Bonding Complicated boar reintroduction/bonding situation - any advice?

[Scooterpig]

I have 5 boys - a pair of brothers (approx 3 years old), and a trio of brothers (about 10 months old).

My three younger boars got into a fight 2 months ago. One was injured and had to have surgery to remove an abscess. He was separated from his brothers on the advice of my vet until his treatment was complete. I have a large cage, so partitioned off one part for him with grids, so they were still able to see , sniff and smell each other.

I want to try to reintroduce them. The brother who I think was the aggressor still has times when his tries to dominate the other boar. Realistically, is it likely I'll be able to get them back together? I'm reluctant to take on a sixth boar, but I don't want to end up with on on his own if it can be avoided.

Ideally, I'd like to have all five living in one huge space. Is this even possible? Has anyone successfully introduced a pair to a trio?

I'm unsure how best to tackle this. Should I reintroduce my three younger boys first, try and get them settled together, and then try introducing them to the older and bigger pair? Or should I try introducing the previously injured young boy to my older pair, and if that works, then try adding the other two? Or is there another approach I should try?

Thanks in advance!

 

[bpatters]

Herds of boars seem to work better than trios, but it requires a really large space? How much room would you be able to give them?

If you're going to introduce them, I'd suggest doing it all at one, but at a time when you've got hours to leave them together in a neutral space. Also be sure to read https://guinea-pigs.livejournal.com/3002707.html before you begin.

There'll always be squabbles with boars. You'll have to get used to that. If you're the sort of person who will separate them every time one of them nips the other, then I'd suggest you not do this.

 

[Scooterpig]

If all 5 were together, they'd be in a 32 sq ft cage (4ft x 8ft). Would that be big enough? I'd definitely allow lots of time on a neutral zone first - when I introduced my 4 girls (they were 2 pairs previously), I had them in the neutral area for 9 hours.

I admit I am worried about introductions. I read so many different things, some saying boars can only be in pairs and foursomes and quintets won't ever work. Other articles say they can live successfully as a large herd. It's definitely confusing!

 

[bpatters]

That should be big enough.

People definitely have successfully had herds of boars. Here's one thread: https://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=46468. It gets continued for a couple more sequels.