Keeping 3 with one separate.

[Hog lips]

Hi all, we've recently lost one of our boars. We had 2 pairs, one of which was a pair of failed fosters who were supposed to be short term but we kept them because they were elderly. It's one of the elderly pigs that died.
The other 2 boys are free range indoors, the fosters were in a large cage in the same room.
I could find a friend for the remaining old boy but due to his age would be looking at the same issue of a lone pig some time down the line, so I've made a perspex divider pictured so that he can see the two younger boys.
Do any of you have this situation? Is the single boar happy?

Thanks

 

[Siikibam]

Its enough under the circumstances - he still has the interaction with other piggies. But it’s always best if he can live with a friend in the same cage. How old is he?

There are some rescues which you can foster a boar from to keep your older piggy company until they pass. You then hand the companion back to the rescue. Issue is that all are now closed due to current circumstances. Would that be something that could work for you?

Very sorry you lost your other piggy

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry your loss.
This kind of interaction through a divider is fine as it still provides company, being able to chat to the others and will help to stave off loneliness.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

I am in a very similar situation right now. My oldest boar, MacKintosh, age eight and a half, lost his buddy just a few days ago and I have no one else suitable for him to live with. He is living alongside my other elderly couple who are a sow and neutered boar and he talks to them through the grids. If we weren't in lockdown I would see if any rescues had a gentle, older boar for him to live with but as things stand I think he is happy enough for now. I'm sure your boy will be ok to.

 

[Hog lips]

Thanks, He's 5 years, I could get a friend from the rescue but its so hard to hand the other back when the inevitable comes. I foster for our local rescue when theyre full, that's how i ended up with these old guys, fostered them but couldn't bear to think of them having more moves at their ages.
I'm monitoring his weight and there's no drop, he still bustles about and is eating plenty.
If he starts to show any signs of pining I'll send him for bonding, the rescue near me is still offering this but restricted with no contact, just drop off then collect.

If only boars would live happily in groups life would be so much easier!

 

[Siikibam]

Five is still quite young. If he lived another three his interaction would always be through a barrier. It’s hard but I would at least try. But I understand why it’s a difficult one for you. Good luck finding a solution that works for you both.

 

[Hog lips]

I know you're right. He's booked in for bonding at the rescue next weekend, fingers crossed for him finding a pal