Fighting!?

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Vanilla

Vanilla

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Hi there,

I've had my two boys, Mungo and Milo, for a year now which means they are just over 1 year old. Just last week they suddenly had a fight and both piggies had bloody injuries.
It's such a shame as before that they go on so well.
They've been separate since the fight, but when they see each other they both start chattering their teeth very loudly.

I really don't know what to do? Will they have to be separate for the rest of their lives? Or will it simmer down? Are they just going through a phase in life? I'm scared to ever try and put them together again.

If anyone can give me any advice at all, anything, I'll be really grateful.

Thanks!
 
Oh, thats a shame sorry to hear that, how old are they? They could be going through a hormonal stage......or are there any female piggies near them? This would bring on a fight between them.
 
It was once advised to me that if there is blood drawn they shouldn't be put back together, taking into consideration that every time they see each other, they teeth chatter; I would say yes, unfortunately they will.

Though as Toffee just said, are there any females around them?
 
Hi,

Thank you so much for the quick replies!
No, there are no females near.
Sorry, I edited their age into my first paragraph. They are just over 1 year old.
 
I'm not sure what age boys become hormonal, however as lotopiggies says once blood is drawn its not advised to try them together again, however if it is an option for you i am not sure if this means they cannot be bonded with a different boar or a baby boar, maybe someone else will be able to confirm.

Hope sonething sorts out for you.
 
Depending on where you live there are several reputable rescues that will help you with bonding or what is fondly referred to as ''boar dating'' it's really good and it helps ensure that the bond is a good one. Obviously things can still go wrong but the chances are slimmer.

The two can be split and bonded with two OTHER boars, just not with each other again.
 
Thanks

I'm not sure we have the room for more at the moment and I guess they won't be able to be together. Thank you for the idea though, I'd try it if we had room! ;)

Thanks for the advice so far, much appreciated xx>>>
 
That's not a problem, the only other option I can see, and it'd be hard, is to rehome one and get another boar as a friend for the other. It sounds horrible but they'd each be happier with a friend and it helps your space/financial/whatever issue.
 
Yes, I suppose I should consider that. What's important is that they're happy.
However, they do seem okay on their own. They're not sulking or anything. Do you think I should try to rehome them? Or shall I see how it goes?
 
i have single boars not ideal i know but they all fell out 2 groups of 2 so i have 4 singly but i have c and c cages so they can all interact with each other, each piggie can see 2 of the others so they can choose to interact or not, i love them to much and i think as long as they have company and lots of love whats the harm in me having them and i know boars struggle to get homes. Maybe you could make a set up where parts of the cages join so they can speak through the bars and a part where they can not see each other. when i first did this there was lots of teeth chattering but this has now died down.
 
dylansmummy said:
i have single boars not ideal i know but they all fell out 2 groups of 2 so i have 4 singly but i have c and c cages so they can all interact with each other, each piggie can see 2 of the others so they can choose to interact or not, i love them to much and i think as long as they have company and lots of love whats the harm in me having them and i know boars struggle to get homes. Maybe you could make a set up where parts of the cages join so they can speak through the bars and a part where they can not see each other. when i first did this there was lots of teeth chattering but this has now died down.
Click to expand...

Try this first, if they stop eating, or seem lathargic or unhappy...then consider rehoming in my opinion.
 
Hello again!

I think the separation of the cage is a fab idea, but I'm not sure how I'd divide the one I have.

When I carry the boys outside, I carry them in a cardboard box. Today I put them in together with a divider. They didn't lunge at each other, but again teeth chattered.
Since the fight, one goes in the apex run (which they both used to go in) and the other goes in the fruit cage (which is completely predator proof).

They don't seem too bad, but I wouldn't want to risk anything. What's the next step do you think? Or shall I keep them like this?
 
I would keep them like this and see whether hostilities die down after a while. Both boys are still very upset at this early stage.

If the teeth chattering persists over any length of time, then you can think about other options. Your boys are coming just to the end of the stroppy months - sorry that you were caught out at this late stage!

As others have mentioned, you can rehome one boy and boar date the other at a reputable rescue that offers this service; that way, both boys will end up with a suitable new friend and a good home. We may be able to help you with that. Boar dating a suitable candidate makes for a much stronger, stabler bond.

Neutering one boar and pairing him with a sow is another option; however, it is more expensive, especially if you run into post op complications and you want to find a good vet to minimise the risks. Neutering does NOT change behaviour, so it won't help in getting your two boys back together!

You can research cheap cage options in our housing section; it's worth taking your time to find the right solution for your circumstances.
 
Oh dear, Milo spotted Mungo and decided to take his anger out on the first thing he saw - my hand unfortunately. He sunk his teeth right into my hand! Ouch! :o

So I think you're definitely right - they'll probably never be able to go near each other again :(
 
Oh no I'm so sorry to hear this. I don't have any advice, but it does make me think- *I'm just about sighing a breath of relief that my two boars have made it to a year with lots of little bickering but no fighting, I guess I can't take it for granted that this means they are stable even now they're adults! I hope you sort something out (including your hand, ouch)
 
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