Yawning, teeth chattering, hmmmm

[Jemima]

Hello!

I just fed the piggies a treat out in their run . They are so sweet, they come to the call of 'veggies, veggies'!

Anyway, that is beside the point that I wanted to discuss here. Which is, as I was walking away, I heard a little squeak and I turned back to see Papua (dominant pig) chasing Pip through the run. Pip jumped onto the top of a hide - he is often on top of hides. I do feel it is his escape route, as well as his waiting for food space.

Papua came towards him looking up at him on there, and put his front paws up onto the hide - almost nose to nose, while Pip stayed still. Then when he lowered down and walked away, Pip did two yawns in succession. He was also chattering his teeth, but they do also do this when I am around, and I have learned to realise it is a 'give me some food I am getting impatient waiting' signal.

You may remember a while ago I found what we thought was a bite mark on Pip's rear. I have not found any bite marks since, and never seen any sign of aggression, only very occasional chasing.

They both eat near each other. And are otherwise healthy.

I have, from the very beginning of adopting these boars, been really confused by their partnership. I have had them for four months.

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

Dominance behaviour in boars is perfectly normal. The occasional chase or display of dominance is usually not something to worry about.
The only time to worry is if the chasing becomes persistent, if there is lunging, constant chattering or biting. The fact that they eat together is a great sign.
Weigh them regularly to make sure they are both getting enough hay in there and that one is pushing another from the food source.
All of my boys have different relationships. Two of them enjoy being around each other, whereas most of my boar pairs just tolerate each other and there is a clear leader.

This guide should help: Bonds In Trouble

But your boys sound fine to me

 

[Jemima]

Dominance behaviour in boars is perfectly normal. The occasional chase or display of dominance is usually not something to worry about.
The only time to worry is if the chasing becomes persistent, if there is lunging, constant chattering or biting. The fact that they eat together is a great sign.
Weigh them regularly to make sure they are both getting enough hay in there and that one is pushing another from the food source.
All of my boys have different relationships. Two of them enjoy being around each other, whereas most of my boar pairs just tolerate each other and there is a clear leader.

This guide should help: Bonds In Trouble

But your boys sound fine to me

Ah phew! Yes, I only ever see very occasional dominant behaviour. It may have stemmed from me feeding Pip a juicy bit of parsley first, and not Pap!

Otherwise, as you said, I think they tolerate each other. They share the space pretty well, know who's favourite places are who's, etc.

Thanks for your reassurance.