Introducing A New Piggie

[Naomi]

Hey,

On Wednesday I lost a very special pig, he was the last piggie left in the pet shop, his eyes were never quite looking the right way and he was definitely more human than pig. Unfortunately, on Wednesday morning I discovered him very ill and it turns out he'd been hiding a golf ball sized tutor in his tummy (and now I think about it, he was definitely trying to tell me)

Neville, has left behind Norman, a 1 and 1/2 year old boar. He's very friendly, a bit timid, and definitely was the runt of the litter. Norman and Neville were the best of friends for the majority of time, but got jealous over me!

I was considering getting a spayed sow for him, to hopefully avoid fighting, but am I better to get a baby boar for him to be friends with? I hate to think of him alone

This is me in my Guinea pig top, and Norman (left) and Neville (right) having a snuggle and a snooze

Norman is a very friendly boy, but I don't know which is best for him?

 

[Alex2016]

Not that I can offer any advice to you about husbandtory but don't beat yourself up about not realising he was unwell g pigs are prey animals , offon by the time you realise something Is wrong it's too late. Looks like he had am amazing life sorry for your loss.

 

[Wiebke]

Hey,

On Wednesday I lost a very special pig, he was the last piggie left in the pet shop, his eyes were never quite looking the right way and he was definitely more human than pig. Unfortunately, on Wednesday morning I discovered him very ill and it turns out he'd been hiding a golf ball sized tutor in his tummy (and now I think about it, he was definitely trying to tell me)

Neville, has left behind Norman, a 1 and 1/2 year old boar. He's very friendly, a bit timid, and definitely was the runt of the litter. Norman and Neville were the best of friends for the majority of time, but got jealous over me!

I was considering getting a spayed sow for him, to hopefully avoid fighting, but am I better to get a baby boar for him to be friends with? I hate to think of him alone
View attachment 42812
This is me in my Guinea pig top, and Norman (left) and Neville (right) having a snuggle and a snooze

Norman is a very friendly boy, but I don't know which is best for him?

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

Spayed sows are sadly about as rare as their equivalent in gold dust in this country.
You can at his age consider having him neutered by a good vet (research is vital to cut down on the risk of post-op complications!) or try him with another boar. if you can date, age is not so much of an issue. Be aware that not every boar necessarily clicks with every baby. Like with adult boar to adult boar bonding, it can take 1-3 piggies on average to find one where there is instant mutual liking. Unfortunately, there are no good rescues anywhere near you. The closest is Wood Green in Godmanchester, but they do offer boar dating at the rescue, so you come home with a new friend only if there has been acceptance, so it may be worth travelling quite a distance and make it a day out. (PS: I have done it with piggies of mine and never rued it!)
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Guinea Pig Vet Locator (please enquire at any vets how experienced they are in guinea pig neutering and/or small furries ops; it can vary a lot)
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig