Puberty and Boars

[Gracieffion]

Hi all!
I’m finding puberty with my two 5 month old boar challenging! Does puberty really last until 14 months? Anyone with boar puberty positive experience please share!

 

[Siikibam]

Yes it does. There will be hormone spikes a few times in this period, but you have to leave them to it, unless they’re fighting or the dominant one is too incessant. Once they make it out the other side it’ll be fine.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Yes, until 14 months!
If they are character compatible then they will get through it unscathed, if they arent compatible then it will become obvious and they will need to be separated. What you need to do is be very confident in boar behaviour so you can know what you are seeing and when it is still within normal levels. Don’t be tempted to step in if it is normal dominance.

A large cage is key with boars. They need more room than sows to have enough territory and to get away from each other. Don’t have any enclosed hideys - ensure everything has two exits so nobody can get cornered. Keep them occupied by scatter feeding, plenty of people do use food bowls and there is nothing wrong with that, but i found scatter feeding really helped when my two were teens - they spent ages rummaging through huge piles of hay looking for their hidden portion of pellets and veg. It kept their natural foraging behaviour alive, gave them something to do and meant no piggy can hog a food bowl!

 

[Gracieffion]

Yes, until 14 months!
If they are character compatible then they will get through it unscathed, if they arent compatible then it will become obvious and they will need to be separated. What you need to do is be very confident in boar behaviour so you can know what you are seeing and when it is still within normal levels. Don’t be tempted to step in if it is normal dominance.

A large cage is key with boars. They need more room than sows to have enough territory and to get away from each other. Don’t have any enclosed hideys - ensure everything has two exits so nobody can get cornered. Keep them occupied by scatter feeding, plenty of people do use food bowls and there is nothing wrong with that, but i found scatter feeding really helped when my two were teens - they spent ages rummaging through huge piles of hay looking for their hidden portion of pellets and veg. It kept their natural foraging behaviour alive, gave them something to do and meant no piggy can hog a food bowl!

Ah thank you! Will give scattering a go!
Have you got any tips on handling? Hand feeding is going well and one of them like to jump up on my lap!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Ah thank you! Will give scattering a go!
Have you got any tips on handling? Hand feeding is going well and one of them like to jump up on my lap!

just take it at their pace really.
most piggies don’t like being handled so it’s best to let them guide you on how much they are comfortable with. Neither of mine will tolerate being picked up, they are handled for necessity (weighing, health checks) rather than just for cuddles as they dont it. They, however, are quite happy for me to sit in their shed with them and they will come and see me....I’m just not allowed to touch!

 

[Rivervixen]

It can be incredibly challenging, my Bruno has incredibly dominant days and it wears on me. But boar bonds are like no other they’re worth the few rowdy days!