Two of our piggies are ganging up on the other one

[Threepigs]

One piggie has occasionally had the odd scratch or bit mark around his mouth and nose and we were advised by the person we got them from that so long as it wasn't happening at all often and that the bites weren't on the body, that we shouldn't worry too much as we keep 3 boars together (1 yrs old now - been together since about 6 wks but not litter mates).

Something has changed though and one of them now has a number of bites around his face and is very timid. Which ever of the other two I put him in with, he scraps with. I think he is the least dominant, but I also think he's been a bit sexually frustrated and has been trying his luck with them!

I really don't want to get another baby to keep him company unless we have to as a) we don't really have the space/time/money for any more and b) I think there is a chance that the baby could grow up to be more dominant than him anyhow.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I have seperated him at the moment but don't really want the rest of his life (they are only 1 yrs old) to be on his own. Would a cage with wire seperating them be OK (that seems a bit mean though as he'll never get proper company). Does anyone know of any cages? we don't really have room for the grid things that people on here use.

Many thanks

 

[Wiebke]

If you are worried about a male companion you could contemplate having him neutered by an experienced vet (best ask the local rescue for one and keep your boy on his own for 6 weeks after the op) to live with a girl; they form very stable relationships. But you need to keep the girl away from the other boys or they might fall out.

For another boy, you would be better off with a baby boar, as the age difference can help avoid a bust-up during the hormonal months (5-12 months roughly). I recommend that you contact your local rescue and ask them to help bond your boar for you, so you can be sure that the relationship will work. A specialist rescue usually has several boars, so you can see which one your boy gets on with best.

I hope you will find a solution that has everypig happy!

 

[Threepigs]

Thanks - I hadn't though of a girl actually - though they would probably all live in the garage in the winter, so wouldn't want the other two to get a sniff of her and fall out too.

Good idea re letting a rescue centre help me - I'll have a look.