Boar Bonding - Did I Step in Too Soon?

[Kymaero]

I recently tried to bond my two boars, Pippin (2 years old) and Dali (9 months old). Pippin has been the dominant pig in both of his past relationships, and Dali was previously in a boar trio with his foster family (he and his brother were young pigs introduced to an older boar, but he was living with the other two right up until I adopted him). I introduced them on neutral ground, with two big piles of hay and some treats scattered around. For the first hour, they mostly just ate, with Dali humping Pippin pretty much every time he moved, but Pippin continuing to eat or even lay down. Dali lay down a couple times too, but then whenever Pippin moved, he'd get back up again, and back to humping.

But after that hour, Pippin nipped at Dali to get him to stop, and Dali took offense. They started teeth-chattering pretty hard, facing off, and nipping. I stopped the session when Dali lunged for Pippin. But I've done some reading and watched some other bonding videos, and wonder if I stepped in too soon? I just didn't want either of them to get injured.

It's been a little over a month since the failed intro (Dali ended up with foot fungus, and Pippin recently had some minor dental surgery), and my husband wants to try again. I'm not so sure. What do you think?

They're currently living side-by-side, each in a 4x2 CC cage (which I had planned to be an 8x2). They bit at the bars the first day or so, but now they mostly lie next to them and touch noses, occasionally rumble strutting.

P.S.: We are located in South Korea, which has some adoption possibilities, but mostly just from foster families or people looking to re-home their guinea pigs. Boar dating is, unfortunately, not an option.

Here is a link to a video of the last minute of their introduction (when it started going wrong): https://youtube/lb543tEKOtg
Dali is red, and Pippin is gray

 

[Siikibam]

I would perhaps give them a few days then try again. The lunging from Dali is a worry. The other thing to consider is that Dali is in his teens so hormones are high.

Have a read of the guide below on dominance levels and see where they are. If you go for it again, you will possibly know quite quickly if it won’t work.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

PS your link isn’t working I’m afraid.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

I cannot access your video but lunging is a defensive and not an aggressive behaviour; it is a strongly worded 'stay out of my space'. However, if the wrong kind of signals is being exchanged, then tensions can build up and escalate very quickly and can really take you by surprise. You were right to separate in that situation as you could have ended up with a major fight in a matter of minutes if the other boar had ignored the lunge and kept up the pressure.
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
A - Z of Guinea Pig Behaviours

Give them some time for hormones to die down and to settle then you can stage another formal introduction on neutral ground outside the cage (like a shower cubicle or bathtub with a large towel on the floor fo instance). If the bond is not working, then tensions will usually build up very quickly. This should give you the answer you need.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

Please take the time to read the links in this thread; you should give you the answer you need.

 

[dhill_cb7]

Can’t offer more than my rebonding after rescue of my two boars.

I had them out for floor time after rescuing my boars. The boys were bonded and in the rescue for 4 months prior to my rescue.

My dominant boar (at the time Mocha) was challenged by the submissive cappucchino. They teeth chattered and cappy lunged at mocha. I trial separated and reattempted introduction on neutral ground.
My boys are now still together 3 months later in a 16 sq foot c and c cage.

We did have minor teeth chattering when We expanded from 12 sq ft to 16 sq ft.

Without blood drawn the separation was totally your choice and be careful trying to rebond them.

 

[Kymaero]

: here's the fixed link, just in case. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to delete the period in there.

 

[Siikibam]

: here's the fixed link, just in case. I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to delete the period in there.

Oh no, that doesn’t look good. As above, give them some for the hormones and perhaps try again. Be ready with the oven gloves.

If it doesn’t work out, remember they can live as neighbours.

 

[Wiebke]

This needed separating - your ginger boy is clearly forcing the issue and doesn't know when to stop. it would have only got worse.
Well done!

 

[Tigermoth]

Oh bless your heart, sitting all ready with your oven gloves and tea towel. I have to say, the way you calmly directed into a cuddle sack was brilliant, well done. Sorry it didn’t work out xx

 

[alpacasqueak]

Oh I’m so sorry it didn’t work out with them @Kymaero, Dali definitely doesn’t want to leave poor Pippin alone does he!
I agree, amazing how you were so calm getting him out of the way in his bed! Hope you’re ok, sorry it wasn’t a better bonding for you all x
Your boys are gorgeous by the way!

 

[Kymaero]

Thank you all for the confirmations and reassurances. After this session, poor Pippin's behind was very wet, so I was concerned, but it was all just from Dali's humping, thankfully no blood on either of them, so at least I didn't have that to worry about. And thanks for the compliment, alpacasqueak!