I've done a bit of research on this but not getting conclusive answers other than you just have to see how it goes.
Can you house male and female pigs in the same room- obviously in separate cages.
I've read many replies and responses across several site that say yes- we do it and it is fine.
And seem that say it's a huge no-no.
Hmmm....
Advice please.
Principally, yes. It depends on how much space you have got and whether you can keep boys and girls in separate rooms.
There are a few points you need to consider through:
- bonded boar pairs should be out of line of sight and ideally out of reach of sow pheromones. If possible, have your boars across the room or above the sow cages. This does not apply to live-alongside single boars or neutered boars living with a sow/with sows.
- it is much easier if your boys are growing up with sows around than if they are moved into a room full of sows at a later stage, which can lead to upsets.
- always clean, handle, groom and cuddle your boys before the girls. If they time share a run, boars go first and have ideally their own fleece etc. as sow scents can rouse them and lead to strains or even fights, especially when sows are in or close to their season. The same goes for lap blankets/pullovers/carriers etc.
- a lot depends on the age and the nature of the boar bond; a fragile bond between hormonal boars is a completely different beast to that of stably bonded older boars were there is a lot less testosterone coursing through the system.
