Boys being boys or something to worry about?

[Chloe.123]

Hi advice needed for 2 boars.

So bit of a back story, Arthur (white) had been on his own since the end of last year. He was living with a male who savagely attacked him. He had over 12 bite marks all over his little body that unfortunately became infected. I washed them everyday and made sure he got better... so since then he had been on his own, now fully healed and gaining more confidence, I decided it was time to find him a new friend. Harvey (roan).

They have been living together for just over a week, introduction went well and it's been fine. Until tonight when I went to check /feed them, Harvey was constantly chasing and humping Arthur. Arthur just sat there squeaking and not moving.. I honestly thought the worst to begin with when he didn't move.

I know its all part of dominance but I'm worried that Arthur is being bullied. I don't think he will fight back and believe he is traumatised from the previous boar that attacked him. Soo should I be worried and separate or monitor them? Another option I've been considering is having Arthur neutered and rescuing some mild mannered wives

I should add Harvey hit 4 months on the 10th so I think that's when the hormones go a bit crazy?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Piggies&buns]

That all sounds entirely normal, definitely not grounds to separate - it takes around two weeks for them to fully establish their relationship and it also happens to have coincided with the start of the teens. Chasing and humping is normal boar behaviour. It sounds as if Arthur is accepting his position - the squeaking is submission and him allowing himself to be humped is good. You absolutely do not want him to fight back.

Bullying is specific - continuous humping and chasing (more extreme than normal boar behaviour) to the point the underpig cannot get a break; the underpig constantly being chased away from food and losing weight through not being allowed to eat; becoming depressed. What you are describing sounds normal at this point in their bonding process.

 

[Chloe.123]

That all sounds entirely normal, definitely not grounds to separate - it takes around two weeks for them to fully establish their relationship and it also happens to have coincided with the start of the teens. Chasing and humping is normal boar behaviour. It sounds as if Arthur is accepting his position - the squeaking is submission and him allowing himself to be humped is good. You absolutely do not want him to fight back.

Bullying is specific - continuous humping and chasing (more extreme than normal boar behaviour) to the point the underpig cannot get a break; the underpig constantly being chased away from food and losing weight through not being allowed to eat; becoming depressed. What you are describing sounds normal at this point in their bonding process.

Thank you! I'm just so worried that it's going to happen again

 

[Siikibam]

Given that Harvey has just started his teens then you will see dominance behaviour a lot more over the coming months. Have a read of the guide below and familiarise yourself with the different levels.
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs