Bonding Questions

[Red Star]

1. Does the age of a pig affect the likelihood of a successful bonding?

I was just about to start the bonding process with my 3 boars, now that I have the space for their new cage etc... but my eldest boar, Agent Nibbles, has fallen ill. The vet suggested washing my hands between handling him and handling the other two, until he's better.

But it's sort of a crucial time, as the younguns will soon be mature, and I was hoping to start the bond before they got completely grown.

To be perfectly frank, I'm a little worried Nibbles isn't going to make it; he's an old gent, and doesn't move around much these days, combined with his illness, but anyway...

2. The 3 of them currently can all see, smell, and hear each other, and they all seem fine with everything. There's been no fussing or wheeking at each other through the bars. Is this a good sign that they might get along okay once the barrier is removed?

 

[Red Star]

And to clarify, I am already aware of the difficulty of bonding 3 males. :> We are still gonna give it a shot once Nibs is well, and if they dont get on then they'll just get a cage upgrade eith a divider, anyhow.

 

[Red Star]

Gosh I'm so sorry about posting repeatedly--I didn't realize I wouldn't be able to edit my posts later, haha, and now i've thought of more to add.

I'm fairly certain that even once Agent Nibbles recovers from his illness (if he does...--not to be negative, just trying to keep it real) I very much doubt he'll have all that much strength to him, compared to Chewy and Han, who are both sprightly young boys.

Do you think it'd make it better for the bonding,, that he's so chill and kinda low key (he pretty much just sits in one spot not moving, these days),, or do you think the younger two are more likely to pick on him since he's weaker/sick?

 

[DM030819]

I've found the hierarchies change when a pig is ill so if you have a pig that thinks it should be higher than Nibbles they will pick on him.

It all depends on the pigs personalities. I had to split my last trio when one started to age more, I removed him as one of the others wouldn't stop pestering him.

But in previous circumstances I had an older pig who had a neurological problem that affected his ability to walk and he still lived happily with a younger pair.

I think if your vet suggests keeping them separate, then you should do so until he's happy that Nibbles is healthy enough to attempt bonding.

 

[VickiA]

With @Jaycey . Bonding is a stressful time for all the piggies so I wouldn't want to embark on it with one who is under par.
Age is not the only determinant in a bonding. It's almost entirely down to the personalities of the pigs. And if they take an instant dislike to one another there's not much you can do about it. Some piggies appear laid back but can still surprise you with their vigorous refusal to accept your choice of cage mate for them. Complex little creatures.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Age has minimal impact though obviously males do go through the hormonal stages which can impact a bonding. I've also noticed that older pigs (sows mostly) start to get more picky with who they will accept into the group. But mostly its down to personality

 

[Critter]

I have found that the ages of around 10 months to perhaps 15/16 months or so to be difficult when bonding mine, though I haven't had as much experience as others, there's others who have had the same experiences with similar aged piggies, it can be awkward around that age.
It IS ultimately down to personality, but they tend to calm down a bit from give or take a year-and-a-half. I have had failed teenage bonding attempts that have been successful once the piggy has matured.

 

[Red Star]

Thanks for the feedback!

Of course, regardless of age, I plan to wait until I get the OK from my vet, before I introduce them. So no worries there..

I guess I'll just have to try it and see! Id love for them to be able to all be together, I think it'd do Nibbles a lot of good--provided they get along. He's been a stationary lump ever since he got back from the vet. v.v

 

[guinea Pigs!]

I think they will bond well, however some fights may break out rarely because they are older than the usual introducing period.