Groups of boars?

[Hermes]

I was wondering whether it's possible, given enough space, to keep boars in groups. I've read that trios are difficult but I wondered about groups of 4+ and if it's possible how this is done. This is purely a curiousity question, I'm happy with my two boys and wouldn't want to upset them - not that I actually have the space for any more!

 

[Glynis]

Hi, you'll find that the majority of people will say trio's etc.. don't work too easily. However i have known a few that have done it!

 

[piggyfan]

I really would not advice it at all. Twos are best and even they can have problems.

 

[kat04kt]

Hi,

I asked a similar question recently and got some good feedback. LIke you, it was a purely hypothetical questions, a what if for the future!

'Keeping boars and sows together' - just a few posts under yours.

 

[gizmo01]

can be done all i will say is make preparations in case of fall outs you need lots of space and even more luck. i have a trio right now but they have a biggish gap in ages

 

[Wiebke]

It can be done - bigger groups of boars (about 10+) can work, provided you have got lots, and I mean LOTS, of space. And the experience/extra space to deal with any troublemakers.

The biggest herd of boars that I have heard of have been about 20 boars, but they had about half a garden with an outbuilding for themselves.

Trios and quartets of boars are particularly unstable; fall outs are pretty much garanteed during stroppy months. With exactly the right character combination, pure adult/adult-youngster bonds can work, but again, it is not something that should be attempted by a newbie because a failure can end up in quite a few expensive trips to the vets, not to mention single boars that refuse to go back together.
Most people I know that have successful trios or quartets have lots of boars and have been able to switch around until they have found exactly the right character constellation of mostly laid back boars. They also have the extra space to deal with fall out problems that happen even to them.

 

[Hermes]

Thanks for all the replies, I had a feeling it would be sometimes possible but difficult to manage. I'll dream of piggy herds but don't worry I certainly won't be attempting this!

 

[piggypoos]

well i have a trio of boars living together. they are brothers they get on fine though however one of mine is very attention seeking and whenever we come he automatically thinks 'fooooood!' and chases the other two away so he can get to the food and get all the attention lol. but i dont imagine this would be a problem with all trios it just depends with their personalitys. pepper and scruffy are used to it and dont mind it anymore lol. but most of the time they get on fine (they are around 5 1/2 months so this may change as they get older but for now they love each other very much x) when scruffy was ill the other two wouldnt leave his side x))

 

[christine]

I have 9 boars all neutered and living as a group with18 sows. However they need LOTS of space and a close eye keeping on them. I have had grumbles and the odd tiff but never a fight,maybe I have just been lucky , I am aware that things can change and have the facilities to seperate if it should become needed. If you want to see pics of my herd look in the thread called Meet up at Christines house . There you will see my piggies and their set up (thanks to Emma and Karina).