Rumble pig

[Gwithers]

My older boar passed last night, who was living with a young one, so now we have the young one left.

the little pig was never very good socially, as he rumble strutted about everything, but with no sign of aggression, or even in the direction of the other pig. I have had over thirty boars with various pairings, and none of them have rumbled as much. The old boar was the most placid, chilled out thing, who got along with anyone he was paired with.

The young boar is at the tricky teenage bit now, and, despite losing his pal, is currently eating, zooming and squeaking as much as possible.

I was wondering if anyone Else had experience with pigs with such poor social skills and would be open to any suggestions re rebonding etc, though think if possible a short wait to get over the hormone bump may be useful

thanks

 

[weepweeps]

I’m sorry for your loss. Hope you can find him a compatible buddy soon.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I am sorry for your loss.

Rumbling is an entirely normal behaviour, it isn’t poor social skills. Some piggies are simply very rumbly and enjoy doing it!

While bonding a teen boar can be trickier, it isn’t impossible provided the right piggy is found. This is where bonding at a rescue centre is so valuable. They will try to find just the right piggy. It won’t be beneficial to wait for the hormones to pass as being alone isn’t advisable. How old is he?
However, some rescues will not attempt to bond teen boars, or even young adult boars up until around 18 months of age due to the challenges hormones present, and instead recommend neutering (having the six week post op wait) and bonding with a sow as it can be much more successful.

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[Wiebke]

My older boar passed last night, who was living with a young one, so now we have the young one left.

the little pig was never very good socially, as he rumble strutted about everything, but with no sign of aggression, or even in the direction of the other pig. I have had over thirty boars with various pairings, and none of them have rumbled as much. The old boar was the most placid, chilled out thing, who got along with anyone he was paired with.

The young boar is at the tricky teenage bit now, and, despite losing his pal, is currently eating, zooming and squeaking as much as possible.

I was wondering if anyone Else had experience with pigs with such poor social skills and would be open to any suggestions re rebonding etc, though think if possible a short wait to get over the hormone bump may be useful

thanks

Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your loss!

Rumble-strutting is very normal boar behaviour. Boars are in my own experience either 'rumble-singers' or 'mountaineers' with the rumble-singers generally not too highly sexed and more on the submissive side. Give me a rumble-singer any day!

Boars also establish a peaceful hierarchy amongst themselves through the bars by rumble-strutting with mutual mounting coming close behind. He who has be most sonorous rumble wins.
Not bad social behaviour at all...
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?


As to where to go with him, you have basically two major options:
If you are looking for another boar companion, I would recommend to look for a rather submissive sub-teenage companion for a teenage boar rather than another teenager because it is the most difficult of ages for bonding a boar. Rescue dating at a good welfare standard rescue that offers this service will ensure that your boy has a say in who he wants to get on with and you come home with a new friend only if acceptance has happened.
Rescue Locator
Journey through a Lifetime: The Ages of Guinea Pigs

The other option would be neutering; this means a 6 weeks post-op safety wait because only the testicles but not the semen in the tubes are removed but while it is more expensive and takes longer, a cross gender bonding is the most stable of guinea pig companionships with fall-outs very rare.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

Please take your time to do your research and consider your options. As long as your boy is not acutely pining (i.e. not eating and drinking and facing the wall), he will keep.

 

[Gwithers]

Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your loss!

Rumble-strutting is very normal boar behaviour. Boars are in my own experience either 'rumble-singers' or 'mountaineers' with the rumble-singers generally not too highly sexed and more on the submissive side. Give me a rumble-singer any day!

Boars also establish a peaceful hierarchy amongst themselves through the bars by rumble-strutting with mutual mounting coming close behind. He who has be most sonorous rumble wins.
Not bad social behaviour at all...
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?


As to where to go with him, you have basically two major options:
If you are looking for another boar companion, I would recommend to look for a rather submissive sub-teenage companion for a teenage boar rather than another teenager because it is the most difficult of ages for bonding a boar. Rescue dating at a good welfare standard rescue that offers this service will ensure that your boy has a say in who he wants to get on with and you come home with a new friend only if acceptance has happened.
Rescue Locator
Journey through a Lifetime: The Ages of Guinea Pigs

The other option would be neutering; this means a 6 weeks post-op safety wait because only the testicles but not the semen in the tubes are removed but while it is more expensive and takes longer, a cross gender bonding is the most stable of guinea pig companionships with fall-outs very rare.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

Please take your time to do your research and consider your options. As long as your boy is not acutely pining (i.e. not eating and drinking and facing the wall), he will keep.

thats what I assumed. The rumblestrutting was very excessive for a pig whose companion was the most submissive creature on the planet! He would walk to a completely open space away from the other pig while rumbling or uses water bottle at other end of the cage and rumble etc-Silly boy.

would rather get another boar from rescue, as I know unneutered boys are harder to home, and have a lot of boar experience. Though, if a good match can’t be found will look into neutering.

I have a nearby rescue that I will look to go to but will leave it briefly if younger boy continues to be fine, as I have a weak immune system and am currently arguing with my dr about vaccine eligibility (would rather have at least one jab under my belt). If he pines, I’m sure somebody I’m close to could be convinced to ferry pigs to and fro ASAP (Fortunately I have Animal loving pals)

thank you!

 

[Wiebke]

thats what I assumed. The rumblestrutting was very excessive for a pig whose companion was the most submissive creature on the planet! He would walk to a completely open space away from the other pig while rumbling or uses water bottle at other end of the cage and rumble etc-Silly boy.

would rather get another boar from rescue, as I know unneutered boys are harder to home, and have a lot of boar experience. Though, if a good match can’t be found will look into neutering.

I have a nearby rescue that I will look to go to but will leave it briefly if younger boy continues to be fine, as I have a weak immune system and am currently arguing with my dr about vaccine eligibility (would rather have at least one jab under my belt). If he pines, I’m sure somebody I’m close to could be convinced to ferry pigs to and fro ASAP (Fortunately I have Animal loving pals)

thank you!

Some of my husboars have times when just everything they have to say apart from a food wheek comes out as a rumble; especially in teenagers or young adults. It generally means that they are totally content with their life, their relationship and are feeling great in their boarliness. Personally, I find it endearing watching a boy being a very happy boy.

Please be aware that anybody in this country can call themselves a rescue without licensing or control, so the welfare level and practice can vary enormously. The recommended rescues in our list have all been carefully vetted.

 

[Rivervixen]

I’m so sorry for your loss, just wanted to add that my little submissive boar ozzy will rumble at anything and everything. He just loves to rumble some piggies just love to do it x