Friend Wanted!

[Hatton]

I'm after advice! I currently have a two year old boar, up until about six months ago he had been with his brother from birth, unfortunately his brother died.

My boy seems quite happy on his own but I miss seeing them running about playing and know they like companionship, I have plenty of space for another but am unsure if I should get another boy, don't want fights! Or a girl, don't want babies either!

If I get another boy, should I get a youngster, should I get two that are already bonded and introduce them to mine?

I have a large run outside on grass with the hutch inside, all enclosed so plenty of space to get away from each other.

All advice greatly received.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm after advice! I currently have a two year old boar, up until about six months ago he had been with his brother from birth, unfortunately his brother died.

My boy seems quite happy on his own but I miss seeing them running about playing and know they like companionship, I have plenty of space for another but am unsure if I should get another boy, don't want fights! Or a girl, don't want babies either!

If I get another boy, should I get a youngster, should I get two that are already bonded and introduce them to mine?

I have a large run outside on grass with the hutch inside, all enclosed so plenty of space to get away from each other.

All advice greatly received.

Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry for your loss. You are welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you.

Sadly, there are not many good rescues near to where you are, but you could consider contacting the RSPCA Wallsall whether they have got any bondable baby boars in for a dating session at the rescue fosterer's (they only offer boar-rescue baby dating, but not boar-boar bonding at the rescue). Alternatively, you could try The Potteries Guinea Pig Rescue in Stoke-on-Trent, depending on where in Shropshire you are. Boars work best in pairs, especially when you are dealing with pre-hormonal and hormonal teenage boys where trios have got an over 50% to up 90% fall-out rate.

Alternatively, you could consider having your remaining boar neutered by either a general vet with lots of practice in guinea pig neutering or an exotics specialist with experience in small furries ops in order to minimise the risks of otherwise sadly still rather common post-op complications. You will have to factor in a full 6 weeks post-op wait until your boy is 100% to go with a girl or two, but while this is not a quick solution, cross gender bonds are the most stable of them all. Your boy is still a good age for neutering. Sadly, spayed sows are about as rare as gold dust, as it is a much more invasive and expensive operation. Again, I would recommend to date under expert supervision at a rescue to make sure that initial acceptance happens for a happy relationship.it depends on the rescue whether they would be OK to let your boy live alongside the girls in a separate cage but with interaction through the bars while he is having his safety wait. Both the RSPCA and The Potteries have a boar neutering policy, so they may be able to help you with recommendations for the well practised vets they are using, especially if you are doing it to adopt from them.

Here is our list of recommended good standard guinea pig rescues that we can vouch for as to rehoming only guaranteed healthy, properly sexed and not pregnant piggies: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Recommended piggy savvy UK vets: Guinea Pig Vet Locator

 

[Veggies Galore]

to the forum.

I agree with Wiebke . It may seem quite an expense travelling to a rescue for boar dating but it is well worth the investment.

I travelled by train when I took Max ( neutered boar ) dating and he came home with 2 lovely sows.

 

[piggieminder]

I can't add anything to the very good advice you have already been given, but welcome to the forum.

 

[MerryPip]

Wiebke has said everything I would have already :-)I've been boar dating three times at the potteries and a couple of times elsewhere and it's definitely worth it.

If your boy is two then he might be fine with a baby or an older boy. Older boys are more settled and easier to bond than lively youngsters. Boar bonds are all about personality so don't worry if he doesn't take to the first chap he meets or even the second or third... Patience is best and the right boar will be out there somewhere. It's definitely worth the effort and time to travel as well if needed.

Good luck!