Can Nibbling Be Playing?

[Chatty]

My two Boars get along pretty well but I noticed the youngest having some sly nibbles of the other ones back legs now and again when they are out playing.

The bigger one just chases him off and doesn't seem all that bothered, does a bit rumble strutting and then carries on. Doesn't seem hurt and never seen any marks or injuries yet.

He has also bit me and my son but it doesn't hurt, like he's biting but putting no force on it purposely. Wondered if this is some sort of playing or if it's a behaviour issue. They've been popcorning all over today but noticed it happen between so happy but being a little really haha

 

[sport_billy]

How long have you had them? Is this common behaviour? How big is the cage they are normally in? How old are they?

 

[Chatty]

How long have you had them? Is this common behaviour? How big is the cage they are normally in? How old are they?

Oldest since March so he's about nine months, youngest in May and he's 6 months.

I haven't seen him nibble him before, they seem to get on and haven't seen them fight at all.

They are in a five by two feet cage, when I caught him nibbling him it was on the floor though so they had free reign of the room.

 

[Emz1999]

Do they give a bit of a sniff or a lick before they go in for a nibble? I've had quite a few pigs who decide after doing this to test how edible I am with a nibble that doesn't hurt.

But, if there is no prior sniffing or licking I also have a lady who was a big culprit of this type of nibbling. I noticed that if I was close to certain parts of her she wouldn't like it and nibble me away. Even if my hand was just near her she'd give it a nibble. I sorted this problem out by giving her some hand space and I've pretty much sorted out the nibble issues - they're just licks now.

Pig on pig nibbling I haven't seen except for the occasional threatening one where they leap at each other slightly to do it. Have you noticed any hair loss? It could be that leg hair is quite fun to nibble off and there is in fact barbering going on. I wouldn't put it past a piggie to get enthuastic with the legs not knowing they belong to their friend.