Bonding for my lone boar

Elephonty

Elephonty

Forum Donator 2023/24
Joined
Feb 17, 2021
Messages
147
Reaction score
83
Points
295
Location
Uk
Following on from the recent death of my piggy Buzz I am now looking to re-home another boar.
I have messaged 4 rescues surrounding my area, one rescue replied detailing that he should get neutered to be with a girl or not get him neutered and get a younger boar or just have him as a lone pig!
I have read up and research suggests he would be better suited to a pig of his own age past the hormone surge, is this correct? I want to know whether I should disregard that rescue!
 
It’s all about compatibility when it comes to bonding. You could go for a younger or same age and they don’t get on - age has no influence on it. I would personally avoid a rescue that says he can be kept alone. That’s not beneficial for the piggy. Even having a neighbour is better than no other pig’s company at all.

It’s difficult at the moment because of lockdown and rescues being closed. I would try a little further afield as well and get on the waiting lists. Hopefully they will be in touch when somepig suitable comes along.

Neutering is an option you could consider as well. What is your thought on that?
 
I'm no expert on this by any means. As far as i understand it, boars will generally accept a newly weaned baby boar. And that is what i have done when left with a single boar - added a baby and it has worked fine.


Though adult boars can be successfully bonded if their personalities are compatible. I think this is best done at a rescue where bondings are done under an expert eye if possible - if adults.


I have also had a boar neutered and he was then in his element with 2 girls!



Lone pig suggestion is not a good one.

Baby boar (very young) will be your best bet - but another adult could work possibly too.
 
Siikibam said:
age has no influence on it.
Click to expand...


That is interesting but i know you have more experience than me. It was a breeder than i got my boars from years ago told me an adult boar will nearly always accept a newly weaned boar. And i found that to be true.

I never had problems later when the babies grew older, but that might have been pure luck!
 
tabelmabel said:
That is interesting but i know you have more experience than me. It was a breeder than i got my boars from years ago told me an adult boar will nearly always accept a newly weaned boar. And i found that to be true.

I never had problems later when the babies grew older, but that might have been pure luck!
Click to expand...
It probably worked because they liked each other. Issues could arise if the young one tries to take over as top pig and the older pig doesn’t accept it. So possibly not luck but a good match 🙂
 
Thank you both! They were suggesting a boar younger than 6 as I don't feel comfortable having the neutering surgery due to my other boar having complications in surgery.
 
It can work as long as the young pup doesn’t try to take over as top pig. Or if he does your older boy accepts it.

How is your piggy at the moment?
 
Siikibam said:
It can work as long as the young pup doesn’t try to take over as top pig. Or if he does your older boy accepts it.

How is your piggy at the moment?
Click to expand...
Woody is doing remarkably well! He's eating and acting as normal, I've actually heard back from a more local (and reputable) rescue who have an older boar (who was advertised on an online reselling site after being passed around several homes 😭) who is going to become available after a health check on the 31st so I am going to book a bonding session with him!
 
Elephonty said:
Woody is doing remarkably well! He's eating and acting as normal, I've actually heard back from a more local (and reputable) rescue who have an older boar (who was advertised on an online reselling site after being passed around several homes 😭) who is going to become available after a health check on the 31st so I am going to book a bonding session with him!
Click to expand...
All the best to you and your boy!
 
Even though a young boar is often accepted at first, and older boars can take up the “uncle” role, too often issues can occur when the baby hits those hormonal months.
Age aside, I totally agree with the advice you’ve had above. It’s all about personality matching. I’ve found from experience that this can take several dates before they choose a friend.
Boars get such a bad reputation but females can be just as tricky to pair up.

A couple of my older boars didn’t get on when younger, but once they mellowed with age, I’ve managed to bond them (following the losses of their existing buddies 🌈). I do feel being neighbours for a while may have helped with the re-bonding process.

My eldest boy had several failed re-bonding attempts when his buddy passed on. He’s far happier in his own space, surrounded by other boar pairs for social interaction through the bars.

Hopefully rescue centres will be able to offer dating soon, as restrictions continue to lift 🤞🏻

as for neutering, always an option, depending on the age and health of your piggie 😊

hope all goes well at the bonding session!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top