Advice on introducing new pig

[internet curtains]

Have only ever owned one pair of guinea pigs, two brothers Ant and Dec, bought when quite young, and sadly we recently lost Dec.

We feel Ant could do with a new pal. He seems to be quiter than usual and is not eating as well as before.

When we bought the pigs we were advised to buy a sibling pair as we were told non-siblings would fight.

Should we seek another pig to share a home with Ant? If so what would people advise? Should we get a neutered female, a non-neutered female and get Ant neutered? Another male? other options?

Please advise.

 

[mojules]

Hi there sorry to hear you lost DEc

My sister-in-law has just recently lost one of her guinea pigs and we have paured him with a 4 week old boar who he absolutely adores and is showing him the ropes - lifting him up so he can reach the water bottle, nudging him into the food dish so he can eat and the baby boar repays him by licking his chin when the older one has eaten his veggies

WE introduced them on the sofa somewhere where was neutral ground - the older one Starskey was a bit wary to start with but as soon as we took baby boar (Whiskey) away he was looking for him

How old is Ant?Try the local rescues to you to find a matching for Ant - hope all goes well

 

[internet curtains]

Hi Mojules

Thanks for your response. Sounds a bit more hopeful for Ant, we won't give up on finding a new friend for him just yet then.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Cheers

 

[mojules]

Hi Mojules

Thanks for your response. Sounds a bit more hopeful for Ant, we won't give up on finding a new friend for him just yet then.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Cheers

You're welcome I am sure you will find a mate for Ant and they will get on grand - how long is it since you lost Dec

Keep us posted how you get on

 

[flips]

Sorry for your loss. Goodnight little Dec. :rose

Neutered females are very hard to come by as it is a risky and invasive operation for sows so not routinely carried out.
How old is Ant? Neutering is more risky when boars reach a certain age but there is risk with any surgery so you may decide not to go down this route. If you do, then look for a good cavy savvy vet who is experienced with this type of op. Male/ female pairings are generally very stable relationships but even then I would suggest Ant chooses his own mate at rescue.
I think there is every chance that Ant could find a male friend. It is a good idea to take him to a rescue to choose a friend and for help with bonding. Bonding with an older boar or a baby could be successful if the personalities are right.

Here is a list of rescues.
http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk/

And some advice on introducing pigs
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562