Help deciding whether or not to bond my boars

PiggyParty · Jul 31, 2018

Hello,

I am new to the forum and wanted to get advice on what to do with my boys. I have a pair of bonded boars that are about 13 months old (GusGus and Fritz). I have another pair of sibling boars that are 3 months old and currently happy to reside together (Norbert and Charlie). I recently got a single boar that was left outside of a vet clinic where a friend works and I offered to take him in (Reddington.) He is past the quarantine period and has a clean bill of health. He seems to be about 5-6 months old. I am wondering if I should risk trying to introduce him to one of my pairs, or perhaps look for his own friend.

As a sort of secondary question, do you think I could ever bond all 5 into a herd? I know boars are harder to bond in trios and larger groups. I could easily provide at least 10 square feet per piggy, if that makes a difference.

Just looking for opinions for my particular situation and what every thinks might work best. It's sad seeing Reddington on his own, he's such a sweet guy. I think he would get on with GusGus and Fritz, but who can really say. I would hate to break up their bond, though, and want to do what's best for all of the boys.

Thank you!

Merab · Jul 31, 2018

Welcome to the forum.

I have sows so am not a boar expert but I do know from other forum members that bonding more than 2 boars rarely works.
You risk destroying the existing bonds as well.
If your 2 existing pairs of boars are happy then leave them and think about a friend for Reddington.
Some rescues offer boar dating - have a look at the rescue locator at the top.

It would be lovely to see pics of all your boys.
Well done for taking Reddington in - it sounds as if he's landed on his paws with you.

Julia Rafferty · Jul 31, 2018

Hello, I have two boats and I must say that it all depends on the pig. Personally, I would never try an all boar herd as some boats are very hostile and prefer to be alone. Trips are also hard with boars. It can end up with all three pigs not being able to be kept together and most times there is blood shed. I don’t mean to scare you, but I would advise you to look for his own friend.

Betsy · Jul 31, 2018

Trios of boars don't generally work. It is better to keep your boys in the bonded pairs that they are in at the mo and find a new friend for Reddington.

Siikibam · Aug 1, 2018

I’m not sure what the recommended is if you have a herd of boars, but I’ve never heard it done. I wouldn’t try it if I were you. The fallout could be epic and you’d then be with broken bonds.
As an aside, Reddington is approaching/has started his teenage phase so go for a younger boar to pair him with. Rescues tend to do boar dating so he can choose who he likes.

PiggyParty · Aug 4, 2018

Hello,

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. While I know it was a risk, I decided to try introducing Reddington to Fritz and GusGus. I felt that I knew my piggies personalities pretty well and that they would make a good trio. It payed off! The three of them are so happy together. Introductions went so smoothly. There was quite a bit of mounting from Gus, but there was no teeth chattering, biting or fighting. They have now all been in their enclosure together for 3 days and they are still doing so well.

Thanks again for everyone's comments and advice. I've attached a picture of my three boys sharing a meal.

Betsy · Aug 4, 2018

That's good then. Keep an eye on them cos hormone spikes can still happen and they can still fall out. I have a herd that shouldn't work but does. I've got 2 boars living happily with 3 girls so exceptions do work occasionally. I am on the look out for fall outs though! Have you Plan B? I have. If Christian and Dennis do fall out (hope not - all has been peace and harmony for 18 months now) I'll pair up Dennis and Betsy (top of hutch) and Christian, Velvet and Meg (bottom of hutch). Dennis is the love of Betsy's live and I can't separate Velvet and Meg as Meg would be completely lost without Velvet to follow around (Meg is the lowest ranking sow).

Merab · Aug 4, 2018

Congratulations- I hope they all remain good friends but as @Betsy said- have a plan B just in case and hope it’s never needed