Bonding a Boar and a Sow - Please Help.

Julezfm39

Julezfm39

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jul 23, 2019
Messages
351
Reaction score
669
Points
430
Location
Woking, Surrey
Hi everyone.

I’m sorry I’ve not been here in a long time since I lost my 3 beloved boys last September after they contracted a fatal virus at a pet boarder’s. I had so much support here but I am still grieving so much. The lovely news is that my sole female piggy, Nevaeh, who has been on her own since I adopted her in 2024 (she’s now almost 2 and wasn’t exposed to the virus), is finally getting a friend. A neutered 9-month old sweet boar called Pickles. I’m collecting him from the RSPCA on Sunday 21st June. He has no health issues but I am obviously very cautious after losing my 3 boys so suddenly last year after they were exposed to what the vet believed was Bordetella. I currently have a 4 x 2 ft cage for Nevaeh which I will expand but I’m just wondering about the initial bonding process. Could I divide this cage in half for a few days whilst they get used to each other? Shouid they have separate floor time until I put them together? Do I need a completely new canvas floor for the cage for scent reasons? Apart from Neveah I have only had un-neutered boars before. Many thanks for your help 🩷 I’m sorry once again for not being active here more recently 💔💔
 
It’s lovely to see you back.

It is best if they live side by side for at least a few days (but it can be up to a couple of weeks) so he can settle in and so they can get to know each other between bars before you put them together on bonding day.
How long they stay in separate but side by side cages depends very much on when you are able to devote the day to bonding and how he settles - you don’t want to rush this stage as bonding a potentially scared and unsettled piggy generally doesn’t go well.
A 4ft cage cannot suitably be divided in half - it simply means each half would be far too small. You might get away with it for one night in and emergency (even so it would not be ideal) but it would not be suitable for longer than that.

The space where the bonding is carried out needs to be somewhere other than nevaeh’s territory - You cannot do it in her cage.
Splitting a cage in half and then trying to bond in it can also throw potential problems - removing a divider and allow them to wander in each others half can still be seen as a territory invasion.
A bath tub can be used or blocking off a space in a hallway or even a bathroom floor.
As bonding can take all day (sometimes even leaving them in the bonding pen overnight can be advisable) it has to be somewhere that is suitable for at least several hours.
Once bonding is successful, they go into the cage they are to live in together.
At the point of moving to the permanent cage, the cage must either carry the scent of both of them or neither of them - so either neutralize the cage, or use bedding from the bonding pen in the main cage.

They will need separate floor time until you are prepared to try the bonding.
Putting them together for floor time will, to them, be seen as the bonding session. (And this means you would have to see it through there and then and won’t be able to put them back into their own cages as doing so would halt the bonding).

Fingers crossed for them

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours
 
Thank you so much for your reply. That all makes sense. As I’m still on long term sick leave I’m at home all day so can keep a close eye on how Pickles is settling in. I’ve got another 4ft cage frame which just needs a good wipe with pet safe spray, and a new canvas bottom which I can buy today. I can bond them in a neutral space in our lounge and then I can put both cages together as there will be both their smells. Or I may set up a neutral C&C cage. I’ll take it one step at a time and get Pickles settled in first, thank you 💕
 
How lovely to see you again and to hear your news about Pickles.
I have a sow & boar pair too.
It’s a delight to watch them interact, and the happy rumbling of my boar
Hope all goes well for you
 
Merab said:
How lovely to see you again and to hear your news about Pickles.
I have a sow & boar pair too.
It’s a delight to watch them interact, and the happy rumbling of my boar
Hope all goes well for you
Click to expand...
Lovely to see you again too! Yes, it’s very exciting to have Pickles joining our family on Sunday. I’m praying all goes well between them but I won’t rush things. Thank you for reassuring me - I’ll keep you posted 💕
 
Piggies&buns said:
It’s lovely to see you back.

It is best if they live side by side for at least a few days (but it can be up to a couple of weeks) so he can settle in and so they can get to know each other between bars before you put them together on bonding day.
How long they stay in separate but side by side cages depends very much on when you are able to devote the day to bonding and how he settles - you don’t want to rush this stage as bonding a potentially scared and unsettled piggy generally doesn’t go well.
A 4ft cage cannot suitably be divided in half - it simply means each half would be far too small. You might get away with it for one night in and emergency (even so it would not be ideal) but it would not be suitable for longer than that.

The space where the bonding is carried out needs to be somewhere other than nevaeh’s territory - You cannot do it in her cage.
Splitting a cage in half and then trying to bond in it can also throw potential problems - removing a divider and allow them to wander in each others half can still be seen as a territory invasion.
A bath tub can be used or blocking off a space in a hallway or even a bathroom floor.
As bonding can take all day (sometimes even leaving them in the bonding pen overnight can be advisable) it has to be somewhere that is suitable for at least several hours.
Once bonding is successful, they go into the cage they are to live in together.
At the point of moving to the permanent cage, the cage must either carry the scent of both of them or neither of them - so either neutralize the cage, or use bedding from the bonding pen in the main cage.

They will need separate floor time until you are prepared to try the bonding.
Putting them together for floor time will, to them, be seen as the bonding session. (And this means you would have to see it through there and then and won’t be able to put them back into their own cages as doing so would halt the bonding).

Fingers crossed for them

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours
Click to expand...
Hi again!
So we’ve had Pickle a week and he has settled into his home very well. He’s such a sweet and friendly little chap. He and Nevaeh touched noses through the bars the day after he arrived, but there has not been much interaction since. I’m wondering if the way I have the cages (in an L-shape) is hindering them. Nevaeh is spending most of her time in her little strawberry house whereas she used to prefer her cardboard hidey before. I’m quite worried that she’s avoiding it because she dislikes Pickle. I love Pickle so much already and will do whatever I need to do in order to get this bonding right! What do you think, please? 💕
 

Attachments

  • 3D4D0A37-FB8A-474A-9DFB-DB8D09F4CF4B.webp
    3D4D0A37-FB8A-474A-9DFB-DB8D09F4CF4B.webp
    101.8 KB · Views: 5
  • IMG_2163.webp
    IMG_2163.webp
    116.1 KB · Views: 4
Please don’t worry about what does or doesn’t happen regarding interaction at this point - it isn’t actually indicative of how they will get on at bonding.
The main aims of them being side by side is so they are aware of each other and he is settling in.
It also doesn’t matter that their cages are L shaped - it won’t hinder.

Whenever you feel he is settled and have the time to do the bonding, then go for it!
We will be on hand to help if you have any questions.

Fingers crossed for them
 
Piggies&buns said:
Please don’t worry about what does or doesn’t happen regarding interaction at this point - it isn’t actually indicative of how they will get on at bonding.
The main aims of them being side by side is so they are aware of each other and he is settling in.
It also doesn’t matter that their cages are L shaped - it won’t hinder.

Whenever you feel he is settled and have the time to do the bonding, then go for it!
We will be on hand to help if you have any questions.

Fingers crossed for them
Click to expand...

Thank you! 🙏 That’s reassuring to know. Nevaeh’s hay pile is next to the cardboard hidey so she does wander up there regularly! As you say, they’re becoming aware of each other ‘existing’ next door so that’s all part of the process. Pickle is getting more confident each day so I’m definitely not going to rush the bonding. I also have to decide whether to put both cages together or set up the C&C cage with a new, neutral base in the cage.

Thank you again! 💛
 
If you mean that you would join the cages together, have a new base and then do the bonding in there - I personally wouldn’t risk that.
I would remove them both and bond them somewhere totally different. For me, I like to know they are in completely neutral space for bonding so if the bonding doesn’t work then there is no doubt in my mind that it wasn’t because of there being any chance one felt their territory invaded.

If you mean post bonding, then as long as the bonding was done in neutral then the cage you move then back to can either carry the scent of no piggy at all or it must carry the scent of both
 
Piggies&buns said:
If you mean that you would join the cages together, have a new base and then do the bonding in there - I personally wouldn’t risk that.
I would remove them both and bond them somewhere totally different. For me, I like to know they are in completely neutral space for bonding so if the bonding doesn’t work then there is no doubt in my mind that it wasn’t because of there being any chance one felt their territory invaded.

If you mean post bonding, then as long as the bonding was done in neutral then the cage you move then back to can either carry the scent of no piggy at all or it must carry the scent of both
Click to expand...

Thank you - yes, I meant post bonding. I will bond them in a completely neutral space and then post bonding I will either join the cages together as that will have both their scents.. or create a brand new, neutral cage set-up 💛
 
The neutral option, definitely. It can still cause some territorial issues between them, much better to have the cages cleaned and "neutral" to put them back into if the bonding goes well.
 
Fingers crossed for the bonding.

I will say, although you can go down the route of cage containing both scents post bonding (the key is always that it never contains the scent
of just one) but I don’t have personal experience of it - I have always made sure the cage was always neutral as well. I’ve always just found it easier that way but I have never bought a new base for that purpose either
 
Piggies&buns said:
Fingers crossed for the bonding.

I will say, although you can go down the route of cage containing both scents post bonding (the key is always that it never contains the scent
of just one) but I don’t have personal experience of it - I have always made sure the cage was always neutral as well. I’ve always just found it easier that way but I have never bought a new base for that purpose either
Click to expand...
Thank you.. I might just go with a neutral cage. I feel like that will be easier and minimise the risk of them being territorial. I want to do the best I can but I’m also struggling with a fibromyalgia flare so I need to make sure I’m not making more work for myself than I need to! 💛
 
Lorcan said:
The neutral option, definitely. It can still cause some territorial issues between them, much better to have the cages cleaned and "neutral" to put them back into if the bonding goes well.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Looks like the neutral option will be best. I’m not rushing this as I absolutely adore my new little guy, Pickle, and he had been waiting at the RSPCA for 6 months with nobody adopting him. He’s an absolute sweetheart 🤎💛
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2102.webp
    IMG_2102.webp
    118.6 KB · Views: 4
Hope your bonding goes well
I have a 2.5yr old neutered boar who lives with a 1 year old sow. The first time I tried to bond them my sow was too frightened (she was a rescue) so I abandoned the mission & they lived side by side for a few weeks and I tried again and it worked.
I have another 2.5 year old boar who lives with a 8m old sow. She was also a rescue when we got her (4months) and played dead. We couldn't have her living side by side because she didnt interact at all or make any attempt to move so we decided to put her straight into a neutral space with raichu and they hit it off instantly and have been inseparable ever since. Patience is key, some take time like my first two :)
 
larnanoomia said:
Hope your bonding goes well
I have a 2.5yr old neutered boar who lives with a 1 year old sow. The first time I tried to bond them my sow was too frightened (she was a rescue) so I abandoned the mission & they lived side by side for a few weeks and I tried again and it worked.
I have another 2.5 year old boar who lives with a 8m old sow. She was also a rescue when we got her (4months) and played dead. We couldn't have her living side by side because she didnt interact at all or make any attempt to move so we decided to put her straight into a neutral space with raichu and they hit it off instantly and have been inseparable ever since. Patience is key, some take time like my first two :)
Click to expand...

Thank you so much and apologies for my late reply. That’s very reassuring to know. It’s been 2 weeks now and I haven’t been able to try to bond Nevaeh and Pickle yet. They are living side by side and each seems relaxed when the other is nearby! I can start the bonding in a neutral space on the floor in my lounge (this is where their cages are) but it’s then a case of setting up a neutral cage 💕
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you so much and apologies for my late reply. That’s very reassuring to know. It’s been 2 weeks now and I haven’t been able to try to bond Nevaeh and Pickle yet. They are living side by side and each seems relaxed when the other is nearby! I can start the bonding in a neutral space on the floor in my lounge (this is where their cages are) but it’s then a case of setting up a neutral cage 💕
Click to expand...
Don't rush, I had my sow living in the middle of two boars (both neutered) and I bonded her with the boar she spent most of her time at the bars with. The sows are definitely the bosses, the boys like to think they are though!
 
larnanoomia said:
Don't rush, I had my sow living in the middle of two boars (both neutered) and I bonded her with the boar she spent most of her time at the bars with. The sows are definitely the bosses, the boys like to think they are though!
Click to expand...
Thank you! Yes, I get the feeling that my sow who’s 2 will boss my boar around as he’s only 9 months old! They don’t spend that much time at the bars but touched noses on day 2. I think they’re both pretty chilled about things 🥰
 
Julezfm39 said:
Thank you! Yes, I get the feeling that my sow who’s 2 will boss my boar around as he’s only 9 months old! They don’t spend that much time at the bars but touched noses on day 2. I think they’re both pretty chilled about things 🥰
Click to expand...

Give them at least one season and pheromonal fallout and see how that goes down before you attempt bonding. There is no rush. Friendship takes time to grow.

My highly fear-aggressive Sulwen did live for several months next to my Merlin who had grown up as a companion for a succession of elderly bereaved boars after failing even as a live-alongside piggy with any others. After Merlin was neutered, they made a match and are now happily together. By the way, it is not Sulwen (my currently largest sow) but Merlin (my smallest boar) who is calling the shots.
 
Wiebke said:
Give them at least one season and pheromonal fallout and see how that goes down before you attempt bonding. There is no rush. Friendship takes time to grow.

My highly fear-aggressive Sulwen did live for several months next to my Merlin who had grown up as a companion for a succession of elderly bereaved boars after failing even as a live-alongside piggy with any others. After Merlin was neutered, they made a match and are now happily together. By the way, it is not Sulwen (my currently largest sow) but Merlin (my smallest boar) who is calling the shots.
Click to expand...
Hiya! I’m so sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I had a fall recently and with having fibromyalgia it’s taken me a bit longer to recover! Thank you for your advice. After 4 weeks I decided to start bonding. My sow, Nevaeh, is 2 and my boar, Pickle is now 10 months old. I currently have them in a neutral bonding pen and it seems okay so far. Pickle wants to sniff Nevaeh more but she’s not impressed! They’ve eaten hay together and there’s been rumbling from Nevaeh and lots of jumping from Pickle. I’m setting up a new, neutral enclosure for them once I’m happy that things are working out. They’ve not quite figured out who’s boss yet. There’s been no teeth chattering.. just rumble strutting, little popcorns and squeaks! 🐷🩷🐷
 
All the best. It sounds like there is no aggression. We usually recommend to not have any hidey in the bonding pen. If needed, leave them overnight with a sheet pegged over the top so they can get the roughest bit of the dominance group establishment phase out of the way and settling into the cage is going to be much calmer.
 
Wiebke said:
All the best. It sounds like there is no aggression. We usually recommend to not have any hidey in the bonding pen. If needed, leave them overnight with a sheet pegged over the top so they can get the roughest bit of the dominance group establishment phase out of the way and settling into the cage is going to be much calmer.
Click to expand...
Thank you! They are in their new home and there’s been no rumbling. They’re both calm with a few little jumps and popcorns here and there! There hasn’t been any teeth chattering and so I’m feeling really pleased! They’re still working on who’s boss I think.. but there’s been no aggression at all 💕
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top