Sudden Aggression From Top Pig

[Zelsi]

Hi All

So I have two boars Monty (3 years) and Simba (1.5 years) which I bonded around Christmas time.

They have been very good since then - next to no dominance behaviours whatsoever and have lived peacefully together.

Yesterday evening around 8pm Monty was suddenly being aggressive (just like he was during their first introduction) so chasing, mounting, chattering, rumble strutting, nose offs etc.

I kept an eye on them and as Simba didn't seem hurt and was still eating happily I went to bed.

Today Monty is still acting up and I feel rather sorry for little Simba (although he still seems okay, no blood drawn, eating fine, perky etc.)

They have a 2x4 C&C cage with water bottles and pellets either end. They have unlimited hay as well. I have removed ALL hidies because Monty was mounting Simba INSIDE the 2 way hidies so they were just causing more problems. There is a towel draped over the centre of the cage instead so they can have some hiding space.

Any idea when this will calm down or how long this will go on for? I read this thread Bonds In Trouble and am just a bit worried about what else I can do!

Thank you
Mel

 

[Betsy]

@Wiebke is the bonding expert. I've no experience of this.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi All

So I have two boars Monty (3 years) and Simba (1.5 years) which I bonded around Christmas time.

They have been very good since then - next to no dominance behaviours whatsoever and have lived peacefully together.

Yesterday evening around 8pm Monty was suddenly being aggressive (just like he was during their first introduction) so chasing, mounting, chattering, rumble strutting, nose offs etc.

I kept an eye on them and as Simba didn't seem hurt and was still eating happily I went to bed.

Today Monty is still acting up and I feel rather sorry for little Simba (although he still seems okay, no blood drawn, eating fine, perky etc.)

Thank you
Mel

Hi!

Please split the boys for a day with a temporary divider or two to see whether a sudden short-lived hormone spike will die down again; this can occasionally affect boars, including neutered ones. Re-introduce on neutral ground. If the bond is still viable, they should go back together without much fuss.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Occasionally it can happen with either gender or siblings that one of them decides that they do no longer want their companion to be part of their group. In that case there is nothing you can you do. It is thankfully fairly rare, but not unknown.

 

[Zelsi]

Hi!

Please split the boys for a day with a temporary divider or two to see whether a sudden short-lived hormone spike will die down again; this can occasionally affect boars, including neutered ones. Re-introduce on neutral ground. If the bond is still viable, they should go back together without much fuss.
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Occasionally it can happen with either gender or siblings that one of them decides that they do no longer want their companion to be part of their group. In that case there is nothing you can you do. It is thankfully fairly rare, but not unknown.

Hi Wiebke

I'm cautious to separate them at this point.

I have been checking on them today and right now Monty seems calmer, Simba still seems to be himself.

The behaviour isn't constant. Monty will walk away and go do other things when he's "had enough", and will give Simba a fair amount of breaks. At the moment he's asleep and Simba is eating hay.

If it is a short homone-spike is waiting it out a bad option? Considering it's been 24 hours so far and if anything things are slowly improving.

I really appreciate your help!
Mel

 

[Wiebke]

Hi Wiebke

I'm cautious to separate them at this point.

I have been checking on them today and right now Monty seems calmer, Simba still seems to be himself.

The behaviour isn't constant. Monty will walk away and go do other things when he's "had enough", and will give Simba a fair amount of breaks. At the moment he's asleep and Simba is eating hay.

If it is a short homone-spike is waiting it out a bad option? Considering it's been 24 hours so far and if anything things are slowly improving.

I really appreciate your help!
Mel

Waiting it out is an option as long as things are not constantly at the limit and not in any danger or crossing the limit. You as the owner know whether that is the case or not; my advice has to always err on the side of caution as I have to take any inexperience and possible other factors I have not been made aware of into account.