Bonding

[Penelopes mummy]

Adopted 2 girls at the weekend to bond with my neutered boar.

They have separate cages, neither of them is big enough for all 3.

I've created an indoor run for all 3 and this is the 3rd night I've put them in.

Every time Hector gets noisy and stinky, constantly chasing Penelope and Margaret and tonight he will not leave Margaret alone, constantly mounting her and humping her whereas Penelope is a bit more feisty and he is leaving her alone.

It's not nice to watch and I feel Margaret is vulnerable as her sight is not very good.

Will Hector carry on like this every time I put them in the run together? Will he calm down once I can put them in a cage all together?

 

[mshappy89]

I am no expert but I think once you put them together you shouldn't be separating them. As each time you are beginning the introduction.

 

[mshappy89]

@Wiebke Maybe able to advise further

 

[Wiebke]

Adopted 2 girls at the weekend to bond with my neutered boar.

They have separate cages, neither of them is big enough for all 3.

I've created an indoor run for all 3 and this is the 3rd night I've put them in.

Every time Hector gets noisy and stinky, constantly chasing Penelope and Margaret and tonight he will not leave Margaret alone, constantly mounting her and humping her whereas Penelope is a bit more feisty and he is leaving her alone.

It's not nice to watch and I feel Margaret is vulnerable as her sight is not very good.

Will Hector carry on like this every time I put them in the run together? Will he calm down once I can put them in a cage all together?

Hi! Just leave Hector with the girls in the run overnight. It is very likely that Margaret has come into season. they cannot bond fully if you do not let them work it out between themselves. Some boars are just taken over by their hormonal urges, but in most cases these run out after a couple of days. Acceptance has happened by the sound of it; it is the sows that allow a boar to mount them, not the other way!
The shared excess of emotions actually works towards bonding them together closely. The day after a strong season is generally filled with mutual affection and reaffirmations of this bond. The first few seasons are generally strong ones.

I agree that it is not a pretty sight and that the testosterone stink that is cranked out is amazing. I am always glad when things have settled down and the boy has found the ON switch for his brain again...

Please take the time to read our bonding guide: Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics