Post by Pickles on Nov 23, 2013 13:57:02 GMT
So just a bit ago I posted a thread in the introductions, as I'm new to the board here. So, now, to cut to the chase! It would seem that one of our males, is actually a female *gulp*. We brought Peter and Harry home at 6 and 8 weeks old (respectively), and now they are about 10 and 12 weeks (or 2 1/2 and 3 months) roughly. Really young if you ask me! They did great together from the get go, and all was well and good until a few days ago when they were loose in the playpen I noticed this...
And this..
And there was plenty more of that happening, but I think you get the picture. So, of course, I'm like WHOA! and I immediately hop online for some reference photos so I can try to determine sex. At this point I was hoping it was more of a male dominance thing and not the real deal. Harry (grey) is 100% boy.. I push his abdomen and there is very clearly a pig penis popping out at me. Peter on the other hand was really difficult to tell.. I mean, if I hadn't seen the humping, I would have assumed boy.. but when I press the abdomen there isn't a definite penis coming out, and it's looks more like I'm just pressing his abdomen and squishing things up. So.. To be on the safe side, I'm going to assume that Peter is really Maryjane and that obviously.. there might be some piggy babies in our future. My son (7) says the humping has been happening quite a bit, but he thought they were just playing (Oh the innocence!). So I'm not sure what to do next.. my closest reference is breeding rats and I'm not sure how similarly things work.. I'm thinking pretty similar, since their rodents?? I have read through some of the threads and I've been googling my butt off. I have a friend (we used to work together) who is an exotics/small animal veterinarian and she said basically to just keep feeding good foods, and let things happen as they will.
So.. few questions just for reassurance..
1) Should I separate them now? I mean, they've had quite a while together already, so I'm assuming the deed has already been done. But, if she's not going to be delivering until the end of January (based on the calculator I saw in a thread), should I really have two lonely pigs in the meantime or are they okay to bunk together until she gets closer to due date? They love each other and I don't want to stress them both.. you know?
2) When the time comes, obviously they won't be housed together anymore. I realize at 3 weeks boys/girls should be separated.. Girls can obviously stay with mom, but can boys be introduced easily to dad? Is there a good way to go about this? Right now I'm figuring on needing at least 1 more cage so I can take Harry out when the time comes, but do you think I should have a third on hand for the baby boys just in case dad doesn't accept them? Probably, right?
3) Is there any advice on things I could/should do to help her stay healthy during pregnancy.. I currently feed Oxbow pellets, timothy hay and water on demand, fresh veggies every other day, and the occasional treat stick or yogurt drops as treats. Their food is fortified with Vit C, and while my vet friend says it's not necessary, I read online at a breeder's page about needing to double the amount of Vit C for sows during pregnancy. Is that true? And if so, how do I go about that? And would it be okay if the male had more too, because they live together still?
4) Peter/Mary is REALLY young.. Only 2 1/2 months!! Obviously, I can't help it if it's already happened, but am I looking at higher risks during pregnancy/delivery? I understand immature mothers (of all species, it seems) are prone to things like not taking care of the babies at birth, etc, and possibly needing help during delivery. My vet is on stand by for an emergency C-section if it is required, and I read the threads on assisting a complicated delivery. But, give it to me straight.. what is the most likely outcomes?
Obviously, as we progress, I'll be looking for signs of definite pregnancy like the big baby filled pouches, pups kicking, etc. And I'm going to get a kitchen scale so I can weigh everyone and keep a log going. Is there anything else you think I should know? I would love any/all advice!
Thanks,
Brooke