Rumbling and purring question...

[leilee]

I have a male and a female. They are seperated right now...untill Tinker gets full weight then he gets neutered. They are seperated by grids and can still see-talk-sniff etc eachother. They are about 8 weeks old now. My question is lately...Tinker(male) keeps getting really low to the ground and walking very slowly back and forth along their common wall and purrs in a very deep tone...which I have never heard him do before. Wondering if this is some sort of "courting". Not sure, so thought I would ask. I'm a new piggy mommy and these are my first babies growing into adulthood. Thanks for your help!

[frashy]

It's basicly a dominence call. My piggies do it all the time too. That is nothing to worry about.

http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm#Introductions

This page should be a good guide.

[leilee]

Just one more thing.....I got my babies out a little while ago for some lap time. Do the piggy's get jealous if one of them is getting petted and the other not? They were "fighting" while in my lap. chattering teeth, and bumping noses and even trying to bite one another. This is the first time they have ever acted like this. They lived together and not seperated for the first 5 weeks of their lives. They have only been seperated for about 3 weeks now....I'm just at a loss. I'm wondering if the seperation has made them not get along....anyone have any tips for me?

[pig-in-paradise]

Oh oh, you might be in for a surprise. If they were only separated at 5 weeks then, theoretically, your girl might be pregnant right now. I don't want to scare you, but it's definitely possible.

As to why they don't get along on your lap: he might have things in mind that she's not up to (if you know what I mean). I don't believe it has anything to do with jealousy.

[wiggley_narco]

That's right, piggies should be separated by sex by 3 wks of age to avoid pregnancy.... you very well may be in for a surprise! You'll know in a few weeks.

[TX_2_Pigs]

She may have been in heat and he was wanting to mate with her. It is alright to give them lap time one at a time and probably is in your better interest. It just takes one lucky shot and even with them on your lap, you may not be able to stop it, it is that quick.

[leilee]

hmmm, well, I'm fairly sure she's not pregnant. I work for a veterinarian, and took her in two weeks ago for a ultrasound and palpation. I as well as the vet may be wrong but...I'm still hoping she's not pregnant. I didn't know they should be seperated so early. But, when I did take her in, my vet told me she was not "sexually mature" yet because her female parts were not even "open" yet. Oh well, I will soon see...I just hope beyond hope she's not prego. From all I have read, I'm scared...just because, I love her so much and would not want any complications for her with pregnancy and birth. oh well.....I appreciate all of your comments!