MoruMum
New Born Pup
Hi,
A brief history:
I've adopted a 3-year-old boar named Squeak, who recently lost his cage mate. Squeak used to be bullied a lot by his previous companion.
Since he became single he's come out of his shell, trusting us and revealing a confident and goofy personality, and we love him to bits. We wanted to ensure he has a happy retirement (he used to be a school guinea pig), so we've recently added a 3-year-old rescue sow to the family.
Squeak has recently been neutered, so Butterscotch have been living separately but with the ability to touch their noses.
Signs are promising, with Butterscotch showing trust and happiness in our presence (she wheeked for an excitement for a cucumber today for the first time). The match between them seems great, no teeth chattering or aggression to each other. I think Squeak is totally besotted to Butterscotch (Butterscotch, I think, secretly fancies Squeak too).
Problem:
There's one concern—Squeak's enthusiasm has led him to bite the C&C cages in an attempt to get closer to Butterscotch. I worry about potential harm to his teeth or jaw due to this behaviour.
Tomorrow marks five weeks post-neutering for Squeak. While I've read recommendations to separate boars and sows for six weeks post-neutering, I've also come across information suggesting a range of 4-6 weeks. Is it too early to introduce them fully after five weeks?
I'd greatly appreciate your advice on whether it's safe to have them together after tomorrow (may be a few days into 5th week) or if waiting the full six weeks is necessary. Your insights would be invaluable!
A brief history:
I've adopted a 3-year-old boar named Squeak, who recently lost his cage mate. Squeak used to be bullied a lot by his previous companion.
Since he became single he's come out of his shell, trusting us and revealing a confident and goofy personality, and we love him to bits. We wanted to ensure he has a happy retirement (he used to be a school guinea pig), so we've recently added a 3-year-old rescue sow to the family.
Squeak has recently been neutered, so Butterscotch have been living separately but with the ability to touch their noses.
Signs are promising, with Butterscotch showing trust and happiness in our presence (she wheeked for an excitement for a cucumber today for the first time). The match between them seems great, no teeth chattering or aggression to each other. I think Squeak is totally besotted to Butterscotch (Butterscotch, I think, secretly fancies Squeak too).
Problem:
There's one concern—Squeak's enthusiasm has led him to bite the C&C cages in an attempt to get closer to Butterscotch. I worry about potential harm to his teeth or jaw due to this behaviour.
Tomorrow marks five weeks post-neutering for Squeak. While I've read recommendations to separate boars and sows for six weeks post-neutering, I've also come across information suggesting a range of 4-6 weeks. Is it too early to introduce them fully after five weeks?
I'd greatly appreciate your advice on whether it's safe to have them together after tomorrow (may be a few days into 5th week) or if waiting the full six weeks is necessary. Your insights would be invaluable!