My rescue boars bond

[Dide]

I recently rescued two boars recently who were together at the rescue centre. I have always had girl pigs before. Boris was showing a fair bit of dominance towards George. When I got them home I monitored their behaviour and over a few days this appeared to get less and they seemed to get alone ok. Both will eat together and seem relatively settled.
However we went on holiday recently and they went to stay at a small animal hotel. George has a large bite out of his back end and its obviously Boris who's done it. (It has been bathed and we are keeping a close eye on it). They have not really shown any aggression towards each since being home. Just they seemed to be happy to be back as I have them out everyday in a large run. So they were pleased to be back on the grass.
Could it be that the aggression started again because they were on new territory and enclosed all day in a hutch? I think she had another set of pigs in too. They were meant to stay with my parents but my father was ill in hospital and I never thought before I sent them to the sitters. Now I feel massive guilt as George is such a sweetie.
Is there anything else I could be doing to encourage their bond or is it a case of separation?

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum


It does sound like the stress of a new environment may have caused the problem with your boys.
Usually after blood is drawn they will not live together again, but in this case if they seem fine I would leave them as they are.

You might find it helpful to read about boars and their relationships here:
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

We would love to see a photo of them too if you have the chance. They sound lovely.

 

[Dide]

Thanks for your reply. We have separated Boris and George. George had a nick out of his ear. Fortunately I had another hutch and made that up for him. He seems so much more relaxed! He's a relaxed pig anyway. Quite often I think he's dead because he lies flat out on his side!
I just feel massively guilty. Because I brought them back from the rescue together I thought they were bonded but obviously not. Like I said I've always had females so was unaware of just how aggressive they could be towards one another (well Boris the Blade anyway)! I wasn't told much about them apart from that they had been rehomed numerous times and that it was strange as they are so friendly. I realise now it may be that they don't get on and people didn't know what to do or didn't want to buy two hutches.
I am worried that they will get lonely though. Is there anything else I can do to keep them happy? We keep them right by the back door so everyone who goes out (which is every fives mins in our house!) talks to them and gives them dandelions etc. I just need to get another run now as they are having to do alternative days.

Thanks again. x

 

[Bill & Ted]

I recently rescued two boars recently who were together at the rescue centre. I have always had girl pigs before. Boris was showing a fair bit of dominance towards George. When I got them home I monitored their behaviour and over a few days this appeared to get less and they seemed to get alone ok. Both will eat together and seem relatively settled.
However we went on holiday recently and they went to stay at a small animal hotel. George has a large bite out of his back end and its obviously Boris who's done it. (It has been bathed and we are keeping a close eye on it). They have not really shown any aggression towards each since being home. Just they seemed to be happy to be back as I have them out everyday in a large run. So they were pleased to be back on the grass.
Could it be that the aggression started again because they were on new territory and enclosed all day in a hutch? I think she had another set of pigs in too. They were meant to stay with my parents but my father was ill in hospital and I never thought before I sent them to the sitters. Now I feel massive guilt as George is such a sweetie.
Is there anything else I could be doing to encourage their bond or is it a case of separation?

I do think it’s probably stress at the holiday stay particularly if they went into one of their cages. They would have had to start the dominance process all over again because it’s new territory. Also the other two piggies might have been placed near them and could well have been females possibly in heat which would inflame their relationship further. My two don’t like changes. I was once given a very large rabbit hutch which I thought would be lovely for them which they immediately started to fight once placed in. Took them back out and they were fine. Fingers crossed that you will be able to try and bond them again later

 

[Merab]

I don’t have the experience to add any advice but hope things work out for you.
Well done in giving the boys a home.

Welcome to the forum

 

[Dide]

I am bit too scared to put them back together again Its was the chunk out of George's back it made me feel squeamish and I not usually like that. I have been looking in to getting them neutered and getting them each a female rescue pig to live with. I know there is one female at our local rescue who has lost her mate and is looking to find a companion. Do you think this would be a better idea?
Many thanks for all your advice.