Bonding Sow & Neutered Boar

[NatalieMT]

The time has come for little Edward to start meeting the ladies! So far he has had a couple of dates with Pickle out on the lawn. He's a lovely pig, haven't had him long but he's such a charmer.

Let's start by saying Pickle thus far has pretty much hated all the sows I've introduced her to for company and has been residing on her own for quite a while now. She doesn't seem particularly bothered by Eddy, she hasn't tried to go for him etc, but she does wriggle him off her when he *ahem* attempts to mount her. It seems to calm down once they've been together a while and they're both happily munching the grass (plus they're worn out!) but I'm a bit wary of putting them in a hutch together and not being there to watch/supervise just incase.

I've bonded groups of sows together before and luckily for the most part after an initial squabble they were all fine. Never had a neutered boar so I'm not entirely sure how it is supposed to work. Any advice appreciated!

 

[Laure]

Sounds like it is going fairly well so far...

Could you put them together when you are around to watch - like weekend or evening. you should know pretty quickly if it's not going to work to be honest. How long have you left them together for during their date?

when I introduced Casper to my girls I was expecting that the girls would eventually give in and let him do his business but I have to say a month later and none of them are having any of it still and he has all but given up on the idea :p

My mini heard seems to be very settled now...

good luck and let us know how you get on.
L

 

[Wiebke]

It sounds like things are going VERY well, actually. Pickle is not in season, but she is allowing him to mount her and is NOT chasing Eddy off or attacking him, so she has accepted him, as far as I can see.


Mke sure that the hutch is well cleaned, including wiping down the walls and any piggy furniture, so it is as neutral possible.

 

[NatalieMT]

Thanks to both of you for the replies! During the dates they were probably out on the lawn 2/3 hours. Pickle seemed more interested in the grass than Eddy to be quite honest. She would go and sit/lie next to him and approach him etc so she definitely wasn't trying to get away. She didn't seem to particularly enjoy his advances like I said and wriggled him off a little but there was no arguments. Hopefully Edward will learn he can no longer do the biz sooner or later.

I could try them in the hutch together one evening perhaps, will clean and throughly spray down beforehand and keep a sneaky eye on the happenings!

If this doesn't work out I have a couple more groups of 3 sows to try him with, so all wouldn't be lost but it would be nice if Pickle had a friend again after being on her own for a bit.

 

[Wiebke]

I would definitely try them living together and not worry much! With sows, any aggression shows right at the beginning during the acceptance phase (which usually lasts 15-30 minutes). Once a piggy is accepted, that's it! The rest is dominance, which doesn't seem to be much of an issue in this pairing.

Frankly, to me it sounds like a match made in piggy heaven! Pickle is simply not in season, but she won't refuse Eddie when it comes to that. The first season is usually a lot stronger and quite dramatic, but it serves to reinforce the bond. Boy and girl will often exchange piggy cuddles afterwards.

Have a look at Tegyd and Hywel's videos if you want to know what a (thankfully ultimately successful) borderline intro is like! A sow that refuses acceptance, will keep any male well away from her and would not allow them to touch her. If he tries to force his hand, there will be a fight.

 

[NatalieMT]

Just a quick update! Pickle and Eddy went home to their hutch together today - they seem absolutely fine.

They went on the lawn together again tohis afternoon and Eddy made little effort to chase her round etc and so it seemed like a good time for them to move in. Thumbs up all round!

 

[Laure]

Great news!