Hi, this forum is great for information, so I'd really appreciate some advice. I'm currently trying to bond a new boar, as we recently recently lost one of our pair. It has only been two days in the same run but its not been great so far - constant chasing, nipping, and general harassment from the new one to our existing piggie. It seems that our original piggie settles for two minutes before being shifted on by the new guy! We picked the new one because he had been shy and submissive where he was before, and thought this might work with our other boy, but he's definitely been very dominant with us. He was very settled and friendly before the introduction so I don't think is scared. I followed all the advice on introductions - as far as I could - about preparing them and making the environment neutral etc. I know it can take time, and I'll know they need to be left to it, (so hard!), but my question is: what do I do if it doesn't settle down? I know it's usually game over if blood is drawn, or if they are being prevented from eating by the other one, but where is the line apart from that? I can monitor the eating situation and make sure he gets his share.. Our original pig is anxious, jumpy and unsettled. If it stays at this level, surely barely tolerating each other isn't OK?
Our last pair had their moments and we knew there would be a degree of dominance /boar behaviour to deal with, but there was enough evidence that they both got something out of the relationship so that was OK!
I avoided getting him neutered as he's 2.5 and I read that there are some risks, but I am now wondering if the risk is worth it if he spent the rest of his life in a more settled environment with a sow..
Any thoughts? How much tension is ok.. for the animals and for me haha!
Thanks very much!