Introducing 2 boars

Question
 Hi There

I was wondering if you have any advice on introducing two boars.  I had two intact boars of 3yrs 7 mths and one died.  I have now got an approx 1 year old recently neutered boar called Ranger from the RSPCA (called this as he was found wandering in a garden and not much is known about him).

The RSPCA and a few others said but vicks under their chins as this would distract them.(Not sure about this advice but they are the experts) I let them out together (on neutral ground) after Ranger had been in a small cage for an hour and Chips on the outside but straight away there was clacking of teeth but not much else.  So I thought it was fairly good.  They both found an igloo each and all seemd quite good. After 3 hours  I made the mistake of removing the igloo's which left the box and the cage, both boys scampered into the box and big yawns happened and suddenly they were flying across the room together, no blood was drawn as I made a big noise and they scuttled of into different directions.  I divided up they main hutch and run and put one in either side over night.  They next couple of days I swapped them from side to side so they wouldn't get territorial over one side.




Today I gave them a buddy bath and what a differnce they were all cuddles and they went in the sun room to dry out and they played and chattered and ate and popcorned, I was very relieved.  After about two hours I thought I would return them to the hutch.  I cleaned it all out and removed the divider.  The first 15 mins were fine and then the clacking of teeth as they both like it under the ramp. Next the were charging around. I distracted them again and separated them as they sounded very fierce and I didn't want them to come to any harm.

My question is what do I do now.  Do I need to start from scratch with the bath etc, or shall I see what they are like tomorrow in the sun room together.  Then should I remove all igloos in the hutch and run so there isn't anything to fight over until they get used to that then add an igloo each but keep the ramp away? I have only had Ranger since Sunday so I know it is very early days, but Chips is so desparate for a friend and it is Ranger who starts the fights.

Any advice gratefully received.  

Answer
Hello Karen,

Unfortunantly, with one being a year and the other being 3 years, they may never get along. Usually when you add a new boar in with an adult boar, you want the new one to be a baby. Once they become adults, it can often be very difficult to get them to accept each other. You could try the bath again but this time when you put them together, have lots of veggies available. Sometimes, if they have the option to eat instead of bicker, they choose to eat and it will help them get accustomed to each other. Usually the less dominant male will start munching as the dominant one postures and struts his stuff a bit but hopefully he too will calm down after a bit and start eating too. They should definantly continue to have their igloos. Having a hidey for the less dominant pig to retreat into can help to stop fights. They should also have 2 of everything. Piggies are often not the best at sharing and having their own things so they don't have to share can help keep them from quarreling as well. To be honest, you really are doing everything right, it just sounds like your boars may not be compatible. You can keep trying though and in time they may decide they like each other, but be prepared for them to have to live as neighbors and not roommates. If they can't get along and you can take on a third piggy and really want Chips to have a roommate, try to get a pup, around 7 weeks is usually a good age. Hopefully Ranger will come around and be Chips' friends. Try the veggies next time. They may make a big difference. Since they are having issues though, don't leave them alone together until you are certain they will get along. Good luck.

-kkat
http://www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs