Individual lap time and bonding between pigs

[WendyK]

I'm kind of confused about this one. If you give "private" or "individual" lap time to each pig, does this end up interferring with the bond between the pigs? I know I read somewhere that if you take a pig to the vet's office, you should also bring their bonded partner/partners. I realize a trip to the vet office is a lot longer than 15 - 20 minutes on your lap, but I'd still like some advice on this one. Thanks.

[paula.m.moore]

I don't think it does anything to the bond between the pigs to pull one out for a few minutes. I take different ones out here and there to check for health issues, or if I see something funny I want to check closer or something. It doesn't seem to affect them or any bond they had. I do usually try to have them out so the other one (still in the cage) can see what I'm doing with the other, so that may make a difference but I doubt it.

[Cherish]

Nah, I don't think it makes any difference at all, to be honest.

Mind you, I don't even take their partner/s along when I take my pigs to the vet, and it doesn't damage their relationships at all, if they're already bonded.
If anything, they just seem happy to see each other again.

[salana]

I think the recommendation to bring a friend along to the vet is for the traumatized pig to have someone to cuddle with after being poked and prodded and otherwise offended by the vet.

[WendyK]

How true - thanks for the input!

[Toadies]

My one boy chatters alot when I have the other one out of the cage for any reason. He also chatters when I take him out. He just doesn't like to be without his brother, so, where one goes, so goes the other. They are just well bonded and are a comfort to each other. I always take them both to the vet, even tho' it's only one needing to be seen. They "love" me, but brother is his best friend.

[caviecrazie]

Hehe, I couldn't possibly have more than one for lap time. I'd lose them. Also, they panic when alone so if I had say, two, I'd have to leave one on her own. She'd panic!!!
I don't think the bond would be affected. Just give them some grass and they're sorted! Mine forget about each other if I do that.

[-Emma-]

I always take both my boys to the vet because I can see how scared they are if they havent got there bud there to be by there side and snuggle. They are both alot calmer when they both go. And anyway the vet always gives the other one a quick check up so its good !