Six weeks ago we got a pair of already bonded boars who were three months old, Peanut Butter and Nutella (1). After only two weeks one of them died suddenly (Nutella (1). We replaced him the following week with another boar of a similiar age Nutella (2), We kept them in separate cages in the same room for a week or so and initially let them see each other during cuddle time. After a health check for both of them the vet said it was okay to introduce them properly. We did this in on neutral ground and in a very large run. It went pretty well and they did all the noises and behaviour that I had read to expect. There was no fighting at all and they went back to a clean, disinfected and rearranged cage. This was about two weeks ago now and things seemed to be going fine. However, last weekend I made a tunnel run going up to a side level in the cage and just put a house and treats up there to encourage them up. At first only Peanut Butter would go up and down, usually just to eat the treats but Nutella (2) would not go near it. Two days ago we noticed that Nutella (2) had braved it and was now also going up and down using the tunnel. By yesterday though this seemed to have led to problems. I noticed that Peanut Butter was blocking the entrance / exit to the tunnel so that poor Nutella (2) was having to live up there. If Nutella (2) tried to come down the tunnel Peanut Butter would puff himself up and block his way. If he did get past he would chase him and generally bully him. I put water, food, hay etc. up there for the day yesterday and have made sure he is getting his share of food. Last night I took away the tunnel completely so they were both on one level. This lead them to go right back to the introductions behaviour but much worse than before. Although I did not actually expect them to fully fight I did at one stage get a towel out. I slept next to the cage all night to listen for a fight. There was lots and lots of chasing and chattering. I was very worried about leaving them today while I am at work and am desperate to get home. I did not want to rush and separate them too soon and undo what bonding (if any) they have done so far. I know this behaviour is to be expected but as a new Pig owner I am worried I will make the wrong decision. Tomorrow when we put them in the run to clean the cage etc. I was going to put in a second tunnel to the other side ramp so when they go back to the cage they have a 'side' each. Can anyone give me some advice PLEASE?
Help! With Bonding A Pair Of Boars?
- Thread starter Michch
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DM030819
If there's no blood drawn then all is okay.
The problem is the confined space you have created. It's generally not a good idea to put something in the cage that can make one pig feel cornered. You need to either remove the additional space completely or find a way to open up the entrance so both pigs can freely move between areas without having to squeeze past each other.
The problem is the confined space you have created. It's generally not a good idea to put something in the cage that can make one pig feel cornered. You need to either remove the additional space completely or find a way to open up the entrance so both pigs can freely move between areas without having to squeeze past each other.
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DM030819
Hopefully but it's not guaranteed. Once they've got worked out it might take a while to go back to normal, or they might never pair up again.
But, as they've not actually got down to proper fighting, then I think they'll be okay, Fingers crossed!
They can be a bit fussy over space. Even hideys that only have one entrance aren't recommended. In my cages I always use step stools or cardboard boxes with 2 doors cut into them
But, as they've not actually got down to proper fighting, then I think they'll be okay, Fingers crossed!
They can be a bit fussy over space. Even hideys that only have one entrance aren't recommended. In my cages I always use step stools or cardboard boxes with 2 doors cut into them
Thanks again for your help. The cage we have has another level at each side and we were only trying to get them used to going up and down so their food could go up out of the way to give them extra play space. I really hope they get back together. My daughter will be devastated especially after the first one dying so suddenly. I was going to put a tunnel up to each side level and a tunnel across so they can not get trapped. Do you think this is a better idea or leave it completely?
Keiko The Pig
Junior Guinea Pig
I would leave it for now until things settle down. This bond is quite new and Peanut obviously got very territorial over the new tunnel. If your cage is big enough I don't see the need for the second levels to be used anytime soon or at all even. If you do choose to try again there must be two ways up and down and your boys must know of the second way. My dominant boy used to nap in front of his favourite water bottle (of course they have two on opposite ends of the cage) but he never puffed up to defend it or chase off the little one so I can't be much help as my boys love each other dearly. But if it were me, I'd be too scared to reintroduce the tunnel that caused such a fuss since boars who fall out will likely never live together in peace
Thanks, I welcome any ideas or advice about this. Things are a lot quieter in the cage tonight so I am crossing my fingers that it hasn't done too much harm. The most annoying thing is that I have been trying different ideas since we got the cage 6 weeks ago to encourage them to use the ramps to make more space but they would not put a foot up it so I really wasn't expecting them to even use it let alone fight over it. I had some good ideas as well and they would have had two ways up and down so no one could be trapped. I will be so upset if it has ruined things so soon. Thanks again.
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