Serious ear biting

[Theo]

Hi everyone,
I haven't been on here for ages, and Infact I was planning on posting a post this weekend about how successful Oscars and Rubix's bonding has went. Up until today they have been no problems, there has been a little bit of rumbling but I no this is common.
After their tea tonight I came down to check on them and I noticed Oscar was very quiet, so I got him out for a hug and gave him some lettuce. But it was a few minutes until he began eating it. This has never happened with Oscar before, if any of you read by intro post about him you may remember me saying how he would sell his soul for the stuff. Just when I was about to put him back in I noticed a big sort of cut on his ear. I shouted for mum and we took him upstairs to clean it. But when we cleaned it we soon realised that the cut is a hole. It is huge, right in the middle of his ear, I've never seen something like it before.
Oscars on my lap at the moment and we are planning on seperating them tonight and well I don't want them going back in with each other. This leads the problem about Rubix. He is only 20 weeks old and I'm not sure if he'll be able to be rebonded.
I adore Rubix but Oscar has to come first. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I just want the best for my boys.
Thanks

 

[MerryPip]

I think in this case separating them is reasonable. It sounds like a nasty bite and there's a fair chance it will happen again if you return them to each other. I bet Oscar is feeling pretty sorry for himself and will be glad of the peace and quiet. Please see a vet about the bite as it sounds like he is in pain (not eating much is a good indication) and he may need preventative antibiotics in case of infection.

Both boys should be able to be rebounded, either to stay with you or to go on to another home. I had a similar problem last year when Arran and Suilven fought. Suilven was my original pig and Arran the new buddy so my priority was keeping him safe. In the end they had to be separated and I had to find Arran another home as I couldn't keep a third pair of pigs.

It may be that rehoming Rubix through a rescue so he can be bonded by someone with experience (especially of hormonal teenage pigs like him!) and find a good home with a friend and also the rescue will be able to help you find Oscar a friend he gets on well with.

I know rescues in Shropshire (good ones...) are in short supply, where in Shropshire are you? Then we may be able to give some more targeted advice but for now, I would separate and get that ear checked out. Sorry to hear they've not been as good together as you hoped It feels awful doesn't it?

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry that things have blown up. Boar bonding can take up to two weeks before you can be sure that it works.

Boars of all ages can be rebonded at a good rescue under expert supervision. |It is worth the extra distance, as it minimises the risks of a fall out while maximising your chances of a stable bond. The closest good rescues that I can recommend are The Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent for the North of Shropshire or otherwise Windhwistle Warren near Cheltenham, if you are in South Shropshire.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0

Alternatively, you could consider neutering, but that requires access to an experienced vet with a good track record in piggy neutering. Sadly, the risk of post op complications is otherwise still far too common and can cost you a multiple of the original operation. There is a very good piggy savvy vet in Telford. That way, you can bond each boy with a girl after a 6 weeks wait. Cross gender bondings (once initial acceptance has happened) are the most stable of all bondings.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=204458758673513849635.0004e111354a528da0dbb&msa=0

Take your time to think your options through carefully and don't rush into anything.

 

[Theo]

Hi everyone, thanks for the reply.
Oscars ear is healing well, the swelling has went down quite a bit and he's all happy again. The boys have been separated, although Rubix has been a bit down, he's still a baby and doesn't understand what's going on. Tonight I bought them both upstairs for hugs and well, after a little bit of rumbling they both fell asleep beside each other.
I don't want them to move back in with each other, but we are going to move their cages so they can see each other, and we are also going to get a indoor play pen for supervised play time. Thankfully things are looking up but any other advice would be greatly appreciated.