Bonding two male guinea pigs

[Abbiecutler1]

Hi, so I have had my male guinea pig for almost a year now and I've learnt a lot since I got him. I know that I should get him a friend as I do feel like he seems lonely I would of course make sure I give them the recommended space (if not more), two houses, two bowls and two bottles etc. However I am worried about getting another male guinea pig because of the chance of bonding not going well as I would not be able to care for two separate guinea pigs as it will give me the same issue. My Guinea pig has a tendency to bite me and others every now and again (this could be due to him being lonely although I do spend so much time with him) so I just wanted some advice on the best way to go about this without creating an even bigger issue, I know this is long but thankyou

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, so I have had my male guinea pig for almost a year now and I've learnt a lot since I got him. I know that I should get him a friend as I do feel like he seems lonely I would of course make sure I give them the recommended space (if not more), two houses, two bowls and two bottles etc. However I am worried about getting another male guinea pig because of the chance of bonding not going well as I would not be able to care for two separate guinea pigs as it will give me the same issue. My Guinea pig has a tendency to bite me and others every now and again (this could be due to him being lonely although I do spend so much time with him) so I just wanted some advice on the best way to go about this without creating an even bigger issue, I know this is long but thankyou

Hi and welcome!

Unfortunately rescue dating, the by far safest way of finding a character compatible new companion with the least risk of ending up with two boars that don't get on (plus avoiding all the other health and mis-sexing pitfalls that await the unwary by adopting from a good welfare standard rescue) is currently not possible. However, if you are not tied for time, it is worth enquiring about and going on a waiting list.

Here is some more information on how to best go about finding a companion with further links to recommended vetted rescues in several countries:
- Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes the specific challenges you face with guinea pigs that haven't had piggy company during the formative pre-teenage weeks as well as how to best go about finding company)
- A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
A comprehensive guide that looks at all aspects of keeping boars and how to work around some of the tricky areas.
- Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (Contains lots of illustrated interactive key behaviours as well as specific information on boar-boar bonding)
- Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care (All about neutering if you want to consider your boy living with a sow in the long term. Please note that neutering/de-sexing is considered an elective procedure and is therefore not performed in lockdown conditions).
- Rescue Locator (rescue link to non-UK rescues at the bottom)

We may be able to help you better if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to location in your account details (access via clicking on your username on the top bar), so we can tailor any advice and specific recommendations to what is relevant and available for you where you are straight away with just a quick glance to the left. It will save both sides time and effort since we have members and enquiries from all over the world and from very different backgrounds, climates, vet and rescues access as well as widely differing medical and other brand names. Thank you!

 

[Piggies&buns]

The risk of bonding not going well is there if you go about it the wrong way ie if you go out and just buy a piggy then you do run the risk of failure.
If you go boar dating with him at a rescue centre, then the risk will be minimised as they will ensure the bond works.
You could of course have him neutered, have his six week wait and then bond him with a female (again using a rescue centre’s assistance)
Of course, as wiebke has said, with the current restrictions, bonding at this time is not possible but you can talk to the centre and prepare for a bonding when the restrictions we are under are lifted

 

[Abbiecutler1]

Hi and welcome!

Unfortunately rescue dating, the by far safest way of finding a character compatible new companion with the least risk of ending up with two boars that don't get on (plus avoiding all the other health and mis-sexing pitfalls that await the unwary by adopting from a good welfare standard rescue) is currently not possible. However, if you are not tied for time, it is worth enquiring about and going on a waiting list.

Here is some more information on how to best go about finding a companion with further links to recommended vetted rescues in several countries:
- Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes the specific challenges you face with guinea pigs that haven't had piggy company during the formative pre-teenage weeks as well as how to best go about finding company)
- A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
A comprehensive guide that looks at all aspects of keeping boars and how to work around some of the tricky areas.
- Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (Contains lots of illustrated interactive key behaviours as well as specific information on boar-boar bonding)
- Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care (All about neutering if you want to consider your boy living with a sow in the long term. Please note that neutering/de-sexing is considered an elective procedure and is therefore not performed in lockdown conditions).
- Rescue Locator (rescue link to non-UK rescues at the bottom)

We may be able to help you better if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to location in your account details (access via clicking on your username on the top bar), so we can tailor any advice and specific recommendations to what is relevant and available for you where you are straight away with just a quick glance to the left. It will save both sides time and effort since we have members and enquiries from all over the world and from very different backgrounds, climates, vet and rescues access as well as widely differing medical and other brand names. Thank you!

Thankyou and as far as I am aware there are no rescues in my area. However I have added my location to my profile

 

[Wiebke]

Thankyou and as far as I am aware there are no rescues in my area. However I have added my location to my profile

Your closest (but very good place that offers boar dating and where you are in some of the most experienced hands in the country) is Cavy Corner in Doncaster. It is well worth going that bit further afield for total peace of mind at any stage.
Pregnancy, Mother & Baby Care Guides

It is about the same distance that I travel for piggy dating (I have travelled even much further to for specific adoptions) and to see a specialist vet for operations etc.
Travelling with guinea pigs