Paranoid That They'll Fight Soon...

[cyanidebaby]

As most of you know, I'm a wheelchair user and I own two 13wk old boars. Soon they will hit subadult stage and I am terrified they will lay into each other...Since I cant just pick them up and separate them when carers aren't around I have around a fortnight to prepare and plan around this...SO

Question 1: How likely is it that they will fight?
Question 2: What is the minimum space requirement per boar?

I ask because the plan is:

Step 1: Get a 150-160cm cage

Step 2: Take the gate piece from my midwest run

Step 3: Attach it to the centre of my cage

Step 4: Initially, leave the gate open, but if they squabble, close it, leaving them 80cm each but allowing them to chatter through the gate bars.

What do you think? Thanks in advance.

 

[gus+walter]

I've had my 2 boars since they were babies. They are reaching the end if puberty now, with lots of rumbling and bottom wiggles, they've made it without a fight. Little tiffs are normal.
Don't worry about it too much, but it's a good backup plan if needs be! I'm not too sure about the cage size for each boar. But someone in the know will be able to help more.

 

[Wiebke]

Well over half the pairs make it to adulthood without fall-outs. Tiffs will happen whenever the hormones spike. But it is not going to be a constant squabbling.

However, in view of your lack of mobility, it is a sensible backup plan. If you are dealing with a permanent fall-out, 80cm will be too little for the long term, but it will do perfectly until you can work out a permanent solution. Sometimes, when things are very tight, an overnight separation can help to cool down tempers. However, that is not something that you should too often, as it can become counterproductive.

 

[madguinealady]

my friend has two boars in a 100 cm cage (I know its too small but she wont listen) and they are fine. must be about 18 months to 2 years now so dont worry too much.

 

[cyanidebaby]

Thanks guys, in terms of ideal space, are we talking a 120cm two floor cage for a permanent fall out or would they pine if they were alone on separate floors, I couldn't go bigger than 160 and keep them next to each other, not enough room in my sitting room

 

[Wiebke]

They would be happier if they had direct interaction. You may find that at least one of the fallen out boys is pining for company afterwards (often it is the aggressor who cannot understand why his mate is fed up with him!)

If I were you, I'd go for the 160cm cage and cross the other bridge if - and it is a decided if, not a when - you get there!