Advice please on adoption 3 boars aged 17 weeks

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Eilidh01

New Born Pup
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Hi there 👋

I’am new to this but would really appreciate some advice. We are looking into getting 3 guinea pigs for our 3 children. Our children are excited about extending our family and already looking into how to best care for guinea pigs.
We have the opportunity of adopting 3 boars aged 17 weeks from our local pet store. The store want the 3 to stay together as they are brothers.
I have just read that there is a 90% chance that 3 boars are not likely to bond 🙈. Is this the general consensus? I am now torn between the boars or waiting for 3 sows, however I need to think of what’s best for them as well as for us! Please help!
Thank you in advance x
 
Please don’t listen to the pet shop! The chances of them surviving the teenage years still together are (very) slim to none. You have 2 alternatives:

1) get the three boars, separate them into a pair and single - once you’ve watched them a little to see how they interact - and get your single a friend.
2) get the three sows.

Is there a rescue near you, or one within reasonable distance? It would be your best bet if there were. The piggies are vet checked, properly sexed, and it’s made sure that any girls up for adoption aren’t pregnant. If you don’t then just be prepared - check they’ve been correctly sexed, take to a (cavy savvy) vet for a general health check and make sure you have the space they need.

As a heads up, boars need minimum 140cm. I think for three sows it would be minimum 12 sq feet. The loneliest would also need to live near the other two so it can still interact with its own kind. Minimum 120cm but would be best to get a cage that would be big enough for him and a companion.
 
There's a third option, and the most stable grouping - a single, neutered male with two females. As @Siikibam says, the boar trio is unlikely to work, particularly if they are young. If you can get them from a reputable rescue, so much the better, as you can be sure they are properly sexed and healthy. If you do get them from a pet shop be extra careful about them being the correct sex as the forum is literally full of pet shop pregnancies. That said, you will LOVE having guinea pigs, they're the most fabulous animals.
 
Please do not get 3 males. The likelihood of them falling out is very strong. Well done on doing your research first. 3 boars together is a no no. As has already been stated, it's best to have 3 sows.
 
Thank goodness you are doing your research! Saved yourself lots of potential hassle! Is there a rescue near you? That’s a much better option if it’s there, you know they are health checked, the sex you expect, and crucially... not pregnant!
 
Siikibam said:
Please don’t listen to the pet shop! The chances of them surviving the teenage years still together are (very) slim to none. You have 2 alternatives:

1) get the three boars, separate them into a pair and single - once you’ve watched them a little to see how they interact - and get your single a friend.
2) get the three sows.

Is there a rescue near you, or one within reasonable distance? It would be your best bet if there were. The piggies are vet checked, properly sexed, and it’s made sure that any girls up for adoption aren’t pregnant. If you don’t then just be prepared - check they’ve been correctly sexed, take to a (cavy savvy) vet for a general health check and make sure you have the space they need.

As a heads up, boars need minimum 140cm. I think for three sows it would be minimum 12 sq feet. The loneliest would also need to live near the other two so it can still interact with its own kind. Minimum 120cm but would be best to get a cage that would be big enough for him and a companion.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much. I am now going to look into finding out where the nearest rescue centre is in the hope of finding 3 sows.
 
Reenie said:
There's a third option, and the most stable grouping - a single, neutered male with two females. As @Siikibam says, the boar trio is unlikely to work, particularly if they are young. If you can get them from a reputable rescue, so much the better, as you can be sure they are properly sexed and healthy. If you do get them from a pet shop be extra careful about them being the correct sex as the forum is literally full of pet shop pregnancies. That said, you will LOVE having guinea pigs, they're the most fabulous animals.
Click to expand...
Thank you Rennie for your advice that grouping is good to know too. I am going to look into where the nearest rescue centre is too. As we live in the north of Scotland I am guessing it will be hundreds of miles away but would rather get in touch with them after your good advice.
 
Betsy said:
Please do not get 3 males. The likelihood of them falling out is very strong. Well done on doing your research first. 3 boars together is a no no. As has already been stated, it's best to have 3 sows.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I am so glad I joined this forum first all this advice is so helpful!
 
Tigermoth said:
Thank goodness you are doing your research! Saved yourself lots of potential hassle! Is there a rescue near you? That’s a much better option if it’s there, you know they are health checked, the sex you expect, and crucially... not pregnant!
Click to expand...
Thank you! I’m so glad I have joined this forum before we get our piggies all advice is much appreciated! The nearest rescue centre is hundreds of miles away but I am going to get in touch with them first.
 
Have you looked at our Rescue Locator?
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

You will be guaranteed properly sexed, non-pregnant and already bonded piggies.

Please could you add your location to your profile? This will come up with every post you make and will mean it is easier to tailor advice to your geographical location.
 
Betsy said:
Welcome to our friendly forum!
Click to expand...
Thank you Betsy!
Betsy said:
Have you looked at our Rescue Locator?
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

You will be guaranteed properly sexed, non-pregnant and already bonded piggies.

Please could you add your location to your profile? This will come up with every post you make and will mean it is easier to tailor advice to your geographical location.
Click to expand...
thank you Betsy I will look at that and update the location.
 
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