A nasty fight resulted in separation :(

[Lucy_xo]

Mango and Kiwi have had a nasty fight where by blood was drawn quite badly from Mango

We have separated them, but cutting a long story short ... we're going to have to give Kiwi back to the place we got him. (really long story)

So, once Mango's wound is healed which is healing quite nicely I am going to get him neutered.
I was thinking, should I get him a female friend? Do boars once neutered get along ok with sows?
Obviously I would have to introduce gradually but should this be an option?
Or... Has Mango really suffered to badly? I'm just worried in case he won't accept a new companion?

 

[twiams]

Can i ask why you’ve decided on neutering ? it’s a high risk and expensive operation.
Plus the pig would have to wait 6 weeks before going in with a female after the operation so he’d be alone for quite a while, it’s not as simple as it is for cats and dogs.

I’d try with another male first if possible. It’s very rare for any guinea pig to not get on with another piggy, it may take a few attempts at match making but neutering should a last last LAST resort in my opinion.

 

[Lucy_xo]

Ahh thank you for the info twiams.

I just thought that boars and sows got along better. No other reason.
I will try with another boar.

 

[twiams]

Boars and sows do get along better generally if you have the right sort of sow, but it’s just risky putting an animal as small as a guinea pig under any sort of anaesthetic especially when you haven’t tried other possibilities first

Good luck, if you need any help i’m sure some people on here can recommend a good local rescue

Some people say older pigs accept younger babies (6 weeks and under) better than other adult pigs but this can cause complications when the younger pig reaches his hormonal teenage stage.

These links may help.

http://www.thepotteriesguineapigrescue.co.uk/ourservices.html

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...FAQ-Introducing-and-reintroducing-guinea-pigs

 

[dylansmummy]

oh I'm sorry they fought, boars can be so naughty and cause us piggy slaves lots of headaches i dont think fights upset them as much as it does us my boys had a big fight one bit ones ear off and in return the other nearly had his eye bitten out mallethead they live side by side now but foxy still rumble struts pass choco even though he lost the previous fight he thinks he is the bees knees lol i do recommend boar dating i no there isnt many in your area but it is worth travelling i have been successfully boar dating a few times and its so worth it to see your piggie happy and curled * with his new friend. x

 

[Lucy_xo]

Thank you for all your support! Much appreciated ! x

 

[Wiebke]

Neutering is indeed an option and cross gender bonds are the most stable and often very loving, provided initial acceptance has happened.

Boars can be neutered from a bout 4-6 months old, once the testicles have descended; when is the decision of the vet who conducts the pre-op check. However, a lot depends on the quality and experience of the neutering vet and his operating team; has he got a good track record in piggy neutering and piggy operations? Otherwise, post op complications are sadly still more common than they should be, and at the very worst they can be fatal.
You are also facing a full 6 week post op wait until a boar is 100% safe to go with a sow (one of my piggies is the surprise present from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks neutered boar; not one of mine - but it really happens!)

Personally, I am a big fan of neutered boar/sow bonds (I have three groups of "husboars" living with a harem), but I must admit that I nearly lost the only boar that I had neutered through a local rescue at a vets of their choice. It is not a decision that is lightly made and that needs some thorough research. Sadly, spayed sows are very rare since that is a much more invasive, risky and expensive operation than a castration.

Getting any companions of any gender from a place - ideally a good rescue - that allows you to bring your own piggy to make the ultimate choice will contribute massively to the success; character compatibility is crucial for any happy bond. While piggies are group animals that prefer company, they can also be very picky about who they want to get on with!

I would allow Mango to heal up and settle down first while you are researching your options.