I'm at my wit's end with two fighting boars!

[sophie_123]

I have recently (one month ago) got two boars. They both have lovely personalities separately but do not get on together. It seems they only have to see each other to start shaking their bottoms in the air, chattering their teeth, hissing and standing on their tip-toes. Two days ago, they have started being physical and twice I have seen spots of blood in the cage. They are in a fairly large cage with separate hidey-holes. They get exercise in an indoor run every day and I give each one at least 20 minutes lap-time a day.

I need advice as I'm not sure what to do. Their relationship is deteriorating if anything.

[Guineapigluver2]

If you found blood in the cage they need to be separated so that they dont hurt each other any more. Also how did you introduce them?

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Have you read http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm#Introductions and Guinea Lynx :: Topic - Boars Living Together ?

If they have mites, it can make them irritable as well Guinea Lynx :: Mange Mites Pet store pigs usually have them.

[Haley0489]

If they have a fairly large cage, perhaps you can take a few extra grid and divide it in half. That way they can't tangle up, but they'd still have the "company" of a fellow pig if they desired it. Maybe then they'd stop being so fickle with each other as well.

[Ziggy&Herald]

I would probably sperate them as well with a divider if possible. Then I would give them a good once over to make sure they don't have the lice everyone else has suggested. Then maybe a little while down the road, you can try to re-introduce them again.

[sophie_123]

Thanks for all the replies.

I've checked them really carefully for any skin problems/lice/mites and there is no sign of anything untoward. They love being handled - no squirming - just lots of 'chortling'/happy noises.

Today, things appear to be improving. They have been close to eachother and even though they are chattering their teeth they're not 'going' for eachother as before. I've decided to leave them as they are for now but will keep a really close eye (and ear!) out for World War 3.

[pigsforlife]

How big is their cage? How old are they?Mites are microscopic, so you can not see them. But common symptoms include scratching (more than normal), hairloss, scurfing (looks like dandruff) etc.

[sophie_123]

They are about four months old and haven't got any hairloss or anything that looks like dandruff. They scratch occassionally in their cage but not excessively - also, they're not sensitive when being handled. They seem to be keeping the peace today so I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Again, how big is their cage? You still haven't answered. Fairly large means different things. If you have a pet store cage or a C&C smaller than a 2 by 4C&C, that may be your problem.

If they are 4 months old, you have two adolescents together, which increases possible tension.