Introducing Boars

[KimberleysWheekers]

I've read the main sticky on this (not all of the replies though so hope I haven't missed the answer!)

I've just put Mabelle and Seymour (both boys) into a run to see if they like each other. They've done some sniffing, chasing around (mostly Mabelle doing the chasing as he's bigger/older) and Mabelle's had a few nips at Seymour. We've taken them apart as I thought this was a bad sign, but reading the sticky it seems normal(?)

My concern is, if it is normal and we try them again, how long does it take them to settle down? I don't want to leave them if Mabelle gets vicious (say, after we go to bed).

Seymour was born 17th Nov 09 (6 wks old) and Mabelle is approx 27 wks old.

Thanks in advance p

 

[Wiebke]

Try to do the intro when you got at least four hours in one go, so you can keep an eye on proceedings. The main phase of settlement takes about two days, after which the boars will sort out the small print of their relationship for the next couple of weeks, i.e. how far is the underboar letting himself being pushed.

Once you have committed, you need to stick it out, unless there are bloody fights (small scuffles and little scratches can happen, but bite marks of any kind mean instant separation). You also need to separate if one of the boars is bullied by incessant humping going on for days or even weeks and is becoming withdrawn or is losing weight.

Please weigh them before introduction, so you have a reference. You should weigh guinea pigs every 1-2 weeks - it's a very good indicator of trouble!

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

I introduced two boys last year. One was 8 months and the other was around the same age so the rescue said and they have grown together. I did have the rescue close by on the phone to talk me through it!

They did all the normal behaviour and the mounting. I was scared at first as never i experienced the behaviour before but i let them be and they sorted out the dominance issues and Joey became the dominant one. I moved the cage upstairs for the first few nights just to be safe and i did have one sleepless night the first night as i was worried something would happen but it never!

They get on fine now and even sleep side by side and i noticed joey grooming gizmo. They dont sleep cuddled up together they only do that after a bath and a visit to the vets! I wish they would cuddle to together, but at least they are happy together and they share bowls etc even though their is two.

So just stick with it and like wiekbe said only separate when blood is drawn.

Good luck.

 

[Wiebke]

I introduced two boys last year. One was 8 months and the other was around the same age so the rescue said and they have grown together. I did have the rescue close by on the phone to talk me through it!

They did all the normal behaviour and the mounting. I was scared at first as never i experienced the behaviour before but i let them be and they sorted out the dominance issues and Joey became the dominant one. I moved the cage upstairs for the first few nights just to be safe and i did have one sleepless night the first night as i was worried something would happen but it never!

They get on fine now and even sleep side by side and i noticed joey grooming gizmo. They dont sleep cuddled up together they only do that after a bath and a visit to the vets! I wish they would cuddle to together, but at least they are happy together and they share bowls etc even though their is two.

So just stick with it and like wiekbe said only separate when blood is drawn.

Good luck.

Some piggies are not cuddle-uppers; my Llewelyn isn't, either! But if you see one piggy groom another, then you can be happy - they are fond of each other! It's the equivalent of a kiss and hug!

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

Some piggies are not cuddle-uppers; my Llewelyn isn't, either! But if you see one piggy groom another, then you can be happy - they are fond of each other! It's the equivalent of a kiss and hug!

Aww thanks for that i never knew that!

I guess they like their own space when it comes to sleeping! They are fine together in the cage and Joey will cry for Gizmo if he is taken out and ive seen a big change in him as i did have him on his own for 3 weeks before i got gizmo. Joey does sometimes remind gizmo who is boss and chases him from his fave place if Gizmo stays in it for to long. Is this normal? Thats the only thing they do and Gizmo just goes to his and all is fine then.rolleyes

 

[ollie]

Aww thanks for that i never knew that!

I guess they like their own space when it comes to sleeping! They are fine together in the cage and Joey will cry for Gizmo if he is taken out and ive seen a big change in him as i did have him on his own for 3 weeks before i got gizmo. Joey does sometimes remind gizmo who is boss and chases him from his fave place if Gizmo stays in it for to long. Is this normal? Thats the only thing they do and Gizmo just goes to his and all is fine then.rolleyes

thats normal jake wont let oliver go on top of their home very often as thats jake's space to watch whats going on i got lucky cas when i brought oliver home & showed jake it was love at first sight been together since september & no problems

 

[Joey&Gizmo]

thats normal jake wont let oliver go on top of their home very often as thats jake's space to watch whats going on i got lucky cas when i brought oliver home & showed jake it was love at first sight been together since september & no problems

It lovely when they bond isnt it? Mine have been together for 14 months! I was abit worried at first as they say to put a baby with a bigger male but the rescue said she had put many pigs the same age together and was very helpful I'm glad my two get on well.

 

[1stTimePiggieOwner]

I don't have any advice but just wanted to wish you luck with bonding Mabelle and Seymour.

My boys aren't the BEST of friends I wouldn't say. They have been together since we got them in August and even now they still grumble at each other and have the old unpleasent chatter and chase BUT they have NEVER gone for each other, nipped or scratched or even showed their teeth so I'm taking that as a good thing. They're happy piggies, eat well, gain weight and popcorn fairly frequently so I'm presuming all is well in their world despite their frequent quarrals! Well I hope I'm right in thinking this anyway!?

Let us know how you get on with introducing them again. x