Boars fighting 😟

[MargeryBaxter]

Hello, I hope some one can help me with my 2 boars who have recently started fighting. They are 4 years old and have been together since we rescued them as a bonded pair at 4 months. They have always got along with each other quite well with a bit of bickering but no serious issues. But things have escalated and both are now show injuries .

They are currently living inside in a 4x 3 c&c. We have added a ramp and balcony for enrichment and to increase the space but now the larger piggie seems to be trapping his cage mate ( who likes climbing up on top. They have several hideaways and several hay areas. They have always shared dry food and water. Their veggies are normally given to them by hand or scattered around the cage. They are happier in the summer when they have access to a large run ( and lots of grass) but it is too cold and wet here for them to be outside for at least another 6 weeks…They are pretty tame well handled family pets.

They have had bickering spells before and I have left them to resolve it as I believe that separation is a last resort and also a one way route. But the aggression now seems constant and at a much higher level. Can anyone advise me what the best plan for these two?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry to hear this.

I would remove the ramp and loft immediately. These items can cause problem with boars with what you are seeing by it being claimed as a territory by one pig and trapping the other pig. A ramp is effectively a one exit hide on that respect. It’s also worth nothing that upper levels do not increase space a they don’t count towards living area - space is only increased when the cage is made bigger on the single, bottom level.
However, if they are injuring each other and actually fighting it is possible that removal of the ramp may be too late to save their bond - it’s worth a try though.

If removal of the ramp doesn’t calm things pretty quickly, let’s say within 24 hours, and fights continue, then sadly it likely means the bond is in trouble and you may need a separation.

It can also be worthwhile having a vet check done or this is a bit out of the blue. Sometimes an escalation is these types of behaviours can be a symptom of a brewing medical issue - such as pain and in an older piggy arthritis can be trigger

 

[MargeryBaxter]

Thank you. I’m afraid we have had to separate them as the smaller piggie was getting attacked. Currently we have added a partition to their cage to make 2 3 x 2 c and c so they can still see and hear each other. Things have settled right down and both are chilling with hay.

Do you have any tips on how we can help their bond and relationship? Or does separation always have the be permanent? If so how is it best to manage 2 single older boars? Is it best for them to see each other? Or does this make it worse?