Pig Fact of the Week #3

Pigs are extremely social animals

From the very first day that my family lived with pigs, it was clear how much pigs enjoy being with other pigs.  Charlotte and Pumpkin were constantly communicating with each other and snuggled up together.  And they both fed off each others enthusiasm or fears.  If Charlotte got excited in anticipation for something, her mom Pumpkin would do the same. If Pumpkin showed signs that something was making her apprehensive, Charlotte immediately sensed this and mimicked her mom's behavior. 

One of the things that most impressed us was how Charlotte would vicariously enjoy her mother being brushed.  If she saw her mom getting a pig mohawk (the middle strip of their hair standing up on end) from being brushed, Charlotte would get a mohawk too just from seeing her mom enjoying something.  

And one of the most common pieces of advice given to people considering adopting a pig is that they should adopt two.  This helps with preventing issues with your pig.  Having another pig to sleep with, play with and communicate in their own pig language goes a long way towards keeping companion pigs happy.   We assume this is one of the factors that explains why our three pigs are so well-behaved.  

But, pigs aren't just social with other pigs.  It became equally clear how much they enjoy the company of other species.   Pigs seem to enjoy the company of just about anyone they meet.  Our girls love meeting new dogs, cats, and people. (assuming there is no competition for their treats ).   One need only spend a very short time around pigs to see just how social they truly are.    It only takes one time having three pigs pile on you to cuddle before you'll be sure you'll never want to live another day without a pig in your life.