No you’re unlikely to be doing anything wrong. The fact is, that sometimes piggies simply do not get on. How old are they? How long have they been together?
Between 4 and 14 months of age is the teenage times, hormones rise and tensions between incompatible pigs rise with them. (Compatible piggies will come through it without any major arguments).
If they have had a blood drawing fight (you say he attacked), then it is highly unlikely that they will be able to continue living together. It also sounds as if there is bullying occurring. I would suggest separating them. You can separate for a few days, give everybody time to cool down and then try a reintroduction on neutral territory and see what happens. It would become obvious within a few minutes of reintroduction if things are going to immediately fail. If they have had a full on blood drawing fight, then I would not attempt a reintroduction and would just keep them living separately going forward. It’s a shame, but you can’t make them like each other.
I assume when you say 55x55, you mean 55 inches? (140cm x 140cm). Do they have constant access to this playpen? What size is their hutch? Any area that they get locked into has to meet the minimum suitable size (for two boars the recommended cage size is 150cm x 60cm as a minimum (or a size which has the equivalent amount of floor space). You also have to ensure no enclosed hideys are used (two exits only), and there are two or three of every other item (Food bowls, bottles etc). You also need to respect the hierarchy of boars - ie always handling the dominant piggy first. With all that said, mutual liking comes first, so even with these measures, if they don’t like each other, then nothing you provide for them is going to make much difference.
If you don’t want to get more piggies, then they can live next door to each other separated by bars. That way, they won’t be able to fight but will still be able to interact and have company. Your alternative would be to have them both neutered, have their six week wait and then find them a compatible female friend each. Do be aware that character compatibility and mutual liking is the key to a successful bond. When ever you ‘buy’ a piggy as a friend , you are running the risk that the newcomer will not be accepted by your existing piggy. Dating at a rescue centre is the preferred method of finding a new friend for any piggy - your piggy is tried with other ones until a suitable companion is found of your piggy’s choosing. This is the best way to ensure that they will get on for the long term
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Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
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