Keeping Boar & Sows In The Same Room?!

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Yesterday, I went to view some guinea pigs that a local woman is attempting to rehome - I went with the intention of assessing the temperaments of the available boars, to see if any were suitable to be a companion to my lone, elderly boar!

I'm pleased to report that a couple of the available boars appear to be suitable!

However, I also viewed the available sows, one of which I really like!

Therefore, I have spent the last 24+ hours attempting to make a decision as to whether I adopt a single boar; a single sow; two sows; a single boar, and a single sow; or a single boar, and two sows?!

All these guinea pigs have been kept indoors, as has my boar!

Unfortunately, we only have one spare room, which is where my current boar is kept. . . Therefore, I need to make a decision that will keep all parties happy. . . Evidently, the decision lies largely on whether boars, and sows can be kept in the same room?!

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!
 
Stable boar pairs and sows can be in the same room IMHO, I wouldnt risk a pair that wasnt well bonded though.

Sows in the room made no difference to the behaviour of my boars who were devoted to each other many people do keep them in the same room but equally some people cannot, its one of those where you dont know if itll be fine unless you try it :-)
 
Thank you for your reply, Bekki!

Of course, my main concern is my elderly boar - I do not wish to cause him any excitement etc. . .
 
If you find a companion for him them put sows in the same rom may cause fights between the boars.I wouldnt risk it myself unless you have anywhere else if it goes wrong
 
madguinealady said:
If you find a companion for him them put sows in the same rom may cause fights between the boars.I wouldnt risk it myself unless you have anywhere else if it goes wrong
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It's really only a problem when sows are in season. My boys regularly share a room with sows and mixed pairs when at the boarding service I use whilst on holiday with no problems what so ever.

It's really up to you. Your single male might get a little bit excited now and again but there's no-one for him to fight with so there's not safety issue. he may well appreciate the company even if only from a distance. Pease bear in mind if his cage bars are too close to girls he could get a bit naughty and you don't want any little furry surprises!

Whatever you do will very much depend on your space and the temperament of your piggies. You're the only person who will be able to know that.
 
Thank you for your reply, MerryPip!

I believe that I will proceed in adopting the sow that I like, and, perhaps, one of the other sows available. . .
 
I have a boar pairing, Fudge and Winston, who live alongside a mixed pair, Jammy and Churchill, and I have no problems. They have a solid divider between them so they can't directly see eachother, although if they stand up they can just about sniff noses. Initially the boys were quite interested but the novelty has worn off and they very rarely bother. Fudge occasionally likes to shout at his neighbours whilst standing on his tippytoes but he has always been that way even when he used to live next Churchill before I bonded him with Jammy. As others have said it's all about the bond, I wouldn't dream of housing my mixed pair next to the boys if the boys weren't so inseparable and closely bonded!
 
It depends on the boar bond and the character of the boys; hormonal youngsters are usually most affected. Boars that have grown up with sows in the same room are usually not at all bothered.

Generally, it is advisable to keep your boys out of sight and reach of pheromones; minimally by keeping the boys above the sows or with an opaque divider in between next door cages, ideally with some space in between.
 
This is interesting to me as its something I am about to try. Mine will be a pair of girls in a hutch on the bottom and a hutch on top with a pair of boars. I hope it works.
 
happysaz133 said:
This is interesting to me as its something I am about to try. Mine will be a pair of girls in a hutch on the bottom and a hutch on top with a pair of boars. I hope it works.
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Best of luck!
 
This is a photo of our set-up - 2 boars on the upper level, Neutered boar and wifepigs underneath and a single boar in the cage on the right ( purple fleece ). Also another 2 boars in a cage across the room. No problems what so ever with the boys...

 
lisaali said:
This is a photo of our set-up - 2 boars on the upper level, Neutered boar and wifepigs underneath and a single boar in the cage on the right ( purple fleece ). Also another 2 boars in a cage across the room. No problems what so ever with the boys...

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I don't know if it helps but I know that Uno grew up beside but not in the same enclosure as girls x
 
Thank you all for your replies!

After careful consideration, I decided to adopt two sows - The sow that I liked, and her companion!

Of course, at this moment in time, the new sows are being quarantined. . . However, while I know that my boar is aware of their presence, I am pleased to report that all is well - My boar does not seem at all bothered!
 
I am saddened to report that, tragically, one of the sows has died in the last couple of hours. . . Not really sure what to do now?!
 
Oh my gosh. I'm so sorry. Where did you get them from? if it was a rescue I would contact them and see if they know anything that might explain it and help you determine whether the other girl is at risk. They would also most likely be able to help you find a replacement as your other girl will be lonely now.

You must be very upset big hug x
 
Oh I am so so sorry how awful. Have you contacted the rescue? Did the piggy seem ill or was it sudden? I am so sorry x
 
I believe the cause to be an upper/lower respiratory infection - She was fine until this afternoon, when she became very lethargic, and her breathing became rapid. . . Of course, I immediately booked an appointment for her to be seen by a vet, who I understand could not determine a cause for her deterioration, but agreed to treat for a respiratory infection (Baytril). . . Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the appointment, which I explained to the receptionist at the time I made the appointment, in the belief that I would be fully informed, and be able to discuss, and authorise treatment prior to any treatment being implemented, which did not happen - Instead, I received a phone call from the receptionist for payment of, at the time, unknown treatment!

Anyhow, of course, I am now concerned about the other sow, and the other guinea pigs housed indoors?!
 
Oh that all sounds really sad. How old was she? Was she in the same room as your other piggies- I know you were talking about quarenetine so hopefully everyoen will be OK. I would keep a close eye on your other pigs though.

I lost one of my white bramcote rescue piggies very quickly before I got her to the vet like that - I came home from work, found her lethargic and breathing heavily, got in the car to go to the emergency vets and she had passed before we got there having been stuck in traffic for 30 minutes :( Sounds really similar :(
 
Thank you all for your condolences!

To clarify, the sows came from a local woman who is having to rehome the majority of her guinea pigs, due to other commitments!

At this moment in time, the remaining sow appears well!

However, I have contacted the previous owner of the above sows, to inform her of these tragic circumstances - I am pleased to report that her remaining guinea pigs also appear well!

Therefore, we believe that this unfortunate series of events was an isolated incident - With this in mind/ As a result, I hope to be able to collect another sow/ this individual's remaining sow soon!
 
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