Hormonal Boys!

bex2288

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Hi we have 2 boars who we have had since they were about 9 weeks old (born in August so about 5 months). They are called turbo and squirrel (silly names!) and we are a bit concerned about their behaviour. They are causing us a lot of concern with their behaviour as squirrel is regularly chasing turbo (a lot daily but turbo normally just runs away occasionally chattering his teeth if squirrel has been chasing him a lot), looks like he is trying to pee on him and regularly rumbles. More concerning is that we have seen them have what looked like a fight where saw dust was flying but it stopped quickly and no injuries or blood could be seen. We didn't see them lunge at each other just very fast movement with them together. They have gone from a 120cmx60cm cage to a 160cmx60 this week but they are still doing the same. Squirrel seems to put his back leg and bum up to try and rub it on turbo or do something odd! We have never seen any biting or any evidence of any, no hair pulling etc. They will lay close to each other and sleep and still both eat normally. Squirrel will occasionally rub his nose under Turbos ear and either licks or lightly nibbles (No mark to suggest biting). Turbo rumbles a lot which he has done since we got him and they both chatter their teeth. We don't know if they need to be seperated or if they will sort it out but don't want to do the wrong thing! We've read loads online but personal advice would be helpful. Thank you! BeckyIMG-20180117-WA0004.webp IMG-20180117-WA0004.webp
 
It sounds like they are sorting out their dominance, I wouldn't seperate them unless blood is drawn. I know it's scary to watch but I think it looks worse to us than it is to them. They are reaching a hormonal spike now and will do this on and off (mostly on in my experience!) until they are 14/15months old. There is lots of information in this thread.
Behaviour, Bonding & Bereavement Guides
 
Thanks for replying. I'm hoping that's all it is it's just so constant! Been weeks of the same (worse the last couple) really hoping they get over it! The scuffles and regular teeth chattering was what was worrying us (and the peeing or shoving his bum on the other!)
 
You are welcome. I'm sure someone more qualified will reply to you soon, it takes a while for the threads to get picked up when the forum is busy. It sounds like your's are going through a strong dominance phase at the moment but nothing to out of the ordinary. I have a 1yr old and a 6month boar going through this, everything has been great with them, easy initial bonding and happy acceptance until this week. The young one has decided the older one is a push over, the rumbling and squealing has been deafening as the young one is continually mounting the older one. They are worse in the evening when we sit down in the living room where they are it's so noisy it puts us on edge.

I'm sorry I forgot to say welcome to the Forum.
 
Welcome to the forum.
Boars hit a hormonal spike at around this age. You’ve done the right thing giving them more space. I’d make sure that for the time being there is nothing they can fight over ie 2of everything eg houses etc. And also make sure all houses have 2 exits so neither can get trapped. The bum wiggling and rubbing is all normal, as is a bit of power grooming. It’s all part of trying to sort out their dominance. Unless there is a full blown fight with an injury I would leave well alone. Sounds like they are working things out boar fashion.

Lovely lookers. I spy an agouti. Who’s who?
 
Squirrel is the grey and turbo the brown/silver tint one! They're sweet just want them to get on as I'm sure they will be happier with company! They've got 2 of everything and pigloos with 3 exits in each and we don't have any enclosed areas :)
 
Well, you’re doing everything you can to provide them with the best environment to be best mates in. Let’s hope the hormones die down and they are still the best of friends.
On a slightly different note, I have a small herd of 4 sows. All hell broke loose this week. 3 of my girls are spayed (health reasons) but newcomer Sylvia isn’t. And this week she clearly came into season. Cue rumbling, chasing, nipping and mounting. Just had to sit it out and today all is calm again!
 
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