Can Three Neutered Boars Live Together?

[Saranna]

Hi

So I have three boars (I know ill advised but I adopted them from my sister who didn’t do much research on guinea pigs).
I’ve has them for three years and all has been fine- Jack is the dominant one and the other two were fairly ok with that. But as of last week, Spike and Jack have really been fighting to the point where I was scared for them both and Jack has now self separated himself and is staying up in the top balcony bit of the c&c cage. He just won’t come down, even if coaxed by food because as soon as Spike sees him he makes a run for him. Spike is now the dominant one with Dave (the third boar).
I’m at a loss of what to do. Should I get all three neutered? Would that work? Should I just pemenantly separate Jack from Spike and Dave or Spike from Dave and Jack? I love all three of them and seeing them fight is quite shocking and distressing! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Freela]

Neutering in guinea pigs does not change behavior at all, so there is no point putting anyone through surgery. It won't change the social dynamics at all. Hopefully someone with more boar experience can give you some advice. My first thought is to separate the bullied boar and leave the two that are getting along fine together, with the option to perhaps find a new friend for the bullied boar in the future (either another boar he gets along with, or to neuter him and pair him with a sow.) But that depends on whether you are willing and able to take on another pig. You could also perhaps rearrange your c&c cage so that the sole boar could interact through the bars with his former buddies, but would be separated by a grid so that no one is hurt.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

So I have three boars (I know ill advised but I adopted them from my sister who didn’t do much research on guinea pigs).
I’ve has them for three years and all has been fine- Jack is the dominant one and the other two were fairly ok with that. But as of last week, Spike and Jack have really been fighting to the point where I was scared for them both and Jack has now self separated himself and is staying up in the top balcony bit of the c&c cage. He just won’t come down, even if coaxed by food because as soon as Spike sees him he makes a run for him. Spike is now the dominant one with Dave (the third boar).
I’m at a loss of what to do. Should I get all three neutered? Would that work? Should I just pemenantly separate Jack from Spike and Dave or Spike from Dave and Jack? I love all three of them and seeing them fight is quite shocking and distressing! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi! Neutering guinea pigs unfortunately does not change the personality or dominance behaviour; it only takes away the ability to make babies.

I would strongly recommend to see which two boys get along best and then keep the third alongside with interaction through the bars.

In the longer term, I would recommend you to get in touch with Hazelcroft Guinea Pig Rescue in St Albans; it is your closest good standard rescue. They may be able to help you with finding a personality compatible boy that you can date at the rescue, so you come home with a fourth boar only if there has been success. As Hazelcroft is a small rescue, this may mean a longer wait, but it is well worth it for your peace of mind to have any bonding done at the rescue, and not at your home! If you neutered, a mixed gender pair or trio needs to be away from your boars only pair to avoid any more fights caused by sow pheromones when they come into season.
Hazelcroft should also be able to recommend a vet for neutering if you want to go down that route, so your single boy can meet sows from the rescue after the required 6 weeks post-op wait once he is 100% safe. It is worth discussing with the rescue which is the best solution based on your local options. We can guarantee that you are in very safe and experienced hands with Sarah.
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

 

[sport_billy]

Sorry to hear this. Welcoem to the forum, can't add to the excellent advice received by two knowledgeable members above. But wanted to say Hi!

 

[Saranna]

Thanks for your responses. Have contacted Hazelcroft to see what they say.
I will see if separating the cage helps. I’m just so sad cause they were all getting on perfectly well for the last few years! Silly piggies.