Introducing a new boar

Status
Not open for further replies.
L

Leigh P

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
May 3, 2010
Messages
118
Reaction score
6
Points
190
Location
Middlesex
Not sure if anyone has seen my threads over the last couple of days, but have just lost one of my piggies to illness. I am now left with a 1.5yr old boar who needs a new cage mate. At the moment he is pushing a soft Garfield toy around his hutch!

Although I have done this before, I just wanted to check the best way to introduce the new boar (which I think will be either 7 or 9 weeks old - going to see two tonight, but bringing home only 1).

Usually, I have put a barrier between them in the hutch (with the baby having a smaller part) and let them smell each other for a while. Last time I did this, the older one pushed it down and they ended up in the cage together anyway... luckily they both had lovely temperaments and got on with it well.

Also, is it best to do this so soon (only lost Chip yesterday) or should I wait a while? Don't want Pip to be lonely.

Any suggestions on introductions?

Thanks
Leigh (and Pip)
 
It might be good to let him settle first as its a lot of change for him. But you don't want a lonely pig so good luck finding him a companion. Have you considered neutering and pairing him with a female? Some of the rescues could advise you on it. Big hugs from my 3 pigs xx
 
What a great website! I've never been there before but have now put it into favourites. Thanks :)p
 
The very best and safest way would be to let your own boar choose who he wants to be with; character compatibility is key to a stable, happy boar bond more than any other factor.

We usually recommend "boar dating" at a good rescue under expert supervision to that effect. That minimises all the problems for you, as you don't have to do the bonding (especially any problems if things don't work out) and allows your boar to find a best friend of his own liking among several candidates.
Here is a map of recommended rescues; most offer boar dating:
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0

Otherwise, here are tips on how to stage introductions:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562
Boar behaviours from mild to aggressive: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28949
Suzy's boar dating blog thread with quite a few videos, too. You might find it interesting: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59233
 
Have just had a look on the map, and there aren't any rescues within 30 miles of my house. I have seen piggies that need rehoming in P@H, but wouldn't want to take one home only to find that they didn't get on (I don't have room for a second hutch).

I think I am going to have to get a baby, although I would really love to rehome an older piggie.
 
The advantage of bonding older/adult boys is that they have the same low fall out rate as sows because they are past the worst of the hormones/are coping well with the new friend having hormonal issues.

I have found it always well worth driving an hour or even slightly above for piggy dating; not just for having happy piggies but also for own my peace of mind.

There is also a very new rescue in St. Albans which is currently under consideration to join the recommended rescues list. Perhaps worth enquiring? [email protected]

Best of luck which whatever way you go down.
 
Well, I took the bull (or piggie) by the horns and went to get a new cage mate for Pip this afternoon as he was so down in the dumps. I found a local lady who bred guineas and does not sell them to pet shops. Her cages were lovely and clean, and I was happy with my choice of boar. He had been born there and handled daily, so was happy for me to cuddle him.

Pip knocked down the barrier that I had made between him and Eddie (my 11yr old daughter is in love with Ed Sheeran....!) and they have now been together in their run for the past 4 hours, just chugging about a bit and getting along fine. We are keeping a close eye but I haven't had to split them up at all. Pip is doing all the normal behavioural things (shut your eyes!) and making all the expected noises... so fingers crossed.

The lovely lady also said that she would be happy to take Eddie back if there were any problems, and only charged a small amount for him. I would be more than happy to recommend her to anyone from the area I live in.

Lets hope there's a happy ending as the last few days have been horrible.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top