Bloody Fight Between My Two Lovely Boars

[JoannaMarie]

I have had my four month old Monty for two months now. Him and Alan (approximately 18 months) had been getting on fine, a few fall outs but nothing too bad and no actual fighting. I got home from work today and they seemed to be fine, then the next thing I saw was them both, jumped about a foot into the air, locked at the mouth. Monty had some hair pulled out near his mouth but Alan's mouth was bleeding and obviously hurt.

I have put Monty in the cage in the living room and Alan is out in my living room, so they can see each other and know what each other's up to. I know it's slim but is there any chance of reintroducing? They both seemed pretty shaken up about it. I don't want to risk them hurting each other again but they seemed to have such a nice bond it's such a pity they've fought. I feel guilty because maybe I missed the signs and should have realised they were getting angry.

What's the best course of action now? I do have two cages as Alan and my previous guinea pig Ted fought constantly so I had to separate them.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[VickiA]

I'm sorry that your boars have fallen out. It sounds like the younger boar Monty is reaching puberty and his hormones have got the better of him. He has probably challenged Alan once too often and this has led to the fight you witnessed.

I'm sorry to say that now they have had a full on fight and caused injuries drawing blood I think the safest thing is to keep them separate. You say that Alan is obviously hurt. Please get him checked over by a vet. If you have separate cages they can live side by side while you decided on a long term plan for them.

 

[Wiebke]

I have had my four month old Monty for two months now. Him and Alan (approximately 18 months) had been getting on fine, a few fall outs but nothing too bad and no actual fighting. I got home from work today and they seemed to be fine, then the next thing I saw was them both, jumped about a foot into the air, locked at the mouth. Monty had some hair pulled out near his mouth but Alan's mouth was bleeding and obviously hurt.

I have put Monty in the cage in the living room and Alan is out in my living room, so they can see each other and know what each other's up to. I know it's slim but is there any chance of reintroducing? They both seemed pretty shaken up about it. I don't want to risk them hurting each other again but they seemed to have such a nice bond it's such a pity they've fought. I feel guilty because maybe I missed the signs and should have realised they were getting angry.

What's the best course of action now? I do have two cages as Alan and my previous guinea pig Ted fought constantly so I had to separate them.

Thanks in advance for any help.

I am very sorry; what a nasty shock! Give them time to cool down overnight, but be aware that boars will usually not go back together after a really serious fight.

Here is a detailed guide that lists all your options, including how to stage a trial re-intro: Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[JoannaMarie]

Thank you both for your help. I will alternate between them being in the cage and out in the living room for now and will try a buddy bath and trial 're introduction tomorrow. Don't want to 've too graphic but montys balls dropped about a month ago and since then there's been a lot more tension between them xx

 

[VickiA]

Those pesky hormones have a lot to answer for.