My older boar, Gerald Cartman, lost his cage mate a few months ago and although he seemed to be enjoying single batchelor life (a lot of lounging on top of a big pile of straw and playing with his hay ball), I didn't want to leave him alone for too long. I adopted two young sows from a rescue, they are about 7 months. Gerald is also a rescue but its more like 2-3 years and very large in comparison.
They've had a few 'dates' where they all met on the sofa and shared cabbage leaves. This always went very well and they seemed to settle down together and top and tail in a heap, which was very sweet. Yesterday they were in the big run outside together all day. There was no signs of anything untoward, so I took the plunge and put them all into the same cage that evening. First evening was extremely noisy, but everyone seemed to behave themselves. This morning seemed peaceful and when I came home from work they were all snoozing, albeit in different parts of the cage. Things have been a bit more riotous this evening and I'm hoping its not cause for concern...theres been some kicking and nipping and swaying...although in between everyone seems to lie down for a nap! I've noticed that it seems to be quite evenly distributed, nobody is getting it more than anyone else, they just seem to pester each other and don't leave each other in peace for long. Everyone is still drinking and eating and nibbling....now we've just hit another silent spot and they've all gone to sleep. There has also been some popcorning, so I'm assuming they can't be having a terrible time?! Hopefully the rougher behaviours have been about establishing dominance/hierarchy and will pass. Any suggestions welcome!
They've had a few 'dates' where they all met on the sofa and shared cabbage leaves. This always went very well and they seemed to settle down together and top and tail in a heap, which was very sweet. Yesterday they were in the big run outside together all day. There was no signs of anything untoward, so I took the plunge and put them all into the same cage that evening. First evening was extremely noisy, but everyone seemed to behave themselves. This morning seemed peaceful and when I came home from work they were all snoozing, albeit in different parts of the cage. Things have been a bit more riotous this evening and I'm hoping its not cause for concern...theres been some kicking and nipping and swaying...although in between everyone seems to lie down for a nap! I've noticed that it seems to be quite evenly distributed, nobody is getting it more than anyone else, they just seem to pester each other and don't leave each other in peace for long. Everyone is still drinking and eating and nibbling....now we've just hit another silent spot and they've all gone to sleep. There has also been some popcorning, so I'm assuming they can't be having a terrible time?! Hopefully the rougher behaviours have been about establishing dominance/hierarchy and will pass. Any suggestions welcome!
The girls are called Miranda and Carrie, I should have introduced them properly before! They are all of the same indistinguishable shades of orange and white, so when they lie in a heap together its hard to know who is who! I didn't choose their colouring, I actually adopted the girls before seeing them so I didn't know what they looked like. But for me its a perk, they blend in so well with each other it makes harmony seem more likely!
