Fallout/bickering boars.

[G&C]

Hi guys, any extra advice you can give? I’ve read all the advice threads but am still worried. The situation started last night, we had both boars out for a cuddle then when we put them back in the hutch the dominant one (Gizmo) was put back after the little one (Gilbert). They had previously that day been out in the run for an hour while we cleaned out the hutch. When we put Gizmo in he jumped into the hutch and this seemed to spook Gilbert as he shot off to the other side of the cage and was teeth chattering really loudly, this went on for hours. There hasn’t been any blood drawn or injury overnight as far as I can see. Gilbert is 10months old and Gizmo is 19 months. -he keeps rumbling at Gilbert and Gilbert seems distressed by this, even when he’s not even near him.

Could the mistake of putting the dominant piggy in second have caused all this?
Shall I put them out in the run which has more space today?

I don’t know what else to do, I don’t want to separate them unless it’s necessary.

 

[Piggies&buns]

It doesn’t sound like separating is needed at this point.
it is possible that putting the dominant one in second could have done it, boys can be quite funny about this kind of thing!
I think I’d put them into the run to give them a chance to sort things out in a bigger space. Make sure you do gizmo first!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys, any extra advice you can give? I’ve read all the advice threads but am still worried. The situation started last night, we had both boars out for a cuddle then when we put them back in the hutch the dominant one (Gizmo) was put back after the little one (Gilbert). They had previously that day been out in the run for an hour while we cleaned out the hutch. When we put Gizmo in he jumped into the hutch and this seemed to spook Gilbert as he shot off to the other side of the cage and was teeth chattering really loudly, this went on for hours. There hasn’t been any blood drawn or injury overnight as far as I can see. Gilbert is 10months old and Gizmo is 19 months. -he keeps rumbling at Gilbert and Gilbert seems distressed by this, even when he’s not even near him.

Could the mistake of putting the dominant piggy in second have caused all this?
Shall I put them out in the run which has more space today?

I don’t know what else to do, I don’t want to separate them unless it’s necessary.

Not respecting the hierarchy when it is already under question between the piggies, can set off boars. But whatever has caused the upset, it is staying on the grudge level and should die down again.

Even my adult boar pairs have the occasional teeth chattering episodes; they tend to settle down again after a day or two.

 

[VickiA]

I'd leave well alone at the moment and keep a watching brief. Doesn't sound too extreme and will hopefully settle back down again.

 

[G&C]

Thanks everyone it seems to have settled and they are in the run eating away. Will see what happens later when I put them back in the hutch (Gizmo goes first!).