Active Piggy

Question
Hi

I have had 3 new skinny pigs in the past 2 years (unfortunately the first one died) but all have had VERY different personalities. I got my last male hoping he would be a companion to my already existing male who seemed quite mellow, although not entirely trusting. Well unfortunately this match didn't work out so they are now housed separately. My last guy is very active, seems happy but jumps a lot when touched. I have treated him for mites in the past so I don't think that is an issue, and he actually runs up to, across and up and down everyone in the family on his outings so I don't think fear is an issue. He is however, obsessed with finding the other male to have a good rumble strut so I wonder if he thinks our touches are from the other pig (even when I start at the face so he can see it coming).  We do allow them together occasionally in a mutual location but it is just rumble strutting and chattering and my other pig just wants to be left alone. My question is basically if he will ever "chill" and stop being so obsessed with my other pig. At what ages do pigs normally mellow?

Answer
Boars will behave like boars until they die, so don't expect either of them to mellow to the point they will get along. They're hard wired with hormones that tell them any other male is a challenge and should be fought with to prove their manhood.

Some pigs are just jumpy more than others. I've got a few like that myself. One way I've found that calms them a bit is to hold them on their back. That seems to settle them down and stop the wiggles and jiggles that can cause them to leap right out of your arms. Judges on the judging tables will do that and it nearly always works.

Another thing that helps is a warm bath. Again just dip the pig gently in on his back, supporting him so he can't fall or roll over. Hold him there for a minute or two. The warm water is soothing and has a calming affect as well.

As for the 'age of mellowing' I honestly don't know. None of mine have ever reached it!