Confused Dominant Boar?

[Keiko The Pig]

I just recently adopted a young boar (Milo) from my local rescue to be a companion for my previously lone piggy Keiko. Keiko will rumble strut constantly, occasionally force Milo's chin up, and a few odd times I have seen him nibble Milo's ears. None of this seems to bother Milo as he follows Keiko around and doesn't try to run away (which he very well could! Boy is he fast!) Recently Keiko has started rumbling yet popcorning at the same time? Is he a little confused in his new position as dom pig? He makes the rumbling noise, while doing small little pops mostly in place (unlike his full po corning where he zips around the room/cage at the same time). Just wondering if this is normal. Also, if i take Keiko out for cuddles, its only about 2 minutes before they both start wheeking super loudly and won't hush until either Milo is taken out, or Keiko is returned to his cage. It's my first time having pigs, and just want to make sure this is normal. I always handle Keiko first to respect their little hierarchy.

 

[Dindypig]

Everything seems normal.

 

[Swissgreys]

Sounds normal to me too and it actually sounds like they have bonded really well.
Someone on here told me you shouldn't just listen to the noise, but also look at the body language too.
For Eddi (our boar) I think his rumble is also one of his happy noises, and he does it while he rublestruts, but also he sometimes lays on his sleeping platform (the absolute best place in the cage) and rumbles away to himself, even when the girls are no where near.
With Eddi I get the impression that his rumble is the equivalent of him constantly reciting positive affirmations to himself (yay me, I'm so great, look at me on the sleeping platform, I rock, I'm so fantastic,....).

 

[Julie M]

My Fudge was rumblestrutting this morning at his relatively new cage mate peanut this morning then in the middle of his rumblestrutting popcorned and made a "booo" noise. Lol. They are strange creatures.

 

[Wiebke]

I just recently adopted a young boar (Milo) from my local rescue to be a companion for my previously lone piggy Keiko. Keiko will rumble strut constantly, occasionally force Milo's chin up, and a few odd times I have seen him nibble Milo's ears. None of this seems to bother Milo as he follows Keiko around and doesn't try to run away (which he very well could! Boy is he fast!) Recently Keiko has started rumbling yet popcorning at the same time? Is he a little confused in his new position as dom pig? He makes the rumbling noise, while doing small little pops mostly in place (unlike his full po corning where he zips around the room/cage at the same time). Just wondering if this is normal. Also, if i take Keiko out for cuddles, its only about 2 minutes before they both start wheeking super loudly and won't hush until either Milo is taken out, or Keiko is returned to his cage. It's my first time having pigs, and just want to make sure this is normal. I always handle Keiko first to respect their little hierarchy.

Everything VERY MUCH in the green zone - Keiko is a very happy boar (boars do this rumble-'corning-squeaking thing when they can't contain their joy! My little new husboar Gethin is currently doing it all the time, too).
Keiko is telling little Milo that he is the boss, but all still in a friendly way. It is in the way of a friendly affirmation of their group hierarchy.

I would recommend to cuddle them together during lap time to avoid them squeaking for each other to stay in contact. Pick them up in a slightly larger cardboard box, and all will be well!
Here is a picture for a suitable pick-up box: How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Sounds normal to me too and it actually sounds like they have bonded really well.
Someone on here told me you shouldn't just listen to the noise, but also look at the body language too.
For Eddi (our boar) I think his rumble is also one of his happy noises, and he does it while he rublestruts, but also he sometimes lays on his sleeping platform (the absolute best place in the cage) and rumbles away to himself, even when the girls are no where near.
With Eddi I get the impression that his rumble is the equivalent of him constantly reciting positive affirmations to himself (yay me, I'm so great, look at me on the sleeping platform, I rock, I'm so fantastic,....).

Hmm that is interesting! I have noticed that sometimes when they are out Keiko will come onto my lap and rumble despite Milo being across the room sniffing something new. He does seem very happy and even likes it if I give him a small shake as this sets him off into mini or full popcorns

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Everything VERY MUCH in the green zone - Keiko is a very happy boar (boars do this rumble-corning-squeaking thing when they can't contain their joy!). He is telling little Milo that he is the boss, but all still in a friendly way.

I would recommend to cuddle them together during lap time to avoid them squeaking for each other to stay in contact. Pick them up in a slightly larger cardboard box, and all will be well!
Here is a picture for a suitable pick-up box: How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig

That's great to hear that he is so happy! And it is quite the funny sight! I have always picked Keiko up by hand without many issues. No true chasing. He lets me corner him and once he's accepted his fate offers no resistance once I wrap my hand around his torso. As long as Milo is also picked up shortly after and placed either out on the bed for cuddles or the floor to run around they are fine. Milo is a bit harder to catch, but also gives up once he's been lifted off the ground though I understand this is more of a fear response whereas Keiko has actually learned not to mind it too much as he loves his time outside the cage

 

[Tigermoth]

With Eddi I get the impression that his rumble is the equivalent of him constantly reciting positive affirmations to himself (yay me, I'm so great, look at me on the sleeping platform, I rock, I'm so fantastic,....).

I think this is what Timmy is up to 90% of the time. He is permanently rumbling away to himself, he had a good few minutes properly rumbling and bum swaying at the tray of hay earlier. Really showed it who was boss.

 

[Swissgreys]

I think this is what Timmy is up to 90% of the time. He is permanently rumbling away to himself, he had a good few minutes properly rumbling and bum swaying at the tray of hay earlier. Really showed it who was boss.

Go Timmy

I have to say I am finding boars to be endlessly entertaining!

 

[Keiko The Pig]

That is hilarious! Keiko never rumbles at his hay (too busy stuffing his little piggy face!) but I have seen him rumble at the log tunnel I guess even inanimate objects need to know who's in charge!