Fighting Boars

Hi.
I introduced them a couple days ago, they both use the ramp I installed, I was about to fill up their hay again when a fight broke out. It was full on, I really couldn’t tell what was happening but it left them both quiet and Berty ran back up. I am aware there isn’t enough space but I can’t do anything about it right away unfortunately. I am unsure what to do now, are they able to be with each other? There were in a box when it happened, the box had an exit at each end. Do I keep them together? If I do seperate they won’t be able to be next to each other. I feel quite bad, any help would be appreciated, thank you.
 
Chickenpies said:
Hi.
I introduced them a couple days ago, they both use the ramp I installed, I was about to fill up their hay again when a fight broke out. It was full on, I really couldn’t tell what was happening but it left them both quiet and Berty ran back up. I am aware there isn’t enough space but I can’t do anything about it right away unfortunately. I am unsure what to do now, are they able to be with each other? There were in a box when it happened, the box had an exit at each end. Do I keep them together? If I do seperate they won’t be able to be next to each other. I feel quite bad, any help would be appreciated, thank you.
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If there has been a full on fight, then they can’t live together. It sounds as if there are underlying problems. Trying again was worth a go though. We know they don’t have quite enough space but character compatibility comes first and if they don’t like each other then no amount of space is going to help that.
Separated piggies do need to be next to each other but I understand that isn’t possible right now. You’ve got to prevent further fights though and if they don’t get on then separating them is your only option. Can you look to get another cage so they can live side by side?
 
Piggies&buns said:
If there has been a full on fight, then they can’t live together. It sounds as if there are underlying problems. Trying again was worth a go though. We know they don’t have quite enough space but character compatibility comes first and if they don’t like each other then no amount of space is going to help that.
Separated piggies do need to be next to each other but I understand that isn’t possible right now. You’ve got to prevent further fights though and if they don’t get on then separating them is your only option. Can you look to get another cage so they can live side by side?
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I really don’t know with covid right now. They have a two story hutch.
Before it happened there was really loud teeth chattering going on. They are trying to get to each other right now. Teddy does have a small scratch beneath his eye but that seems like it wasn’t from now. I’m worried they have been doing it through the night. I don’t know how to put the cage side by side outside.
Thank you.
 
Loud teeth chattering can be a sign of being annoyed (a step up from the mild teeth chattering which is normal dominance) and if things don’t calm down from that point, then that is when fights can break out.

Close the ramp up so they cant get to each other now the have had a fight. There is going to be some agitation and they will look like they are trying to get to each other but if they are fighting then they can’t be together.
With them being outside all you can do is put two hutches as close together as you can. I’d have them facing each other leaving enough of a gap between for you to walk between them and open the hutch doors. I can’t think of any other way to do it at present.
Long term, if you could get each one a new friend (either through boar dating at a rescue or neutering them and finding them a sow each from a rescue centre (again via dating) then that would be good.
 
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Piggies&buns said:
Loud teeth chattering can be a sign of being annoyed (a step up from the mild teeth chattering which is normal dominance) and if things don’t calm down from that point, then that is when fights can break out.

Close the ramp up so they can get to each other now the have had a fight. There is going to be some agitation and they will look like they are trying to get to each other but if they are fighting then they can’t be together.
With them being outside all you can do is put two hutches as close together as you can. I’d have them facing each other leaving enough of a gap between for you to walk between them and open the hutch doors. I can’t think of any other way to do it at present.
Long term, if you could get each one a new friend (either through boar dating at a rescue or neutering them and finding them a sow each from a rescue centre (again via dating) then that would be good.
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Thank you for the advice, but unfortunately I am unable to get anymore piggies due to not having enough room. Can you suggest any cheap good quality hutches? I just got this one in June time and just started saving again, Thank you.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Loud teeth chattering can be a sign of being annoyed (a step up from the mild teeth chattering which is normal dominance) and if things don’t calm down from that point, then that is when fights can break out.

Close the ramp up so they can get to each other now the have had a fight. There is going to be some agitation and they will look like they are trying to get to each other but if they are fighting then they can’t be together.
With them being outside all you can do is put two hutches as close together as you can. I’d have them facing each other leaving enough of a gap between for you to walk between them and open the hutch doors. I can’t think of any other way to do it at present.
Long term, if you could get each one a new friend (either through boar dating at a rescue or neutering them and finding them a sow each from a rescue centre (again via dating) then that would be good.
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I also forgot to mention, I closed up the ramp as soon as it happened, which was upsetting because they just learnt how to go up and down. The teeth chattering was much louder than usual. Every once in a while I did see them mildy teeth chat at each other and sniff each others necks and chase them, but it wasn’t as bad as this morning. It was probably worse than before when I seperated them! Thank you.
 
Just found Teddy like this (sorry for the messy cage, I haven’t spot cleaned yet).
 

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I have two hutches (one for rabbit and one for piggies). My rabbits hutch is good quality and wasn’t cheap. It has lasted 7 years outside so far with absolutely no problems. My piggies hutch was cheap but is not good quality but my piggies hutch was never intended to be used outside (they live in my shed) therefore I was less concerned with its ability to stand up to weather conditions. if it were to be used outside I doubt it would last long.
 
Siikibam said:
I’m afraid good quality won’t be cheap. Chartwell hutches are good. You really do need to consider getting them a friend each. They can’t communicate through the bars at the moment which can mean loneliness. Also have a read of the single thread I link below.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
5ft Double Rabbit Hutch Chartwell Range | Fast Shipping | H&R
6ft Single Guinea Pig Hutch Chartwell | Fast Shipping | H&R
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Thank you. I will read them, I’ll really have to look at cages where they can see each other through the bars.
 
Piggies&buns said:
I have two hutches (one for rabbit and one for piggies). My rabbits hutch is good quality and wasn’t cheap. It has lasted 7 years outside so far with absolutely no problems. My piggies hutch was cheap but is not good quality but my piggies hutch was never intended to be used outside (they live in my shed) therefore I was less concerned with its ability to stand up to weather conditions. if it were to be used outside I doubt it would last long.
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I cover the roof with tarpaulin when it rains. Thank you.
 
They’ve both been really quiet since the fight, they have both been hiding all day and haven’t been wheeking like usual. They have both eaten, but I saw Ted in the same spot for ages.
 
Chickenpies said:
They’ve both been really quiet since the fight, they have both been hiding all day and haven’t been wheeking like usual. They have both eaten, but I saw Ted in the same spot for ages.
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It’s sad, but if they are fighting when they are together then it’s unfortunately the way it’s got to be.
Being side by side so they can they can see (body language is an important method of communication), smell and talk to each other and interact through the bars or having a new friend each is going to be the best way for them to gain interaction and prevent loneliness.

you’ve said you can’t get more piggies because you don’t have space for more, but if you’ve got one boar at the top half and one boar at the bottom half of your current hutch, then if you could neuter them both (have the six week wait) and get them both a sow each then your hutch is big enough for that - one pair at the top and one pair at the bottom. A boar/sow pairing doesn’t need quite as much space as a boar/boar pairing does.
 
I have 2 boars had them from when they were 10 weeks old they are 14 months old now they are a fully bonded pair. I started off with a hutch but I decided to upgrade this to a C&C cage which is correx and grids all from Amazon all in it was just under £70 best money I spent as the boys now have a big 2 by 6 cage so they have plenty of room and 2 of EVERYTHING. Unfortunately it sounds like they are not going to bond and will need to be separated however I would suggest maybe upgrading to a bigger cage to see if that helps.

good luck I hope it works out for you.
 
Piggies&buns said:
It’s sad, but if they are fighting when they are together then it’s unfortunately the way it’s got to be.
Being side by side so they can they can see (body language is an important method of communication), smell and talk to each other and interact through the bars or having a new friend each is going to be the best way for them to gain interaction and prevent loneliness.

you’ve said you can’t get more piggies because you don’t have space for more, but if you’ve got one boar at the top half and one boar at the bottom half of your current hutch, then if you could neuter them both (have the six week wait) and get them both a sow each then your hutch is big enough for that - one pair at the top and one pair at the bottom. A boar/sow pairing doesn’t need quite as much space as a boar/boar pairing does.
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This sounds absolutely terrible.

But we are going to contact the rescue we got them from and return one (we can’t decide who yet :( ) and hopefully they can become part of a different herd, while the one we keep gets a sow companion. It was a hard decision, but I was thinking about it and it would be better for them both. Whoever it is, I do hope they have a good home. (I sound like a horrible person)I just don’t know if I can have 4 piggies, I’d love to, but unfortunately am unable to.
 
Chickenpies said:
This sounds absolutely terrible.

But we are going to contact the rescue we got them from and return one (we can’t decide who yet :( ) and hopefully they can become part of a different herd, while the one we keep gets a sow companion. It was a hard decision, but I was thinking about it and it would be better for them both. Whoever it is, I do hope they have a good home. (I sound like a horrible person)I just don’t know if I can have 4 piggies, I’d love to, but unfortunately am unable to.
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It doesn’t sound terrible, it sounds like you are finding the right decision in the best interest of your piggies. Its hard as it is, if they can both have a new friend and be happy then that is the best thing for them for the long term
 
Piggies&buns said:
It doesn’t sound terrible, it sounds like you are finding the right decision in the best interest of your piggies. Its hard as it is, if they can both have a new friend and be happy then that is the best thing for them for the long term
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That was what I was thinking. I would love to keep them both but their happiness is what matters the most.
 
Hi! I have been looking at different rescues near me for sows. The one we got the piggies from have no sows at the moment. I was really hoping for a sow because we don’t have enough room for two boars at the moment, only a boar/sow pair. But most rescues are far away, I don’t want to buy from Pets4Homes or Pets At Home, I don’t trust those. If anyone can suggest anything please reply. Thank you!
 
Chickenpies said:
Hi! I have been looking at different rescues near me for sows. The one we got the piggies from have no sows at the moment. I was really hoping for a sow because we don’t have enough room for two boars at the moment, only a boar/sow pair. But most rescues are far away, I don’t want to buy from Pets4Homes or Pets At Home, I don’t trust those. If anyone can suggest anything please reply. Thank you!
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Are your boars neutered? If not, then they need to be neutered and have the six week wait and during that time sows May come available
All you can do is get your name on their waiting lists and wait for sows to come in.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Are your boars neutered? If not, then they need to be neutered and have the six week wait and during that time sows May come available
All you can do is get your name on their waiting lists and wait for sows to come in.
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They aren’t. I’m hoping I will find a spayed sow. This is a silly question, but can the sow be older than the boar? I don’t know if that would cause issues (probably not). The rescue says they have two well bonded boars, although my hutch is only 140 x 60 with a ramp.
 
Chickenpies said:
They aren’t. I’m hoping I will find a spayed sow. This is a silly question, but can the sow be older than the boar? I don’t know if that would cause issues (probably not). The rescue says they have two well bonded boars, although my hutch is only 140 x 60 with a ramp.
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You are not likely to find a spayed sow. Sows are only spayed for medical reasons usually, but some rescues might get them. However, I imagine if you told a rescue you wanted sow, but you boar isn’t neutered then they probably wouldn’t consider you because the chances of getting spayed sows are low.

Age doesn’t matter, it’s character which is the most important part. This is why you can’t just put two piggies together and assume everything is going to be ok
Sorry my I'm confused though - How is getting two bonded boars going to help?
 
Piggies&buns said:
You are not likely to find a spayed sow. Sows are only spayed for medical reasons usually, but some rescues might get them. However, I imagine if you told a rescue you wanted sow, but you boar isn’t neutered then they probably wouldn’t consider you because the chances of getting spayed sows are low.

Age doesn’t matter, it’s character which is the most important part. This is why you can’t just put two piggies together and assume everything is going to be ok
Sorry my I'm confused though - How is getting two bonded boars going to help?
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Oh! I didn’t know.
We got them because the came from the same household (assuming they were bonded) but when we got them they had arguments often, and then yesterday they had a massive one, they were rolling around aggressively and they looked like two hamsters fighting.
The rescue offered to take them both and pair them with someone else and we take another pair who are bonded. It will be hard because I am already so attached to my boys already, but if it’s for their happiness, I’ll do it. I’m hoping they both get put with someone older in seperate pairs. My boys are both 5 months, whereas the suggested pair are 18 months. I am worried because I won’t be able to make my hutch bigger right away. But I don’t want to leave my piggies seperated for a long time before I can upgrade for a different pair (I sound horrible). My piggies seem miserable right now, and I read guides and found out Berty chewed the bars while I was around to get my attention because he didn’t have a friend. It’s sad but hopefully they get the best.
 
However hard it is, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to give them up to the rescue. And perhaps put your name down for a bonded sow pair rather than a boar pair. That way they will have enough space in your current setup. It's really not ideal for them to be living separately where they can't even interact through the bars. So you're best placed to do that if you can't get them each a friend. It's hard but you have to do what is best for them rather than what you want to do. Good luck deciding.
 
Ok, I understand now.
At 5 months old they are now experiencing high hormone output and this is the test of whether a bond is compatible. If they were young when you got them, they wouldn’t have been as hormonal and as babies they tend to get on anyway. It’s once they hit their teens that problems can come to light.

At 18 months old, the pair at the rescue are just out of their teens.
 
Siikibam said:
However hard it is, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to give them up to the rescue. And perhaps put your name down for a bonded sow pair rather than a boar pair. That way they will have enough space in your current setup. It's really not ideal for them to be living separately where they can't even interact through the bars. So you're best placed to do that if you can't get them each a friend. It's hard but you have to do what is best for them rather than what you want to do. Good luck deciding.
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Yes, you are right. Thank you so much. I probably will do this, I don’t want to rush into things and everything goes wrong. Their happiness is what matters the most. I do look at the RSPCA website now and again, but the pairs I see are miles away. Thank you so much.
 
Piggies&buns said:
Very good suggestion from siikibam though about getting a sow pair rather than a boar pair
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I do worry about cysts in ovaries, are they common?
Piggies&buns said:
Ok, I understand now.
At 5 months old they are now experiencing high hormone output and this is the test of whether a bond is compatible. If they were young when you got them, they wouldn’t have been as hormonal and as babies they tend to get on anyway. It’s once they hit their teens that problems can come to light.

At 18 months old, the pair at the rescue are just out of their teens.
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That’s what I was thinking, I got them at 3 months. Hopefully, if I get a pair past the teenage years I won’t have much problems. I love my boys, but I bet they will love it with a different herd. Hopefully, if they get rescued, they’ll go to a new home. Thank you.
 
Chickenpies said:
I do worry about cysts in ovaries, are they common?

That’s what I was thinking, I got them at 3 months. Hopefully, if I get a pair past the teenage years I won’t have much problems. I love my boys, but I bet they will love it with a different herd. Hopefully, if they get rescued, they’ll go to a new home. Thank you.
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This guide gives details about ovarian cysts and sows in general Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

They would likely be neutered at the rescue and bonded with sows. At five months old they are right at the wrong age to be bonded with more boars.
It’s hard but you are making a very brave and loving decision in the best interests of the boys
 
Ovarian cysts can happen, though I don't know the statistics of their frequency. I've got sows and do have it in the back of my mind that it could happen. But I love them and will deal with it if and when it happens.

I think given the size of your enclosure you are best off discounting boars. Even past their teenage months they still need space. Tough but you're a very loving slave to do what you're doing.
 
Piggies&buns said:
This guide gives details about ovarian cysts and sows in general Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)

They would likely be neutered at the rescue and bonded with sows. At five months old they are right at the wrong age to be bonded with more boars.
It’s hard but you are making a very brave and loving decision in the best interests of the boys
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Thank you. I will read the guide and contact the rescue. I will treat my boys with cuddles and lots of love until it is time.
 
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