Moving Pigs: Finding the Right Fit for Our Animal Residents
At Sale Ranch Animal Sanctuary, ensuring our animal residents live happily together is a top priority. Like people, some animals get along better with certain companions than others. Recently, we’ve been moving pigs and making adjustments to find the best living situations for Weston, Susie, and Dexter, and we’re excited to share their progress.
The Challenges of Moving Pigs
In 2022, we tried bringing all of our farm pigs into one large pasture, hoping for a harmonious group. However, Susie and Cherry Blossom didn’t hit it off. After some tension, we decided to go back to keeping them in pairs, with shared fence lines so they could interact from a distance but not live together.
Things got more complicated when Cherry Blossom and Weston had an unexpected altercation, which led us to move Cherry Blossom away from him. This left Weston living alone, though he continued sharing a fence line with Susie and Dexter. The interaction was there, but Westin needed closer companionship.
Weston Joins Susie and Dexter
Earlier this summer, we made the decision to move Weston in with Susie and Dexter, and it’s been a success! Weston and Dexter have formed a sweet friendship, and it’s heartwarming to see how well the two boys get along. They now spend their days side by side, exploring their shared pasture and enjoying each other’s company.
Susie is also happy to have Weston in their space, and the three pigs have become a happy, cohesive group. This move reminds us how important it is to find the right social dynamic for each of our residents to support their mental and emotional well-being.
What’s Next: Sully’s Move
Our next step will be moving Sully in with Cherry Blossom once Sully recovers from her spay surgery and finishes quarantine. Pigs are highly social animals and form deep bonds with their herd members. Isolating them can cause stress, so finding the right companion is crucial for their well-being.
At Sale Ranch, we’re dedicated to making sure our pigs are in environments where they can thrive. We’re thrilled to see Weston, Susie, and Dexter flourish together, and we look forward to Sully and Cherry Blossom’s upcoming move!
