Boar Bond- Seeking Advice

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taylormorgan26

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Hello!

I've had a pair of bonded boars for a little over a year now living in a 2x6 CC with plenty of hides, double water bottles, feed dishes etc. I've never witnessed any type of aggression out of either one, but over the past 6 weeks, I've had two times when one of my pigs has chased and bitten the other and pulled some fur out. I haven't seen any actual bleeding, but it does look like mild scratches. I've been checking both of my pigs daily ever since the first incident and have not noticed any other issues until the second incident today. After each incident I have separated for a bit and then reintroduced and watched like a hawk- no issues immediately afterwards and they're both laying down near each other right now.

These pigs eat veggies and hay side by side, lay down near each other and 99% of the time get along swimmingly. The pig that is doing the biting is a BITER- he bites me consistently just when he is sitting on my lap. If he's sitting on a blanket or anything is near him, he'll bite it, it's almost like that's how he plays. This pig has never shown any other type of dominance or aggressive behavior before or after this started. I'm so hesitant to separate, but obviously I don't want my piggie getting hurt. Has anyone experienced anything similar or have any advice?

Piggie A: Older, more laid back, very sweet <--- has gotten bit twice
Piggie B: Younger, spunkier, happy, friendly but a BITER
 
How old are they? Has there been a change in the hierarchy so you think? Have a read of the guides below and see where they sit in terms of dominance by the younger one. Is it the older one that’s had scratches? Any bite marks you could see?

The bond does sound a little tense. How do they behave when you separate them? I take it they live side by side when you do?

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonds In Trouble
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)
 
Thank you for these links, I've actually been reading through links and threads for the last hour or so! These guys were rescued off the side of the road so not 100% sure of ages, but I would guess the piggie being harassed is around 2 and the biter is 15-18 months. There's never been a clear dominant pig, but I would say the older one was probably a bit more dominant all along- I definitely think it could be the younger one trying to shift the hierarchy. He's always been a bit of a pest though.

It is the older one that has marks on him and he did get nipped tonight. Honestly, they act the same when they are separated (I just pop some grids in the middle of their house). I have a large loft so they've always been pretty good at getting their "alone time". They also typically sleep on different levels and have food on both.

I'm just struggling to make the best decision because my pigs are not and have never been aggressive. They don't mount each other or teeth chatter or anything!
 
What happens when they’re separated? Is one biting at the bars and other is quiet, or are both quiet and okay with interacting through the bars? Sleeping separately isn’t a sign of itself. The majority of piggies don’t cuddle together to sleep.

I think try separating for a few days and see how they behave. If you could give them 2x4 each that would be better. I’ll tag @Piggies&buns @PigglePuggle
 
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