Can I Introduce Another Boar?

[Ash.Rob]

Hi all,
Last year I bought 2 guinea pigs from Pets At Home - Peruvian of some sort I think. I got told they were male and named them Logan and Neymar and I assume that they were brothers as they were pretty much identical and they were in the same den in the store. A few months later, Neymar died. Logan was always the biggest out of the two but there was a significant weight difference between them at the time of Neymar's death. I assumed that Logan had been eating more food than Neymar and this was why he died unexpectedly (although I always saw him eating and he did not seem unhealthy in any way). I did not get another guinea pig to avoid this possibly happening again if it was the case and so Logan has been a lone guinea pig since last year. Although Logan seems happy having the total run of his cage, sometimes I feel like he gets lonely and may benefit from another piggie being around, so I've been thinking about maybe trying to introduce another boar to his cage as I have been having my doubts that Logan was the cause of Neymar's death. What are your thoughts and feelings on the matter? Is it too risky?

 

[helen105281]

I don't think Logan had anything to do with it, it is likely he had sudden heart failure or came down with something like Pneumonia.

I would take Logan dating at a rescue so he can choose his own friend. Please could you confirm your location?

 

[Ash.Rob]

County Durham, UK

 

[helen105281]

I think your nearest rescue will be North East Guinea Pig Rescue but have a look on here

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/

 

[Ash.Rob]

If I wasn't able to visit the rescue centre above, my next option would be to either neuter Logan and get him a girlfriend or introduce a young boar - either would probably be bought from Pets At Home. This would be the easiest option for me as I live near one and I find that the animals from there are generally healthy.
How much would it cost to neuter Logan? And are these options viable?

 

[helen105281]

You would need to make sure you use a vet that is experienced in doing the op (check our recommended vets locator), but there are always risks with any op. I would take him to a rescue if you can first of all and go from there.

Unfortunately Pets at Home regularly sell sick animals. There are pigs on here at the moment that have come from Pets at Home and have ringworm and respiratory infections.

I have no idea on price for neutering but others hopefully will know.

 

[Ash.Rob]

Thanks for all your help

 

[helen105281]

Just seen your post on your other thread. How far away from you is North East Guinea Pig rescue? It is not as simple as choosing a random pig and bunging them in with Logan and hoping they get on, especially as Logan is likely to have hit the hormones. Dating really is the safest option and you will be guaranteed a healthy pig and have rescue back up.