I really want a pair of boys but I’m not sure if girls would be better. I heard boys can be extremely territorial and I’m not sure if being in a small travel cage for 5 hours every once in a while would cause them to fight over the small cage. Also this doesn’t exactly go under traveling but I’ve heard that boys smell REALLY bad, I’m not sure if it’s an exaggeration or not, what’s your experience? And one more thing- is it necessary to clean their sacs once a month? I would imagine most inexperienced people do not lmao. Is it difficult or smelly to clean? The smell issue here is more for the rest of my family than me. My 60 year old father lives with us and has a very sensitive sense of smell.
Girls or boys- easier to travel with?
- Thread starter Lucy26
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Betsy
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I have boys as well as girls and they don't smell any different to me. As long as you clean them out regularly and have a strict hygiene regime there shouldn't be a problem. As long as your boys are well bonded you shouldn't have a problem with territory. If you get them from a good rescue (see rescue locator above) they will make sure that this is the case. I have never cleaned the sacs of my boys and I have had them for over 2 years. All pigs whether boys or girls need a weekly check which includes weighing, checking for any lumps and bumps that shouldn't be there from nose to bum and all places in between, nails, teeth, ears and girly bits or boar bits. This includes checking willies on boys to make sure that they have no hair or hay stuck in it which can happen. Also a little clean of the willy with luke warm water and a cotton bud is necessary occasionally. The weekly check only takes a few minutes per piggie.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
I actually think my girls are smellier than the boys becasue when they are in season (or just feeling grumpy in general) they spray urine if someone dares to approach their butt 
But I guess it is not fair to compare as I only have 2 boys, and both were neutered prior to sexual maturity so this means a lot of the more 'boarly' behavior traits aren't present.
But I guess it is not fair to compare as I only have 2 boys, and both were neutered prior to sexual maturity so this means a lot of the more 'boarly' behavior traits aren't present.
Guineautopia
Forum Donator 2024/25
I’ve had both. I’ve never notice one smelling worse than the other. I’ve had boys for a total of 7 years and not once have I had to clean out their sacs.
In my experience I’ve had two sets of brothers from birth and I never had issues with fighting. The girls I’ve had on the other hand have been stroppy.
I think the key point here is you need a really good bonded pair if you are going to put them in a small cage. To be honest I would expect a few squabbles after 5 hours in such a small space.
Go to a rescue and wait for a well bonded pair, explain they need to be able to travel.
I really don’t think it matters if they are boys or girls.
In my experience I’ve had two sets of brothers from birth and I never had issues with fighting. The girls I’ve had on the other hand have been stroppy.
I think the key point here is you need a really good bonded pair if you are going to put them in a small cage. To be honest I would expect a few squabbles after 5 hours in such a small space.
Go to a rescue and wait for a well bonded pair, explain they need to be able to travel.
I really don’t think it matters if they are boys or girls.
Reenie
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My 5 boys don't smell too bad. I sweep them out and change their litter trays daily, and full clean out about every 5 days. I find their diet can affect how much they smell, as there is a noticeable difference between summer (mainly grass) and winter when they have more veg.
If you try to get a pair who are well bonded, and like to snuggle with each other, there would be less chance of problems travelling. A bonded mixed sex pair (neutered boar obviously) might be something to consider. If you get your piggies from a good rescue, they'll be able to tell you more about their personalities than a pet shop or someone trying to get rid of them, and will probably just tell you what you want to hear. Good luck x
If you try to get a pair who are well bonded, and like to snuggle with each other, there would be less chance of problems travelling. A bonded mixed sex pair (neutered boar obviously) might be something to consider. If you get your piggies from a good rescue, they'll be able to tell you more about their personalities than a pet shop or someone trying to get rid of them, and will probably just tell you what you want to hear. Good luck x
Seven7
Forum Donator 2024/25
I have one boy and one girl, Finn and Lara. They have separate cages. They also have a large playpen they run around at different times. Right now, Lara is playing in the playpen and soon it will be Finn’s turn.
I clean them regularly by cleaning their cages with soap and water, changing their fleece liners and their fleece pee-pads. Pee-pads are changed every other day and that gets rid of smell.
As far as choosing girl or boy, I think it is your preference.
I started out with Finn, and I was looking for another boy to give my Finn someone to play with. BUT, I was given Lara from a friend who didn’t want her. I didn’t want to leave Lara without a home, so I took her in and bought her a cage so she can have a nice home. Finn loves Lara so much. He knows she is there and when their cages are close, they rub noses with each other.
I clean them regularly by cleaning their cages with soap and water, changing their fleece liners and their fleece pee-pads. Pee-pads are changed every other day and that gets rid of smell.
As far as choosing girl or boy, I think it is your preference.
I started out with Finn, and I was looking for another boy to give my Finn someone to play with. BUT, I was given Lara from a friend who didn’t want her. I didn’t want to leave Lara without a home, so I took her in and bought her a cage so she can have a nice home. Finn loves Lara so much. He knows she is there and when their cages are close, they rub noses with each other.