Introducing Piggies

[Saul McIntyre]

Hi, I have a new, 8 weeks-old boar called milk, we have tried introducing him to our 1 year old boar, but they don't seem to get on. We have put their cages next to each other so that they can talk, but when we let they both out together, everything seems to go well, but then they get very close to each other and the older one purrs. what should we do because we really don't want any of our precious babies getting in to fights and getting hurt, what should we do?...

Hope you can help

Thanks

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, Have a read of this guide here for bonding advice, bonding is a nerve wracking time Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics

 

[Saul McIntyre]

K thanks

 

[Critter]

When you've let them get close, do either of them teeth-chatter?
The purring and rumbling is a normal part of setting up who will be the boss, and there may be lots of bottom-wriggling and one is very likely to mount the other.
Chasing is also very likely and it can look a bit stressful. Teeth chattering would be a sign to watch them closely in case a fight breaks out...
Hope you find the link by @sport_billy useful, it explains it in more detail. Please feel free to ask further questions as it can be a stressful experience, especially when you don't quite know what to expect and just how far to let them push each other.
It sounds quite friendly though, with just the purring/rumbling. That sounds like a mild 'I want to be boss' kind of gesturing and is not a sign of aggression, just a bit of tension

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Have you introduced them again since sacrificing your hand? Hope it's okay btw!

 

[pnwgranny]

I don't know anything about bonding but I am grateful to learn what i seeing said here because I may want another piggy later on.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

I don't know anything about bonding but I am grateful to learn what i seeing said here because I may want another piggy later on.

I always recommend having more than one piggy, they get very lonely on their own!

 

[Saul McIntyre]

Hi again, now that the little one has grown a bit bigger, and they have been in the same cage, but blocked in the middle, I would have thought that they would now be a little bit more accepting of each other, so I want to try to introduce them again, but at what point do I intervene if they start fighting?

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

You just have to give them plenty of space, distractions and stand ready with a towel in case they need to be separated. They will give you clear signs. Standing up and shaking with yawning is something to watch out for, but I've never seen it during my bonding sessions so don't be too worried, just mindful

Set aside a whole day for the bonding, no hideys til they've been getting on well for a few hours and even then just cardboard boxes with 3+ exits.

Good luck, hope it all goes well! Bet they're very eager to be friends!