Should I separate the two piggies???

[josiejo]

Hi all,



Minky was not eating so we took her to the vet, turns out she has arthritis and a tooth that needed ‘clipping’ – since she has returned, she won’t eat.



I’ve been syringe feeding her squishy nuggets (with a fight each time) and she has now started to nibble on cucumber and shredding carrot if I put it in front of her – when she’s out of the cage.



As soon as I put her back in the cage the other piggy in there will barge her out the way and eat the fresh food – so Minky doesnt really get chance to nibble and take her time.



So... I’m wondering whilst I’m at work – would I be okay to separate the two piggies and leave some fresh food for her to nibble on as she pleases – as I’m hoping this will encourage her to eat by herself, when she’s hungry – rather than me force feeding her every 3 hours...



Will separating her during the day cause her anymore stress and put her off eating or will she nibble away as she pleases?



Any advice would be helpful as I’m having to drive like a lunatic to try and get home at lunch time to try and feed her as I’m worried about leaving her for 6 hours during the day without syringe feeding her.



Many thanks

Josie x

[Orlaith]

That's a tough situation. One one hand Minky does need to eat, but on the other hand, separating and reintroducing pigs is very stressful for them.

Could you leave the softened food in a new places so that Minky's friend can't eat all the food at once? Or could you put a separator into the cage so that they can still see and smell each other but Minky will be able to eat in peace?