How many boar pairings fail?

[zez]

So I'm now erring towards keeping my boys split and introducing them to new boys. Its not proven to be much more work/cost keeping 2 hutches and I think Dansak (who is painfully shy) is actually doing well being out of gregarious Max's shaddow. I know it might be possible to rebond them using the method that suzygpr has kindly explianed to me, but I'm not sure if its the right thing to do as I think D has probably always been the underdog and is quite enjoying not being!

So, I may try boar dating Dansak (there is an option in rescue near us- another shy and quiet pig) and letting max find a baby from my friend's litters.

But i want to be prepared. I've had 3 boar partnerships (only one of which has caused any problems at all, and this being of my own doing). How often is it that older boar to baby boar pairings fail once the baby hits the teens...I don't want to end up with a 3rd hutch. I know its a risk, but i wondered how much of a risk.

Thank you

 

[gogoguineas]

hey it sounds like pairing them up with new pals might be a good idea, maybe see if there's a rescue by you who could offer this?

In my experience I haven't had any of my boars fall out permanently, I have known other peoples to but in nearly 20 years only 2 or 3. It's all about personalities, I've never known any pig hate other pigs so I like to think there's a piggie pal out there for everyone, good luck!

 

[katiepops]

I've personally never had pairs of boars with a large age gap. When they're adults you know their personalities and hormones aren't going to get in the way which is always a risk with little ones when they hit the teenage stage. That might be a good option for you.

 

[mikulinek]

It's a risk - let's face it. Those of us who have boars know how volatile their relationships can be. We had to separate our boars once they reached pubity and they haven't been back together since. They just live as very happy neighbours.

Now the choice is yours but, in all honesty, they don't need to have a partner in their cage with them. If their cages/hutches are close enough for the to see and hear each other, this is often enough for a healthy and happy boar.

Of course, if you feel this is not enough or you cannot provide really close but separate conditions (wooden hutches would be difficult I think) then you can try. I would suggest finding submissive boars from a shelter and introducing each to your respective partners on neutral territory - this could work. There is the risk that you could end up with all 4 boars living separately.

Alternatively, you may want to think about the unthinkable and getting your boars "done" so that you can pair them up each with one or more sows.

We have resisted getting them done because we just couldn't do that to them but our two live indoors in cages which are right next door to each other so they're not lonely.

Best of luck and keep us up-to-date