advice on combining pigs

[iamdede]

I am 44 yrs old and bought my first two male pigs in Oct. 2007. I have learned much in that short time about cages, etc. I now have a 2x5 cage, with a 2x5 second level (not reachable from the lower level) with a 2x2 loft and 4 boars. The original two boars (brothers) are in the second level with loft. The second pair are housed in the lower 2x5. The two on the bottom act like they are missing the two on the top. I would like to combine the cages so they all can be in contact with one another, but don't know if it is better to leave things just the way they are. Any suggestions, advice from experienced pig owners would be appreciated.

Iamdede

[aaronmeister]

Unless you plan on expanding those grids into a 2X10 I would stay away from it. You might find some success in a 2X8, but it's risky with 4 boars. That would be a massive cage too.

[clotho]

I know there are members on here who have four or more boars living happily together. I had four together, until the oldest one went blind. The next two oldest ones knew he was at a disadvantage and they attacked him until we took him out. The other three still live together with only a few squabbles here and there (10 months together so far).

If I was in your situation, I would be afraid to put them together. If it didn't work out, you could cause fighting between the ones who used to get along. It's so hard to tell if it will work or not, and once it doesn't, it can be very difficult to calm things down.

Each of your piggies has a friend - and they get along fine - I'm not sure I'd even try upsetting the balance if I were you.

If you do decide to try - I'd make your cage bigger as already suggested. The space on upper levels doesn't count - only the ground floor space - so you'd have to make sure that was big enough for four - as big as possible really since you are trying to get four boars to get along.

Also, if you do try, make sure the cage is cleaned out thoroughally so no one's scent is left anywhere - water bottles, food dishes, hideys - everything needs to be cleaned!

In this situation, if it were me, I would do a buddy bath. I know some people say only as a last resort, but I've found with males it really does work well to do one when you introduce them.

Good luck if you do decide to introduce them!! Please let us know what you decide. If it was me in that situation, I honestly wouldn't do it though.