Adopting a second pig. What to look for?

[rogersmithiii]

I heard about someone who is adopting out an unwanted pig. If I decide to take in this guy, or even find a buddy for my present pig, what do I look for to avoid ending up with a problem? How should I do this responsibly? Should I not deal with a private party, and instead deal with an MSPCA shelter or a rescue?

Also, how do you bring the new guy into your house? Do you need a vet inspection? Do you keep them separate for a week or two for quarantine? How do you introduce the new pig to the old one?

I want to do the right thing when I find a buddy for my first pig.

Thanks
Rog

 

[rogersmithiii]

Just discovered the search function, and found a piece on introductions and quarantine. So please ignore those questions. The questions about rescues vs private parties stands however.

Thanks

 

[CavyMama]

Well, personally, I would tend to trust the established rescues before I would trust an individual person looking to re-home. Rescues, from what I understand, need to meet certain requirements and undergo periodic inspections.

This is not to say that individuals looking to re-home would be out of the question but there's a possibility that they could be a breeder or otherwise, not on the up and up. People who are trying to unload an animal can come up with some pretty good cover stories so if you do go with an individual, just make sure their story checks out.

 

[JD In Van]

People on kijiji and craig's list who are offering to give up the cage and everything (the cage will of course be too small but might be usable for the quarintine times), are less likely to be breeders.

 

[akstrohm]

Definitely get your pig a buddy--he will be so much happier with one.

The most important thing is to make sure both pigs are males. Don't trust what people tell you (unless it's a rescue).

You don't need a vet appointment unless you'd feel more comfortable with one or if the pig has a problem.

Rescues are better able to predict what pigs will get along and can help with intros. Otherwise, try to pick a pig of a different age (i.e. if you have a baby, adopt an adult).