Is a re-bond ever possible?

[CV26]

Dash and Spud have been neighbours for some time now. They're a little shy of 5 months old.
Their fall out was spotted after being placed in their play pen. They went for each other twice...not just the expected dominance but behaviour that I considered would escalate to blood being drawn.

They've been fine as neighbours. I've only heard the very occasional rumbling noise. Most of the time they're chattering away and nosing each other through the bars.

One thing that's been bothering me is that if one gets put in the play pen the other will call out from the divider to see where their friend is. Today, as I'd got Dash out already for his Emeraid, I sat alongside the playpen as Spud was in there. Dash really wanted to get to Spud and Spud immediately came out of his hide to see Dash.

Both piggies have been unwell and were underweight. Spud is healthy and a fat piggy now and Dash is on his way. Could that have contributed to a tense relationship?

If I could combine their cages they'd have a long run of 2.4m x 0.6m to go at. Much more than they had before.

Is this all just friendly neighbour behaviour and I should leave them be, or is there any chance of re-bonding them now or in the future?

 

[Piggies&buns]

If their bond is not functioning, then a rebond is not possible. It’s simply the case that they are happy as neighbours and do like to be able to see each other but cannot live together. Adding to the fact that at their age they are just starting their teens, hormones raging and it can simply be the worst time to try to bond boars anyway.

 

[CV26]

I figured now wouldn't be the right time to even try. Not only with their age but with Dash still not being 100% I wouldn't want to cause him any unnecessary stress.

I separated them pretty quickly. It happened so fast and my husband and I are fairly confident of what we saw but it's just left that nagging feeling. I wondered if it would possible to try again at any point down the line.

They both seem happy in their set up. And it's easier on me as it as I can have them out separately without worrying about how it might impact the dynamic. I just want to make sure I'm doing the best for them in the long run.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I figured now wouldn't be the right time to even try. Not only with their age but with Dash still not being 100% I wouldn't want to cause him any unnecessary stress.

I separated them pretty quickly. It happened so fast and my husband and I are fairly confident of what we saw but it's just left that nagging feeling. I wondered if it would possible to try again at any point down the line.

They both seem happy in their set up. And it's easier on me as it as I can have them out separately without worrying about how it might impact the dynamic. I just want to make sure I'm doing the best for them in the long run.

if you’re confident that things were going to escalate then you did the right thing.
if you wanted to try a rebond when they are adult and over all hormones (I wouldn’t do it before they are 18 months old), then you of course can but do be prepared to step in again.
being neighbours is absolutely fine neither of them are lonely and they clearly like to see each other, so don’t worry about them

 

[CV26]

Thank you

 

[Lady Kelly]

I can only echo the above. You have done the right thing so far and focussing on them both being fit and well is great. As blood wasn't drawn you could try to rebond but I would wait until the hormones settle again as this kind of time is always tense for piggies and wouldn't make it any easier to bond them. In the meantime really familiarise yourself with our behaviour and bonding guides so that you are as prepared as possible when the time comes and you can also give the boys the best chance of getting along

 

[VickiA]

Completely with what has been said. They are still juvenile boars. Once they are over 18 months/2 years and all the hormones have settled down you could consider a reintroduction in neutral ground. But for note if they are both happy living alongside each other I’d leave things as they are.