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Help - Boar bits cleaning frequency

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Deleted member 146752

Hi everyone! I know I’ve asked about this before, but I am really struggling here. How do those who own boars here do boar cleanings? I know HOW to do a general boar cleaning, but it just doesn’t work with my pigs. I’ve seen many people hold their boar on his hind legs/back, but every time I try to do this with my guinea pigs they squirm and get very upset and stressed out. It just feels cruel, and I don’t want to hurt them. I’ve been told to just hold them in place. And I’ve been asked “who’s the boss”, but I can’t do it just seeing the look in their eyes like they’re scared, it feels so wrong. I don’t know what to do. I also ALWAYS struggle with getting their actual privates out, I know how to technically do it, but it never works. I also end up feeling guilty for days on end afterwards. I’ve tried giving them their favorite veggie during the cleanings, giving them breaks, but nothing works! One of my piggies in particular (I love them both to death) can never stay still during his nail clippings, health checks, boar cleanings, ear cleanings, etc. He’s the type of piggie that loves to be touched and pet, but only when he says so, so I think he just doesn’t like the fact that I have to hold him and pick him up during this type of stuff, but I don’t know how to make this better. I dread doing boar cleanings because of this, but I also understand it’s a necessity, I just feel stuck. Please help!
Thanks for reading,
Charlotte
 
piggiebabies said:
i only do this once a month, just to keep them clean. I’ve heard different opinions about this. My boys are around 2 years old. Thank you SO much for the article!
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Personally I wouldn't bother unless there's some sort of build up. By all means check regularly, but don't clean unless you have to.
 
I haven’t had to clean my boars much at all in the 4 years I’ve had them. The occasional bit of hay/bedding just inside yes. I did also once clean just inside. They should hopefully be able to keep themselves clean but I wouldn’t ‘tinker’ with anything unless it’s really necessary - maybe they can’t keep themselves clean for whatever reason, are impacted or their penis will not retract due to build up etc.
 
piggiebabies said:
i only do this once a month, just to keep them clean. I’ve heard different opinions about this. My boys are around 2 years old. Thank you SO much for the article!
Click to expand...

We cannot give exact timings for the simply reason that some boars are much more messy than others. With many a check once a month is fine while others need a weekly boar service (especially teenagers). You will have to learn by checking and observing what your own boys' ideal rhythm is. ;)

As so much about care it is adapting the rough guidelines to what your piggies really need and getting a feel for it. It can be daunting at the start but you will get a handle on it. A lot can only be learned by doing it. :)
 
So what I’m hearing is that I should check regularly but only do an actual boar cleaning if I see noticeable build up? What would this look like?
 
Hello. Over the years I’ve had 8 boars and I’ve never had to clean their penis. They do this themselves. If you have an older piggy who can’t bend because of arthritis then you should check them. My weekly check means I look and feel for lumps, bumps or them being sore. I had an older piggy who became impacted and I had to clean out his anal sack daily. Hope this helps.
 
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