Problem with my boars

[Crystal]

I have 2 boars, Bailey and Baxter. Bailey is 22 months and Baxter is 8 months. I successfully bonded them 6 months ago and they've got along fine. They have a C&C cage and seperate food bowls and igloos. They've never bit each other or even shown aggression. Just the normal humping and stuff. I come home tonight and Bailey has a huge gash on his shoulder and a small scratch above his eye. Although they were acting fine, I immediately separated them. I did notice a small scab on bailey a few days ago but didn't think it was a bite wound. I've never seen them fight. Anyone have any advice for me. Is there any chance they can get along again. How long should I keep them apart? The wound is pretty big and I don't want to chance it happening again.

 

[Alfientoby]

First of all check around the cage to see if there is anything sharp they could of done it on. It's most likely a dominance issue but it's worth having a look.
I think what's most likely happened is Baxter is trying to win dominance over the elder pig.

Piggies can't live alone. They will become bored and depressed but it sounds as your piggies can't live together either.

Keep them separated for the time been but when you have time sit down and put them both back in the cage together. You need to be prepared to watch them for a while and monitor their behaviour. If any fighting breaks out or Bailey looks stressed separate them again. Remember when seperating fighting pigs always wear a thick gardening glove.

Don't leave then unsupervised together even if the monitored time goes well as you never know when it may start again but keep them separated with a hour a day superised time together.

Make sure that their cage is large enough (at least a 2/6) and they have enough toys in there.

If the superised time doesnt go well then maybe it's time for them to go boar dating as they can't remain alone!

Hope this works
Leah
X

 

[Crystal]

Thanks. Unfortunately living in the US I don't have the luxury of boar dating so I'm really hoping this can resolve.

 

[Wiebke]

Please give them some time to cool down and only re-introduce them on neutral ground under supervision. Baxter is currently in the most active phase of the hormonal months.

Don't try an introduction if one of the boys is visibly perking up being on his own; rather let them live next to each other and wait for Baxter's body to settle down.

You may find these links here helpful:
Our boar guide: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=76162
Tips on how to stage (re)introductions: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562
Boar options: http://www.susieandpigs.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/optionsmenu.htm