Hair Fluffing?

[kat_0521]

This may seem like a silly question, but I was wondering what it means when piggie's fluff their hair out? I have 2 short-haired and 2 abbys; only the 2 short-haired do this.
It usually occurs when they're eating-their fur just looks fluffier and puffs out a bit more than normal. I watch them eat every time I feed them greens, and there isn't any signs of agression.
Does anyone else notice this with their GP's? Does anyone know what this means?
Thanks very much!

 

[Denise]

My girls do this a lot when they eat. I have also seen them do it when they are "sleeping". If I am not wrong, I believe it means they are comfortable and relaxed. I have also heard it means they are ill, but mine are, in my opinion, very healthy.

 

[ChadWPB]

I agee with Denise. Check out the pig's body position and movement while fluffing out the hair. My Marilyn has a pronounced hair fluff while enjoying her veggies. She's also a relaxed piggie in general.

Hair fluffing while sitting hunched indicates pain. See a vet if your pig shows that symptom.

 

[VoodooJoint]

Most likely they are posturing to each other to say "this is my veggie stay away".

 

[ChadWPB]

She'll fluff it even if the other two are elsewhere in the cage eating.

 

[Piglet]

I thought they fluffed out their hair for dominance, to show that one was 'bigger' than the other?

 

[Rachy1412]

I was going to ask the exact same question today Kat! All my girls will crowd around the vegi's and fluff their fur up.

 

[Denise]

Chad, mine also do it when the others are elsewhere in the cage, even sleeping in their hidey houses. I have not seen them fluff all over their bodies to show dominance, only their neck and upper back area.