Algernon came to us last November after his friend died and his owner didn't want to get a replacement, and knew he needs to be in a group. We already had 1 boar and 4 sows, and Algernon joined the herd nicely without any fighting. The original boar who was 6 or 7 died a few months later, leaving Algernon and 4 sows. The herd has lived harmoniously since.
I noticed Algernon moved quite stiffly and his weight had suddenly dropped to 600g. This last happened in August but after critical care we got him back up over 800g and he was very active and eating and drinking regularly on his own. I tried to give him some critical care and water today via syringe but he didn't seem very interested. We put him back on the fleece and he collapsed on his side. After an hour lying on my wife's lap in a towel, he passed away.
He liked being stroked and handled, and enjoyed exploring (we have an open pen). He was also incredibly loud when he thinks an unacceptable amount of time has passed since he was last fed. I'd never known a piggie to scream so loudly.
We are now considering if we need to get another boar or if the remaining sows can live together without one. Is it best to get a new boar immediately before any potential problems can arise, or can we wait and see what happens?
I noticed Algernon moved quite stiffly and his weight had suddenly dropped to 600g. This last happened in August but after critical care we got him back up over 800g and he was very active and eating and drinking regularly on his own. I tried to give him some critical care and water today via syringe but he didn't seem very interested. We put him back on the fleece and he collapsed on his side. After an hour lying on my wife's lap in a towel, he passed away.
He liked being stroked and handled, and enjoyed exploring (we have an open pen). He was also incredibly loud when he thinks an unacceptable amount of time has passed since he was last fed. I'd never known a piggie to scream so loudly.
We are now considering if we need to get another boar or if the remaining sows can live together without one. Is it best to get a new boar immediately before any potential problems can arise, or can we wait and see what happens?