Introducing a new guinea pig

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isaulte

isaulte

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I am a newbie, but have "introduced" myself so won't bore you with the finer details.

Basically, I have a 3 year old un-neutered bereaved male. I think he needs a friend, although at the moment, he seems very happy!

Out of the pair of brothers of which he was once part, he was always the friendly one who just ate from dusk till dawn. His brother died on Friday but Beano's personality hasn't changed a bit. He still walks onto your hands at breakfast/dinner/lawn time and seems very happy. He is very docile.

I would lilke to get a friend for him, but don't want to rush into a decison.

1. I realise he is a 3 yo boar and difficult to match up
2. Would the fact that he has a sunny, docile personality mean that I could get another boar, even this late in life?
3. Would it be worth getting him neutered now so that I could get a female friend, and would that be worth the stress for Beano?
4. Any other suggestions?

Many thanks for your help - I am in touch with local guinea pig rescue but am awaiting contact.

Isaulte
 
It is probably best to introduce a baby boy to him. I have been in a similar situation to yours in the past and have found that this is the best option. If he is laid back by nature then he should take to any baby boy, however he grows up.

Expect rumbling, chasing and mounting when they are introduced. Also expect squeaking from the submissive pig of the pairing. It sounds much worse than it is - simply a signal from the submissive pig to say he is giving in, but it sound horrific to us! Try not to keep splitting them up once they are together and ride the initial storm. Each time they are separated, they will have to begin the dominance deciding all over again.

Hope that helps! :)
 
Peter Gurney suggests matching a baby with an older boar. He says (if I'm remembering correctly; I just got and read the book a couple of weeks ago) that the baby can bring out the youth in the adult, and the adult will teach the baby how to be a good pig. :)

Definitely ask the rescue if they do boar dating, though, and let your boy choose his own new friend! :)
 
Thanks for the advice!

I'm hoping to start "introductions" very soon - after Friday there will be someone at home all day, every day, for the next fortnight so there will be constant supervisor to ensure no fights!

Thanks again - just waiting for the rescue lady to call me now.
 
I am not sure if you know this already, but when you get a new guinea pig, make sure that he/she is isolated for at least two weeks in a separate cage, just to make sure that they are not suffering from any kind of illness to pass on to your other piggie. I was reading that in my guinea pig book the other day.
 
Sorry i can offer no help or advice,

But good luck with the rescuing of the new piggy etc. (:
 
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