the point of illness by an overbearing cagemate. I think alot of variety in the toys and maybe skattering the veggies around so they have to hunt for them will give them more positive activities and the quieter pig a better chance to calm down without being chased or tormented. Mites could be the culprit in my opinion as well. Kudos, for taking them to the vet and good luck. I have a bully pig and her mild tempered scared sister here. They were raised here and their temperments are so different. I just have to keep things exciting so that Joanie doesn't get bored and pick at her sister. It has gotten better over time, I assure you.