To rebond or not to rebond - that is the question!

helloitsbecca

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Hi everyone.

A quick background to this: about a year ago I had to separate my boys because Angus was bullying William, pulling chunks of hair out and not leaving him alone. Things were getting quite heated and I ended up taking William to the vets, as I thought he had mites (he had little scabs on his bum) but it ended up being scabs from Angus pulling his hair out/biting him. So enough was enough and they got separated.

They are now nearly 2 (so finally past the teenage hormone stage!) and while they have seemed perfectly happy living apart, I think they are missing each other. They chew on the bars (not constantly) but it doesn't seem aggressive - it's as if they are trying to get the others attention. And when the other then comes up and puts their nose to the bars, they touch noses. They also sit and chat away to each other quite often, and sleep beside the divider so they are near each other. There is no teeth chattering at all, only when I don't get the veggies fast enough in the morning lol. About 5mins ago, I caught them poking their noses through the bars, touching each other and I believe William licked Angus's nose/face :luv: Also, if I take one out for any reason then the other gets upset and they wheek for each other.

I don't want to deprive them of a life with a friend, but I am a bit apprehensive because I leave the house at 7.30am and get back at 5.30pm and am worried that something may happen when I am at work.

My vet fund is currently depleted due to Angus's UTI and my car having to get it's MOT and repairs (£350 total :cen:) so if I am going to do it then it will be in a month or two when I have some more savings - just incase someone gets hurt and needs the vet! And also once our project at work is finished, so I don't have double the stress. I have attempted to rebond before but I have always lost my nerve!

What would you all do in my situation? Do the signs look positive for a rebonding? I have a 2x6 C&C cage (could extend to a 2x7 if required, as they are quite hefty chaps at 1.3kg each) so they have enough space but I know it is all down to personality at the end of the day.

Here's a pic of them sleeping 'next' to each other:

FullSizeRender-3.webp
 
Hi everyone.

A quick background to this: about a year ago I had to separate my boys because Angus was bullying William, pulling chunks of hair out and not leaving him alone. Things were getting quite heated and I ended up taking William to the vets, as I thought he had mites (he had little scabs on his bum) but it ended up being scabs from Angus pulling his hair out/biting him. So enough was enough and they got separated.

They are now nearly 2 (so finally past the teenage hormone stage!) and while they have seemed perfectly happy living apart, I think they are missing each other. They chew on the bars (not constantly) but it doesn't seem aggressive - it's as if they are trying to get the others attention. And when the other then comes up and puts their nose to the bars, they touch noses. They also sit and chat away to each other quite often, and sleep beside the divider so they are near each other. There is no teeth chattering at all, only when I don't get the veggies fast enough in the morning lol. About 5mins ago, I caught them poking their noses through the bars, touching each other and I believe William licked Angus's nose/face :luv: Also, if I take one out for any reason then the other gets upset and they wheek for each other.

I don't want to deprive them of a life with a friend, but I am a bit apprehensive because I leave the house at 7.30am and get back at 5.30pm and am worried that something may happen when I am at work.

My vet fund is currently depleted due to Angus's UTI and my car having to get it's MOT and repairs (£350 total :cen:) so if I am going to do it then it will be in a month or two when I have some more savings - just incase someone gets hurt and needs the vet! And also once our project at work is finished, so I don't have double the stress. I have attempted to rebond before but I have always lost my nerve!

What would you all do in my situation? Do the signs look positive for a rebonding? I have a 2x6 C&C cage (could extend to a 2x7 if required, as they are quite hefty chaps at 1.3kg each) so they have enough space but I know it is all down to personality at the end of the day.

Here's a pic of them sleeping 'next' to each other:

View attachment 89899

Hi! It is always worth giving it a try, but not to bank your hopes on it. Most separated boars will not move back with each other.
Please read our detailed bonding guide before you start and always stage the bonding in a neutral area (a run on the lawn once the temperatures are coming down and the lawn is in the shade is ideal; otherwise a bathtub or shower floor with a towel for grip). Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
 
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