Separate?

[Fishtails]

I'm wondering if I should separate my two boars -- Abby is 4-5 months old, and Ron is about 3-4 months old. They've been living together for about a month now.

Abby is the dominant one -- He's not mean to Ron, per say but does nip at him relatively frequently. No blood, no outright fights etc. I know that's part of normal pig behavior but Ron doesn't seem to be taking to it well. He seems afraid of Abby -- He screams when Abby comes near, and hides a lot. They do play together some of the times though, and Ron seems to be a fan of that.

Should I separate them, or wait a little longer to see if Ron gains some confidence around Abby?

Thanks!

 

[Wiebke]

I'm wondering if I should separate my two boars -- Abby is 4-5 months old, and Ron is about 3-4 months old. They've been living together for about a month now.

Abby is the dominant one -- He's not mean to Ron, per say but does nip at him relatively frequently. No blood, no outright fights etc. I know that's part of normal pig behavior but Ron doesn't seem to be taking to it well. He seems afraid of Abby -- He screams when Abby comes near, and hides a lot. They do play together some of the times though, and Ron seems to be a fan of that.

Should I separate them, or wait a little longer to see if Ron gains some confidence around Abby?

Thanks!

Please give them more time. The screaming is not fear, but submission. Do not separate boars until there is acture fighting or a case of nonstop bullying and follow the tips in our teenage guide (which Abby has just about entered).
Since both boars still play together; bullying is not an issue in terms of Ron.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs