Racing Stripes

[hzlhrst]

My baby boars have easily slipped into their dominant and submissive roles, Hannibal is very content to let Batista climb on him and generally take charge and assert himself, and Batista loves being the top dog.

They also seem to be very good at sharing, they like to sleep together and eat/drink from the same sources so no worries there.

Batista, Mr dominant, is very fast. He chases Hanni 2/3 times a day for five to ten minutes while Hannibal wheeks, and then they settle down again. He is also determined not to be handled (initially) and dashes away whenever approached!

Will this settle down as they become used to me? Is Hannibal okay when being chased? I've read up on dominant behaviours and am aware that they're going to be in their hormonal stages for some time in the future, but I just wanted to check now that everything's alright.

 

[hzlhrst]

Lots more chasing/wheeking today!

Still concerned as to whether the chasing should be of any worry to me, or whether it's just bonding or playing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[5littlepigs]

I'm not that familiar with boars as I have never owned any, but if they are babies still I should think they're still working out who's dominant. If they haven't been in their new home for that long, they will also have to sort out who's the boss of the new territory. I think the boss pig just has to keep showing that he's boss. My girls still haven't seemed to figure out who's boss over many months and they just kind of go with it, but every so often they do rumblestrut and chase each other and a lot of wheeking goes on. If things ever get too bad I would advise putting food in for them as a distraction, or if they are ever drawing blood try and seperate them for a while (some boars can never get along). But from what you've said it doesn't sound bad. Over time they will settle down. To get them used to you, just talk to them whenever you bring them food or when you're trying to bond with them. Food is the way to a pig's heart! Some pigs just aren't keen on being touched though; one of my girls who I've had for about 2 years still absolutely hates being touched, whereas one of my newer pigs doesn't mind being touched at all. Just let them sort out who's boss and it may take a long time but everything should be fine. Good luck!

 

[Shades]

How old are your boars? Mine act quite similar and they're around ten weeks old. One is more outgoing than the other but who's boss is not clear! they seem to get along together, eat together, grab food from each other, play together, rest together. I find it's too early to tell who's gonna be the dominant one.