Boars chattering...(first thread)

[Beckandsimon]

Hi all

We are new to GPs and would love some advice, please.

We rescued 2 boars. At the time we had them they were 18 weeks and 12 weeks. They had been bonded for about 2 weeks before that by the rehoming place. We have had them 4 weeks so are now 22 weeks and 16 weeks.

A couple of weeks ago we noticed a little bit of aggression; little bit of chattering but only very brief (few seconds every time) and then it would stop. The older one then started to try and mount the younger. This went on for a few days (about 8/9 days ago) but only briefly each time. The younger one would hide and it would stop. However, then they both started to do it to each other which would cause a mini scrap. (There are no visible cuts or injuries to either.)

Yesterday morning we noticed prolonged chattering. We moved them to their run and the chattering started again and then some rising onto hind legs. They both then launched at each other but we were there and separated them immediately. As we were going out, we decided to put them in two separate runs side by side. As soon as we did that, they were calm. (At this point worth pointing out that because it was hot yesterday and very little shade, we put their runs side by side in our utility.)

They were calm on our return and throughout the evening so we decided to keep them in the side by side runs, inside our house, and just ensured they had enough bedding etc. All was fine this morning when we got up.

We decided to try them together in their outside run. As soon as they were put together the chattering began. As did the rising on back legs (again both). So separated them again before they fought. (We did ensure there were two lots of food, water etc.)

We are now at a loss. We’d like to try and preserver but not to the long term detriment of the GP. We have four daughters who love them both dearly and handle them a lot (under supervision).

I’ve read the behaviour sticky, thank you. I’d just like some advice from those in the know!

Is this b likely to be a sign that they aren’t suited or just a hormonal thing that may pass in week or two? If likely to pass can could we continue to keep them side by side in runs until they are calm again? Or would this cause them distress (they appear really calm in separate runs)?

Finally, if it seems that this isn’t a phase, what would our options be?


Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

They are in their teens which is when problems incompatibility can start to show.
I would say the fact they calmed when you separated them but then upon reintroduction went back to aggressive behaviour, that their relationship is over. It’s normally the behaviour upon reintroduction that gives you the answer.
I’m sorry to say that It sounds like they will need to live apart permanently now.

As separated piggies, they need to live permanently side by side to enable interaction through the bars to prevent loneliness. They can stay like that as they won’t be lonely, but it is better for them for the long term to be bonded with another piggy. However given their ages, bonding with another boar each may not be straight forward, not impossible but not necessarily straightforward. You would need to enlist the help of a rescue centre to find a character compatible friend but given their ages it may not be appropriate.
The best thing would be to neuter them, have their six week wait until they are infertile and find them a compatible sow wife each (again with the help of a rescue centre).

 

[Scooter Pie]

Here to offer support. We are currently dealing with a different situation, but it involves pigs that might not be able to live together and the feeling is bad...it hurts and I'm sorry to hear you’re going through it too!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all

We are new to GPs and would love some advice, please.

We rescued 2 boars. At the time we had them they were 18 weeks and 12 weeks. They had been bonded for about 2 weeks before that by the rehoming place. We have had them 4 weeks so are now 22 weeks and 16 weeks.

A couple of weeks ago we noticed a little bit of aggression; little bit of chattering but only very brief (few seconds every time) and then it would stop. The older one then started to try and mount the younger. This went on for a few days (about 8/9 days ago) but only briefly each time. The younger one would hide and it would stop. However, then they both started to do it to each other which would cause a mini scrap. (There are no visible cuts or injuries to either.)

Yesterday morning we noticed prolonged chattering. We moved them to their run and the chattering started again and then some rising onto hind legs. They both then launched at each other but we were there and separated them immediately. As we were going out, we decided to put them in two separate runs side by side. As soon as we did that, they were calm. (At this point worth pointing out that because it was hot yesterday and very little shade, we put their runs side by side in our utility.)

They were calm on our return and throughout the evening so we decided to keep them in the side by side runs, inside our house, and just ensured they had enough bedding etc. All was fine this morning when we got up.

We decided to try them together in their outside run. As soon as they were put together the chattering began. As did the rising on back legs (again both). So separated them again before they fought. (We did ensure there were two lots of food, water etc.)

We are now at a loss. We’d like to try and preserver but not to the long term detriment of the GP. We have four daughters who love them both dearly and handle them a lot (under supervision).

I’ve read the behaviour sticky, thank you. I’d just like some advice from those in the know!

Is this b likely to be a sign that they aren’t suited or just a hormonal thing that may pass in week or two? If likely to pass can could we continue to keep them side by side in runs until they are calm again? Or would this cause them distress (they appear really calm in separate runs)?

Finally, if it seems that this isn’t a phase, what would our options be?


Thanks

Hi and welcome

You are now dealing with two teenagers for the next 10 months or so. It is only then that it becomes obvious whether boars are personality compatible or not. Sadly most people choose theirs for looks and not by observing which two boars hang out together most...

Please take the time to read these two guides here. They will guide you in great detail through boar issues and all aspects of the teenage months, including what you can constructively do.
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

All you can do is hang in there and ride the tiger for as long as possible. The majority of boar pairs will make it together but it always depends on how well their personalities match.