Frustrated How/when to move two boars together

[poppycorn]

I am so sorry for what I'm about to do (posting something long and asking multitudes of questions) but I just want some advice from some cavy owners on my situation.

1.) When can my 2 boars can live together?
I was reading about introducing two piggies, and for the most part there was no crisis when introducing my pigs. However, when do I know for sure I can house them together? (if this is a possibility--I'll explain below) My older one just kind of wants to be left alone, but my younger constantly chases him during floor time and tries to mount him. It's only been a few days, so I'm just not sure when I can be sure they're not going to fight.

2.) Best way to set up cage?
Before I explain, I know my cage is too small; I'm doing the best I can in my situation (I moved into my boyfriend's family's house, so the only space to call "mine" is the bedroom and I can't impose by taking up space in a house that already has limited space. I am going to build a bigger cage if I ever move into my own house!!)

Right now my boars are living on two separate levels in a 2x3 cage. If they happen to get along, I've been debating how I want to change their living space. To room two boars together I know they need adequate space--would connecting the two floors create enough space for them, since they can roam to separate levels? Should I try a three level? Just keeping them separate as I don't have the space to keep them from fighting? Is having them on two separate levels enough to keep each other company to provide the healthy companionship boars need?

I appreciate you reading all of this info; I know I wrote a lot and I'm sure some of you are cringing at my cage situation. (But that's why I'm asking so I can get some ideas to work with what I've got!)

 

[piggielover200]

Bump I hope someone can help you

 

[Kristine]

2x3 is the minimum cage size, and boars I'd say maybe even a 2x4. I think as long as the cage gives them room to be away from each other if they wanted, it could work. I'd try a ramp to connect the two levels and see how it goes. I'd use fleece forests instead of igloos and make sure there's no areas that the dominate pig could corner the other one. Goodluck!

 

[foggycreekcavy]

If you can't go larger than a 2x4 on one level, I wouldn't try to have them live together unless there is no fighting whatsoever. It also sounds like you are putting them together and then separating them? This is counterproductive to pairing two guinea pigs. How large is the space you are introducing them in?

 

[poppycorn]

If you can't go larger than a 2x4 on one level, I wouldn't try to have them live together unless there is no fighting whatsoever. It also sounds like you are putting them together and then separating them? This is counterproductive to pairing two guinea pigs. How large is the space you are introducing them in?

Well, they definitely bicker, so it's unlikely until I move/get a larger space for the cage that that'd happen then. I'd been putting them down together for floor time since they're in separate levels most of the time. Is this actually bad for them, then? Should I split the space in half for floor time so they see each other but don't fight? I'm just trying to equal the companionship since I don't have space to accommodate them living together (from what it sounds, anyway)

The floor time space right now is 62"x46" (5'2"x3'10") when they're together.

2x3 is the minimum cage size, and boars I'd say maybe even a 2x4. I think as long as the cage gives them room to be away from each other if they wanted, it could work. I'd try a ramp to connect the two levels and see how it goes. I'd use fleece forests instead of igloos and make sure there's no areas that the dominate pig could corner the other one. Goodluck!

Ooh, I'd forgotten about fleece forests! When I rebuild the cage I may build them in. Thank you!