Lonely young male pig

Question
Hi there Helen,

Terk is a neutered 6-month-old piggy. He's healthy, but I spoiled him. :( I'm one of those bad pigrents who let him sleep in the bed with me early on, although now he tends to fall asleep on his doggy bed at night and crawls into my platform bed very early in the morning. The reason I mention this is because I realized this morning that I've been treating him like a human baby, cooing to him, carrying him around the house, etc... not treating him like a young pig.

Anyway, I work full-time (and then some), and now I feel badly that I can't give him the companionship I know he, being a social creature, needs during the day. I have a housemate and my housemate has a cat. My housemate is wonderful with Terk, but Terk still challenges him for Top Hog status. Thankfully, Housemate knows how to push back and remind Terk who's boss. The cat and the Terk tolerate each other, but they've never gotten to the point of being "warm" toward each other (no cuddling - a little bit of curiosity). So, Terk isn't necessarily alone, but he's alone in his "pigness", as he's only surrounded by humans and a cat. He can hear dogs in neighbors' yards, and of course, birds when he's outside in the backyard... But no one with whom to speak his own language.

Should I get Terk an older spayed female for companionship, and so he knows his own kind? Maybe I think too much, but I'm worried I'm raising him to think he's a human.

Answer
Pigs have unique and individual personalities. Tek is still a baby, and so if you are considering a second pig, sooner is better than later. Adult pigs who have spent their entire young lives as "solo" pet pigs often have trouble learning to get along with other pigs. Babies like Tek are much more adaptable.

Pigs see the world as a ladder with each person or pig having his or her own rung. When a new pig comes in it's natural for the pigs to fight until they figure out who gets what runs. These disputes usually look and sound far worse than they really are. Because Tek is young, if you bring in an adult pig chances are there will be little or no fighting. It will be pretty clear to both pigs that the larger adult will be in charge. For now. When Tek reaches age 2 or so, he'll reach emotional maturity and the two pigs may have to revisit the issue of who is in charge.

Solo or only pet pigs tend to have more behavior problems than pigs kept in pairs or groups. The pigs understand that they are pigs, and people belong at the top of the ladder. When pigs are raised with only humans, they don't understand that they are pigs, and behavior problems result.

So, in the long run, you and Tek will probably be happier with a companion for Tek. But, keep in mind, there may be a few rough spots. When you bring in the adult, she may go into a depression. When she feels safe and comfortable and at home, she may begin to challenge you for a higher "position" on the "ladder". Don't worry, stay calm and in charge and she will settle down again.

Trick training helps a lot. It's more about the person and pig learning to communicate and the pig learning to listen and obey than the actual trick. Do the training in one-on-one sessions with each pig individually.

I highly recommend the book Pot-Bellied Pig Behavior and Training by Priscilla Valentine. Pris really understood how pigs think and why they do the things they do. Her book is in between printings right now and may not be easy to find. Another good resource are the dvds from Top Hogs, called "A Pig in the House" and "Pot-Bellied Pig Tricks"