First Post: How To Handle My Boys

[Her Nibship]

Hello everyone, this is my first post on the forum, so I hope I manage to do this right!

At the weekend we adopted 3 boars from a rescue. They had arrived at the rescue together and had been housed together whilst there. We were told that there had been a bit of posturing between them but no fighting. They are estimated to be around 6 months old.

They are housed in a 47" x 26" two storey hutch. There are enough water bottles, bowls, hides, etc for everyone. For the first day none of them ventured upstairs and there was some posturing between them. I've read lots on the forum about boar behaviour, including a very informative thread about the levels of disagreement, and none of it has reached critical or outright fighting.

I had wondered if they couldn't manage the ramp (even though it is no steeper than that in our other piggies' hutch, and I have lined it to give extra grip) but on the second day one of the boys made his way upstairs. He seemed very happy up there and the two left downstairs were certainly more harmonious. However, I didn't know if he could get down the ramp, so after a while I put him back downstairs, because I didn't want the three of them to be separated for too long. The posturing and chasing, and a bit of mild teeth chattering started up again, although certainly not constant, quite frequent.

Basically, this pattern has been continuing. I still don't know if the one who goes upstairs can get down, and the other two haven't gone up. When they are separate they all seem happier, but I'm concerned that they will split permanently into a pair and a solo, which would leave a lone - and probably ultimately lonely - piggie.

What do you guys suggest I do?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

I am moving your thread to our newbies corner where it will get more attention.

I sincerely hope that all will go well with your youngsters over the next few months - it all depends on whether the character balance will still hold when they develop their adult identities.

Piggies always need to establish and re-establish their hierarchy in any new territory; that is what you are currently witnessing. As long as the behaviours are still in the mild to medium range of dominance behaviour you are OK. Personally, I wouldn't worry about your adventurer boy - he will be able to come when he really wants to. Give the other two a few days to figure it out for themselves. They usually do when they see their mate coming up and down. You may however consider adding some kind of railings in order to prevent falls and make sure that they have good grip, especially if the ramp is pretty steep.

With members from all over the world, it would be great if you added your country, state (US/Aus) or county/general area (UK) to your details by clicking on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details/location. That way, we can always give you the appropriate advice and recommendations straight away.
If you are British, we have got a number of good standard guinea pig rescues that offer boar dating - bonding at the rescue under expert supervision, so character compatibility can be taken into account and you come home only with a new mate if there has been success. it is well worth travelling that bit further for the security!