Dominant pig constantly harassing other pig

[Santalune]

I introduced my two pigs a few days ago and after the initial chasing each other around, they settled down and I felt comfortable putting them together in their cage. Now it seems like the dominant pig (Gus) is constantly harassing the other (Shaun) and he never lets up. He just keeps chasing him around and humping him! Shaun doesn't even seem to be rejecting Gus's dominance, but he keeps doing it! Should I be worried, or is this going to eventually settle down?

 

[Wiebke]

I introduced my two pigs a few days ago and after the initial chasing each other around, they settled down and I felt comfortable putting them together in their cage. Now it seems like the dominant pig (Gus) is constantly harassing the other (Shaun) and he never lets up. He just keeps chasing him around and humping him! Shaun doesn't even seem to be rejecting Gus's dominance, but he keeps doing it! Should I be worried, or is this going to eventually settle down?

Hi! While humping and chasing is normal part of boar bonding, incessant humping where the underboar can't even sleep eat or drink means it should be called off. The line between dominance and bullying is a fine one, but if the bullying is truly incessant, it is being crossed. The humping boar will always complain, but you need to watch the reaction of quiet boar when separated - if suddenly perks up when away, then you know that you have done the right thing. If he is keen to be back, then put him back.

Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[Santalune]

Hi! While humping and chasing is normal part of boar bonding, incessant humping where the underboar can't even sleep eat or drink means it should be called off. The line between dominance and bullying is a fine one, but if the bullying is truly incessant, it is being crossed. The humping boar will always complain, but you need to watch the reaction of quiet boar when separated - if suddenly perks up when away, then you know that you have done the right thing. If he is keen to be back, then put him back.

Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

I'll be sure to separate them for a while tomorrow when I clean their cage out, and watch Shaun's behavior. I'm hoping it settles down soon but if it doesn't, is there anything I can do besides completely separating them? If it changes anything, Gus is about 4-5 years (not sure, he's a rescue pig) and Shaun is 4 months.

 

[Mosaical]

I have a piggy like this. Chewbacca chases and humps any and every guinea pig he can get to. Keep them together for the time being unless you see any signs of aggression—teeth chattering, biting, squealing (if either of the last two occur, separate immediately).

 

[Wiebke]

I'll be sure to separate them for a while tomorrow when I clean their cage out, and watch Shaun's behavior. I'm hoping it settles down soon but if it doesn't, is there anything I can do besides completely separating them? If it changes anything, Gus is about 4-5 years (not sure, he's a rescue pig) and Shaun is 4 months.

Since Shaun is a lot smaller, please create a refuge with two exits for him that Gus cannot get into, as described in the bonding article in the chapter 'boar bonding' that I have linked to on my last post.
The chapter deals with excessive humping during bonding; it is not unusual especially when bonding boars with disparate ages - or newly neutered boars with sows.

If it doesn't settle down and is impacting on Shaun's health (not all piggies can stand up for themselves), then opting for a live-alongside option may be the better solution. Right now, Gus is overexcited.