Considering Saving A Lonely Pig...

Musicmaestro

Musicmaestro

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So, my other half was at our local pet shop today picking up some hay for our pigs (2, 3 year old boars) and he has fallen in love with a young boar in the shop who has been on his own for 2 months. Apparently the other pigs he was with picked on him :-(

Are we crazy in toying with the idea of getting him? Wouldn't usually consider buying from a pet shop but we really do feel bad that this pig is on his own. He is very cute but whilst we know we could give him a loving home, I worry that our current 2 won't bond with him then he will be back to square 1 - The pet shop have said we can have a 7 day grace period to see if he bonds with ours.

What are people's thoughts? Our current 2 get on with each other well as they have been together since they were young. Also i'm not sure about the best ways to introduce them if we do get him - Will have a read of the threads on here today.
 
It's highly likely that they won't accept him, boar trios rarely work sadly. For any hope of it to work you'd need a MASSIVE cage probably 2ft by 7ft? Bigger if you can.

I personally wouldn't recommend it, but other people might have a bit more experience so can give you more advice :)
 
usually three boars don't bond, but I know a lady with 3 boars and 2 sows... maybe a sort of a miracle!
Anyway, consider another fact. as soon as you will buy this cute boar, another cute boar will come to the shop from their usual breeder. You will not solve the problem of "piggies on sale" at the petstores (who don't care at all of a boar left alone).
I simply don't go to petstores which sell pets and I don't run the risk of falling in love of any of them:D. (hay online is cheaper and comes directly to my home)
 
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Three boars is usually a disaster and may cause your bonded pair to fall out.
You could pair him with a compatible rescue boar, or get him neutered to go with sows
 
We had a trio before we knew better. It worked for a while, but then there was a massive fall out. It's highly unlikely to work, I wouldn't run the risk of adding another boar to your already bonded boars, you might even upset the bond between your existing pair. Sorry to disappoint you :( x
 
Tim said:
We had a trio before we knew better. It worked for a while, but then there was a massive fall out. It's highly unlikely to work, I wouldn't run the risk of adding another boar to your already bonded boars, you might even upset the bond between your existing pair. Sorry to disappoint you :( x
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Thanks for the reply - the last thing I would want is to upset my current pair so we might consider pairing him with another newbie in a separate cage or not getting him at all.
 
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Musicmaestro said:
Thanks for the reply - the last thing I would want is to upset my current pair so we might consider pairing him with another newbie in a separate cage or not getting him at all.
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To be honest, I hate going to pets shops for this very reason. I'm so worried I'll walk out with arms full of piggies! I have to put the blinkers on when I walk past the pets :)) If you do decide to get this poor chap, then can I suggest getting him a friend from a rescue nearby? :) Most do bonding services too ;) x
 
Tim said:
To be honest, I hate going to pets shops for this very reason. I'm so worried I'll walk out with arms full of piggies! I have to put the blinkers on when I walk past the pets :)) If you do decide to get this poor chap, then can I suggest getting him a friend from a rescue nearby? :) Most do bonding services too ;) x
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We always have a look at the piggies in there but they are always in groups so we usually manage to escape empty handed, but I let my OH loose on his own today and now look what's happened. He had to send me a picture of him holding the pig :lol: I might look into a local rescue and see what I think about having 2 pairs...
 
Tim said:
Oh dear, he sure knows how to tug at your heart strings! :luv:
:lol!:
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He certainly does! I think he has been wanting to get some more piggies for a while but he's finally managed to make me seriously consider it.
 
Musicmaestro said:
He certainly does! I think he has been wanting to get some more piggies for a while but he's finally managed to make me seriously consider it.
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Is there a rescue near you? There is a rescue locator at the top of the page on this forum :)
 
Musicmaestro said:
Thanks for the reply - the last thing I would want is to upset my current pair so we might consider pairing him with another newbie in a separate cage or not getting him at all.
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Best go and try to find him a gentle boarfriend of his own that is not bullying him; ideally from a place where you can date your new boy before bringing a companion in. Boars work best in pairs or in large groups; trios, quartets and small groups are generally the most unstable.

Sadly, there are no good rescues in your area; your closest is likely Wood Green in Godmanchester.
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
 
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