A New Companian Or Not?

[custardstripe]

One of my boys, about 3 years old, is now living on his own after the death of his brother. I don't really want to keep guineapigs for another 5-8 years so not keen on getting a baby boar. I am wondering whether to keep him on his own. Of the two he was the most nervous and although not losing weight avoids being picked up and won't let me clip his nails either. I have looked at getting a new boar of a similar age but can't find anyone locally that does boar bonding. I have alos considered having him castrated so that I can find him a female companion of his own age. Any advice?

 

[Wiebke]

One of my boys, about 3 years old, is now living on his own after the death of his brother. I don't really want to keep guineapigs for another 5-8 years so not keen on getting a baby boar. I am wondering whether to keep him on his own. Of the two he was the most nervous and although not losing weight avoids being picked up and won't let me clip his nails either. I have looked at getting a new boar of a similar age but can't find anyone locally that does boar bonding. I have alos considered having him castrated so that I can find him a female companion of his own age. Any advice?

It is always a dilemma, but your boy is only about halfway through his lifetime, so finding him a new friend would be great.

I hope that more local members may be able to give you recommendations for neutering vets if you want to go down that route; this operation really stands and falls with the quality/guinea pig neutering experience of the operating vet, as the risk of post-op complications can otherwise be still pretty high.
If you are able to travel up the M1, one of the best neutering vets in the country with as perfect a record as possible when it comes to successful, problem-free neutering is Simon Maddock at the Cat&Rabbit Care Clinic in Northampton. It is well worth travelling further for a smooth and complication-free recovery!
Guinea Pig Vet Locator
You will need to factor in a full 6 weeks post-op wait until your boy is 100% safe. My Tegan is the unplanned daughter of a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post op boar (not one of mine), just to make that particular point - it can really happen as late as that!

In that respect, neutering may be a better option for you, having struggled to find a suitable boarmate. More rescues will date cross gender pairings. However, I would recommend to do your research - it really hinges all on the vet you are using.

 

[custardstripe]

Thank you. My closest vet on your locator would be the Tilehurst Practice. I'll give them a call in the morning for advice.

 

[Wiebke]

You may want to have a look at this link here: Tips For Post-operative Care

You are always welcome to enquire at what procedures etc. a clinic uses for GA and neutering beforehand.

 

[custardstripe]

You may want to have a look at this link here: Tips For Post-operative Care

You are always welcome to enquire at what procedures etc. a clinic uses for GA and neutering beforehand.

 

[custardstripe]

Well in the end I found a rescue boar (10months old) that my boy got on with straight away. No problems at all so fantastic that my boy hasn't had to have an operation. He is much happier and we are hearing lots of lovely GP noises again.

 

[Wiebke]

Well in the end I found a rescue boar (10months old) that my boy got on with straight away. No problems at all so fantastic that my boy hasn't had to have an operation. He is much happier and we are hearing lots of lovely GP noises again.

Thanks for the update! That is great news!

 

[lauraboara]

That is really good news - and you have given another boar a great home and companionship too! You just have to find the right pairing - one of my boars took 12 dates (yes 12) to find the right boar to live with but he is completely settled with his choice now.
Think we need pics of your 2 boys btw

 

[custardstripe]

my new boy is still very shy but when he settles I take a picture and post

 

[MomoMura]

So happy you have a boar! I honestly feel such a heavy operation should be saved under the most pressing circumstances :/

It always makes me so sad when I hear owners making their piggies live the single life. It's the worst thing you can do to a piggy imo. Anyways, glad this story had a happy ending!

 

[Dianet]

Hi, don't mean to hijack your thread, but I've got a similar situation except I've got two bonded females (3 yrs) and I've now acquired a 4 year old intact male. He currently lives next to the girls cage but I'm worried this is cruel by tormenting him. I don't really want to get him castrated but If I get a male companion for him will they fight over the girls.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Hi, don't mean to hijack your thread, but I've got a similar situation except I've got two bonded females (3 yrs) and I've now acquired a 4 year old intact male. He currently lives next to the girls cage but I'm worried this is cruel by tormenting him. I don't really want to get him castrated but If I get a male companion for him will they fight over the girls.

you can stack the cages to avoid him smelling the girls i believe, but if forget if the girls must be on the top or the bottom stacked cage, your boy will go crazy smelling the girls hormones and try to escape everytime the urge to mate arises! If you can move his cage to a different room and find him a male or spayed female as a companion he would be very happy! For now i would recommend moving his cage and when handling the pigs always deal with him first so you aren't carrying the female scent to his cage everytime you go to feed/play with him

 

[custardstripe]

you can stack the cages to avoid him smelling the girls i believe, but if forget if the girls must be on the top or the bottom stacked cage, your boy will go crazy smelling the girls hormones and try to escape everytime the urge to mate arises! If you can move his cage to a different room and find him a male or spayed female as a companion he would be very happy! For now i would recommend moving his cage and when handling the pigs always deal with him first so you aren't carrying the female scent to his cage everytime you go to feed/play with him

I'm afraid I can't help - only ever had boars but here are some pictures of Custard and his new friend Puddle.

 

[Dianet]

Ahh Keiko, they are gorgeous. I got my boy Syd from a friend who's son has lost interest and although my friend cared and looked after him he was just on his own in a smallish cage all day. He is such a friendly boy and loves cuddles and fussing but I would love him to have his own friend and I'm just not sure what would be best with having my two girls as well.