2 Boars Fallen Out

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Becca_xo

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Hi, a long story but hopefully some short points to get through it - I am waiting for a call back from the vet to discuss too, but thought I'd ask the group.

- I had two male piggies Biscoff and Cookie, whom I adopted as a bonded pair at approx 1.5years old. Biscoff was the submissive piggie, with rumble-strutting and a few 'nose-offs' from Cookie, otherwise happy beans.
- Cookie is now a rainbow piggie, and whilst Biscoff seemed to be enjoying his new found freedom I sought out a new buddy. I adopted Pedro and went through the full bonding process over several weeks and integrated them together. (April/May 2024)
- The pair live in a 6x2 C&C cage, with two of everything and a large hay pile. Biscoff remained the submissive piggie, with lots of rumble-strutting from Pedro even now.
- In the last few weeks I have caught them chattering, chasing, and caught Biscoff red-handed with a mouthful of Pedro's fur, or I find it in the cage. No blood drawn, and apart from these spats, living just fine, laying near each other etc.

Fast forward 2 days ago
- Lots of continuous chasing and chattering/squeaking, mainly from Biscoff chasing Pedro. I got them out last night for floor time in a neutral zone with more space to see if they would work it out. I was very cautious not to interfere prematurely. I found Biscoff continuously chasing Pedro around and not letting him rest.
- I didn't feel comfortable having them in the cage together overnight so I put a divider in. Biscoff couldn't have cared less, but I did notice Pedro looking for him and trying to peer over.
- This morning they were squeaking to each other so I thought I would get them out on the floor again and see if there was improvements. There was still 'beef' but no chasing. However I do feel from the behaviour change that Biscoff is trying to challenge Pedro to become the dominant pig.
- After 4 hours on the floor this morning with some squabbles, but no fights, and some laying near each other, I put them into the shared cage again.

No less than 5 minutes and they were in a big whirlwind fight (luckily no blood or injuries other than fur grabbing). I have now separated them and feel that this may need to become permanent. I have a set up that could make a 2x3 C&C cage each. Although, I will need to think about the divide as Pedro does not stop biting at the cage bars if he can see Biscoff.

I estimate that they are both approx 4 years old (neither neutered).

I have found this whole experience very stressful and upsetting, as I had hoped they could keep each other company into old age after losing my little piggie Cookie. I can't understand why they have fallen out after over a year of happy living.

I'd welcome any feedback or advice :)
 
I’m sorry to hear this

It does sound like they have been having issues for a while but Sadly now such a fight has occurred it does mean they can never share a cage again.

Sometimes a bond can suddenly break down due to underlying illness so it may be wise to get them both vet checked - even something like arthritis can be a trigger if one of them is in discomfort
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m sorry to hear this

It does sound like they have been having issues for a while but Sadly now such a fight has occurred it does mean they can never share a cage again.

Sometimes a bond can suddenly break down due to underlying illness so it may be wise to get them both vet checked - even something like arthritis can be a trigger if one of them is in discomfort
Click to expand...
Thank you for coming back so quickly. It's not looking great.

I had read about underlying health issues and plan to ask the vet when we speak about getting a check up. I am keeping a close eye on eating/drinking and pooping habits.

Out of interest, do you know how arthritis is diagnosed? They are getting older now so wonder if there's anything I can be looking out for. It is harder to tell with Biscoff as he is a tripod anyway.
 
Make sure you are weighing them both weekly as part of routine care (daily weight checks if you have any concerns about them). It is the only way to accurately monitor hay intake. Poop output is 1-2 days behind food intake so is unreliable information.

The vet will be able to feel and watch their movement in the joints. You may also be able to spot stiffness - but not always. Sometimes it can be so subtle ie that they are slower to get up from resting
 
Piggies&buns said:
Make sure you are weighing them both weekly as part of routine care (daily weight checks if you have any concerns about them). It is the only way to accurately monitor hay intake. Poop output is 1-2 days behind food intake so is unreliable information.

The vet will be able to feel and watch their movement in the joints. You may also be able to spot stiffness - but not always. Sometimes it can be so subtle ie that they are slower to get up from resting
Click to expand...
That's really helpful thank you.

Is having them in separate cages but where they can see each other enough for social need?
 
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