Two neutered boars in a herd?

Agnes

Agnes

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Let me preface this by saying I know this does not normally work. HOWEVER does anyone with a large herd (8+) and a large space 10m²+ have experience with adding a second neutered boar? I've heard this can work with a lot of space and enough pigs- I have 9 pigs in 13m² (139 ft²)with the possibility to extend to 16m² (172 ft²). I sometimes get the feeling that Clayton pig exhausts himself trying to keep all the females in check and wondered if a second male could help? Also, there are so many single boars in rescue☹️ I would only try this through a rescue where I could return the new boar if it didn't work. Interested to hear thoughts.
 
I don’t think you will find many, if any, active owners/members of the forum with personal experience of this - most would never have the space or the number of pigs to be able to attempt it and from reading through threads, any attempts that have been made have failed.
As you are aware, a second male is unlikely to help and would rather be more likely to cause stress/problems/ fights within the herd.

I have added a thread below. You will see that while the thread isn’t specifically about a group as large as yours, from post #15 Wiebke does discuss large groups with a couple of boars

You would also have to consider whether a rescue would actually allow you to adopt a boar for an attempt at this.

Attempting a larger harem group with 2 boars?

Some other threads where larger groups are mentioned

Could 2 boars live with multiple sows?
Advice Needed! 2 unbonded neutered boars bonded to herd of 5 Sows?


Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
 
Thanks for this- I'll have a read. I agree about whether a rescue would be amenable- I think I would look at our local RSPCA which is only 4 miles away so if we did have to return the pig it wouldn't be too stressful.
 
The attempt to bond itself would be stressful not the return.
I know the rspca branches can be strict on their pairing/herd policy - I doubt they will approve you to adopt a single boar with this intention in mind.
 
Clayton must be a very happy boar with 8 wife pigs to look after (etc). ;)

With so much space, why not have 2 herds, make 2 boars happy that way? Use the extra space to start with a pair perhaps and maybe later take a little space from the bigger cage?
 
Qualcast&Flymo said:
Clayton must be a very happy boar with 8 wife pigs to look after (etc). ;)

With so much space, why not have 2 herds, make 2 boars happy that way? Use the extra space to start with a pair perhaps and maybe later take a little space from the bigger cage?
Click to expand...
I've just been running and I was thinking exactly the same thing while I was out! If I move them to the 16m² room 2 herds could have quite a big space each😀
 
Agnes said:
I've just been running and I was thinking exactly the same thing while I was out! If I move them to the 16m² room 2 herds could have quite a big space each😀
Click to expand...
Great minds think alike!

💡 If you can have a herd in each room to start with, you don't need to start with a minimal size cage for the new herd...
I'm sure a rescue would be very happy to get you adopt a bonded pair or trio :nod:
 
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