?failed bonding between beareved 3 year old sow and new 6month lively boar

[Tribbles]

Hi, just looking for some advice. I'm new on this website.
Have a newly bereaved sow who lost her lifelong companion who was either her sister or mum petshop wasnt sure(she got snatched by a fox, all a bit traumatic). Shes very placid, 3 years old. Thought would get her a boyfriend instead. Did all the wrong things, got him from a breeder not sure how well handled he was, is very skittish and lively. Kept them separate, in cages next to each other, got him neutered, his 6 week wait is done. He's being cuddled every day so is much better. Anyway, put them together 2 days ago and they got on fine for 3 hours so we popped them together in the newly cleaned rearranged sows bigger cage, but made the mistake of leaving hideys in there. He was so happy, popcorning like crazy to the point he jumped on her nose, running laps round and round was lovely to see. Then he stayed in a hidey (her favourite), she wasn't happy, started having a go at him, lots of squaring up, loud teeth chattering etc. Lots of tension, getting worse.
Separated them for the night, he was beside himself wanting to get back with her, she was chatting to him thro the bars.
Tried again yesterday on neutral ground, all started again to a point where she launched at him, no blood but he did a pained small squeel and laid down completely in front of her. Put them in the outside run to sort it out between them and even overnight together in the cage. No fighting but no snuggling up together either.
I've separated them again as I'm not sure it's working.
Should I try again or leave it a few months with them being just neighbours and try when his hormones have settled? He's desperate for a pal.
Thanks for any advice

 

[dhill_cb7]

This seems all normal. You shouldn’t keep separating them as this restarts bonding and causes stress. Only separate if there is a full fledged fight with blood. The submission (by the boar lowering himself) and his squeaks shows he is accepting submission and allowing your sow dominance.

The biting at the bars for the submissive pig shows you they want to be together. The rumbling and squaring off the sow is commonplace as they figure out the hierarchy.

Trust me I went through this and trial separated my boars and a shift/restrutucture of dominance between my boys. However, wait for more experienced veteran members to chime in with more advice. Good luck and I hope they get on with each other.

 

[Siikibam]

I would leave them in the (clean, neutral) bonding area for a longer time, overnight if possible. Make sure there are no hides in there and just a pile of hay. It does sound like normal dominance behaviour on the second try, and submissive behaviour from the sow.

Please bear in mind that not snuggling together doesn’t mean it’s not a good bond. My pairs are well bonded but don’t snuggle together.

Clean their cage again and rearrange. I would only have hides in there with two exits. Remember it takes two weeks for them to really settle their hierarchy and relationship.

Have a read of the guides below before you try again. Good luck.

Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Swissgreys]

I would also add that in my experience piggies that have been alone from a fairly young age often take a little longer to 'get it'.
As he has been alone for a while his desperate need for companionship might make him little over zealous and also slow to respond to reprimands - he is just too excited.
But if you give them plenty of time, chances are he will settle down and show the respect that your senior sow expects.
I fully agree that for now they should just be left together to work through the whole process. He will calm down much faster if he isn't constantly being removed from his companion.

 

[Tribbles]

Thanks so much for the advice. He had a senior boar cage mate at the breeders apparently, so was pining him when we first got him. He's such a sweetie, and we were worried about her being bereaved, it was actually him who was in need of more care/attention as she's so used to us... then he had his operation... poor fella.