Introducing new baby...

[AHGuins]

6 months ago one of my two unneutered boars passed away. Initially our remaining boy seemed happier - he was always quiet but came out of his shell after his dominant buddy passed.

Despite trying all the rescues within a reasonable drive, I couldn't seem to find anywhere that either had a male for bonding or offered boar dating. We decided to keep our chap single and give him plenty of fuss. However, he does seem increasingly bored and probably lonely. After much reading and research - and wanting the best for him, we've found a baby boar that is ready for a home next week.

I've read all the guides - and forgive me if I've missed this bit ...

Do we let the baby settle in here for a day or two - or, because he's so young, should the bonding begin on day one?

 

[Piggies&buns]

If he is very young then he needs to be in contact with another piggy as soon as possible. You will need to forego the quarantine and settling period in favour of his social needs. You could perhaps put them side by side for a short while so they can meet through bars before being put in a bonding pen, but I wouldnt leave him too long on his own

Have you read our guide a on how to do a bonding? Neutral space etc

 

[AHGuins]

Hi, thanks for the advice! Yes, I've read the bonding guides and got everything set up - a neutral space, a slide-in divider to split their home - should the bond fail at the start or further down the line. We also have two of everything - or more, including two outdoor runs for the summer.

 

[Wiebke]

6 months ago one of my two unneutered boars passed away. Initially our remaining boy seemed happier - he was always quiet but came out of his shell after his dominant buddy passed.

Despite trying all the rescues within a reasonable drive, I couldn't seem to find anywhere that either had a male for bonding or offered boar dating. We decided to keep our chap single and give him plenty of fuss. However, he does seem increasingly bored and probably lonely. After much reading and research - and wanting the best for him, we've found a baby boar that is ready for a home next week.

I've read all the guides - and forgive me if I've missed this bit ...

Do we let the baby settle in here for a day or two - or, because he's so young, should the bonding begin on day one?

Babies you bond straight away; they are desperate for company (it is in the bonding guide). Please be aware that your boar may not nessarily click with every baby; we have seen this not rarely.

If you can rescue date your boy to ensure character compatibility and mutual liking, you have a lot more of a head start for the extra effort; plus you can avoid all the other common pitfalls if you see whether you have a got a good welfare standard rescue with mandatory quarantine/vet care/proper sexing etc. that you can get to that offers a boar dating service. Since your boy has been already on his own for a while, waiting a bit longer for total peace of mind and the rescue to fall back in case things go haywire should be worth it!
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars (see chapter companionship)
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
Rescue Locator