Boars are fighting

[Finnegan]

I have two boars, one is about 7 months old and the other about 11 weeks. After quarantine period for the younger guy (I got him at 8 weeks), I introduced them in a completely new cage (i.e., neutral ground) with a barrier between initially. I removed the barrier about a week and a half ago and since then they've been doing the typical rumblestrutting, teeth chatting, establishing order in the herd behavior. Yesterday, however, their behavior escalated into a full-fledged attack, each with a minor abrasion. I've separated them - they're in separate cages right next to each other - and now my question. I've read differing opinions on whether or not I should try to reintroduce them. I'm going to build an even slightly larger cage than the one I have now, and put two of everything into it hoping this helps. But, should I even try or is it too much of a risk for the little guys? Any suggestions? Thank you!

 

[William&Keith]

I'm no expert on anything like this, but I've had blood drawn when William & Keith were going through their hormonal stage and I didn't find out until the next morning (it happened during the night).

I left them together and they were fine - before I put them back in the hutch I did clean it all out and disinfect it all so all smells were gone.

Maybe try reintroducing with a bath - so they smell the same?

I'm sure someone with more experience will come along shortly, but I'm just talking from my own experience.

Good luck!

 

[Finnegan]

Thanks! I'm going to try bathing them before I introduce them to the new cage. I've also read that rubbing Vicks on their noses reduces smell...may try that as well. Thanks again!

 

[Wiebke]

It is sadly not rare that a boar bonding fails 2-3 weeks into the bonding process when the underpiggy starts standing up for himself.

You can try once again, but I would frankly not hold out too much hope. A failed bonding is always very much a gutting experience. Here is a collection of tips: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

If you can, try to boar date your boy(s) at a rescue or a reputable breeder (as you are not from Britain). Please be aware that your older boar is right in the middle of the stroppy months and that this is the most difficult time to bond him.

Alternatively, you could think about having him neutered (as he is now old enough), preferably by an experienced vet, and living with a sow. Cross gender pairs are usually very stable, provided the boar has been accepted at the beginning.

I am very sorry, but there is no quick fix - this is a tricky age for boars even at the best of times and not all character combinations work out. Guinea pigs can be surprisingly fiddly with their likes and dislikes.

 

[Finnegan]

Thank you for your information...from what I've researched I realize the possibility is slim that they'll get along at this point, but I may try again in a larger cage at a later date. Right now they're still separated, which is safer for everyone...

Thank you again!

 

[Glynis]

Hi and welcome to you and the boys to the forum
by the way vicks is not really recommended for them
You're better off trying the link that Wiebke gave you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It's really difficult when they fall out, whee had the same problem, however whee were able to have the boys live besides each other but separated by a mesh divider, they did however have playtime together, yes this was supervised.
Have a good look around the forum and you'll see some great info up the top in the threads/stickies
Hope you can put up some pigtures of the boys soon

Glynis, Velvet and Onyx x

 

[Finnegan]

Thank you, all! I'm building a bigger C&C cage...got the coroplast yesterday (quite a feat getting the sheet home . I have two of everything - huts, bowls, bottles, etc., so will give co-habitating one more try in little while, once I build the cage. Will post photos and an update re: how it all went. Lots of great information on this site - thank you again!

 

[Finnegan]

Update - I have built a bigger cage, but still with a divider for now. Recently switched their sides, which was recommended so they can become accostomed to each others' scents. Just introduced them for about 30-minutes on neutral kitchen floor with a big plate of veggies...some rumbling and teeth chatting, but both ate and sat together quite nicely for the majority of the time. Will continue with floor time together and hope to remove the divider soon...will also try a buddy bath as suggested. Thanks for your feedback...not sure yet if they can live together, but I'll keep trying...want to post photos, but am not sure how...