Lone Piggy

[peterpiggy]

Hello!

I’ve just joined this forum to learn new things and ask questions. Here is some context for this post!

I recently took in a free to a good home piggy. He is a lone pig, with no mention of being around any other pigs in the past. I understand completely that piggies need company, and although he has warmed up to me and loves attention, it isn’t enough for him to be alone.

However, I cannot currently afford to get a second cage nor do I have the space for one in my current living situation. I’m unsure of how introductions would work or how to go about them. If anyone has any tips specific to my situation rather than general introduction tips/processes it would be much, much appreciated.

~ Angel + Peter

 

[Piggies&buns]

The best way to get him a new friend is to speak to a rescue centre. Two piggies need to be compatible and have mutual liking to be able to form a bond.
Some rescue centres will help with the bonding process at the centre. If a bonding is done at the centre, then you will only bring home another piggy if they are compatible and want to be together, then you may never need the second cage!
However, two boars together require a lot of space - they cage they are to live in needs to be 180x60cm (Or a 2x5 c&c). Lack of space between two boars can cause a bond to fail.
Your alternative is to have him neutered, wait the six weeks after surgery for him to become infertile and then bond him with a sow (again with the help of a rescue centre). A neutered boar and sow pair need a cage 150x60cm (or a 2x4 c&c).

Have you any idea how old he is?

There is a lot of reading below, but these guides explain everything about bonded boar pairs, neutering, the bonding one walks you through how to carry out a neutral territory introduction, etc

A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care
Cage Size Guide

 

[peterpiggy]

The best way to get him a new friend is to speak to a rescue centre. Two piggies need to be compatible and have mutual liking to be able to form a bond.
Some rescue centres will help with the bonding process at the centre. If a bonding is done at the centre, then you will only bring home another piggy if they are compatible and want to be together, then you may never need the second cage!
However, two boars together require a lot of space - they cage they are to live in needs to be 180x60cm (Or a 2x5 c&c). Lack of space between two boars can cause a bond to fail.
Your alternative is to have him neutered, wait the six weeks after surgery for him to become infertile and then bond him with a sow (again with the help of a rescue centre). A neutered boar and sow pair need a cage 150x60cm (or a 2x4 c&c).

Have you any idea how old he is?

There is a lot of reading below, but these guides explain everything about bonded boar pairs, neutering, the bonding one walks you through how to carry out a neutral territory introduction, etc

A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care
Cage Size Guide

The lady I took him in from said he was around 1yr 6 months, but honestly I have no clue if that is accurate or not based off of the state he came in. I believe the cage he came in at the moment is 100 x 54, or something close to that for what I can match it too online. Thank
you for the reading list

 

[Wiebke]

Hello!

I’ve just joined this forum to learn new things and ask questions. Here is some context for this post!

I recently took in a free to a good home piggy. He is a lone pig, with no mention of being around any other pigs in the past. I understand completely that piggies need company, and although he has warmed up to me and loves attention, it isn’t enough for him to be alone.

However, I cannot currently afford to get a second cage nor do I have the space for one in my current living situation. I’m unsure of how introductions would work or how to go about them. If anyone has any tips specific to my situation rather than general introduction tips/processes it would be much, much appreciated.

~ Angel + Peter

Hi

Please contact Tees Valley Guinea Pig Rescue in Middlesbrough. They are the nearest good welfare standard rescue in your area. The rescue owner will help you to work out the best solution in your specific situation; the rescue also offers dating your boy at the rescue to allow him to have a say in who he wants to be with, so you come home with a companion only if acceptance has happened and you have the rescue to fall back if things go haywire for some reason and don't end up with two piggies not getting on.
The rescue will also help you with sourcing the correct cage etc. that they are looking for when adopting out, so you won't have to spend twice. They are happy to rehome to somebody who is willing to cooperate and take the rescue's advice - it also means that you will pass the home test without mishaps.
Website: Teesvalleyguineapigrescue.org
Facebook: Tees Valley Guinea Pig Rescue

Alternatively, you can try Gerties Lonely Guinea Pig Rescue in Newcastle.
Guinea-pig-forum-recommended-rescues

This guide contains more information what rescue dating is and what happens in the last chapter: Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs

Here is the link to our practical information collection for New Owners for a hopefully good start: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

All the best!

 

[Piggies&buns]

The lady I took him in from said he was around 1yr 6 months, but honestly I have no clue if that is accurate or not based off of the state he came in. I believe the cage he came in at the moment is 100 x 54, or something close to that for what I can match it too online. Thank
you for the reading list

Good luck finding him a friend!

Definitely look to get him a bigger cage - it’s so sad that he has been kept in such a small cage - it unfortunately doesn’t meet minimum sizes even for a single piggy (one piggy needs a minimum of 120x60cm). It would be good for you to look into your options for finding him a friend and then go from there - you obviously won’t want to get him a new cage and then find the rescue centre has different requirements for cage sizing.

 

[peterpiggy]

Hi

Please contact Tees Valley Guinea Pig Rescue in Middlesbrough. They are the nearest good welfare standard rescue in your area. The rescue owner will help you to work out the best solution in your specific situation; the rescue also offers dating your boy at the rescue to allow him to have a say in who he wants to be with, so you come home with a companion only if acceptance has happened and you have the rescue to fall back if things go haywire for some reason and don't end up with two piggies not getting on.
The rescue will also help you with sourcing the correct cage etc. that they are looking for when adopting out, so you won't have to spend twice. They are happy to rehome to somebody who is willing to cooperate and take the rescue's advice - it also means that you will pass the home test without mishaps.
Website: Teesvalleyguineapigrescue.org
Facebook: Tees Valley Guinea Pig Rescue

Alternatively, you can try Gerties Lonely Guinea Pig Rescue in Newcastle.
Guinea-pig-forum-recommended-rescues

This guide contains more information what rescue dating is and what happens in the last chapter: Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs

Here is the link to our practical information collection for New Owners for a hopefully good start: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

All the best!

I have contacted the Tees Valley rescue and hopefully something can be sorted soon for him, as I feel awful for his current situation. Thank you

In the situation that it can’t be worked out, would I have any other options than rehoming him, or would that be best? I’d feel bad ferrying him around place to place, poor guy. Though I don’t want him to be depressed either

 

[Merab]

Really pleased you have a possible solution for Peter to find a companion.
Hope everything works out well and another lucky piggy can join your family

 

[peterpiggy]

An update to my post, it turns out Peter did used to be housed with his brother, who was aggressive towards him and bullied him so I’m not sure how this affects his situation

 

[Piggies&buns]

An update to my post, it turns out Peter did used to be housed with his brother, who was aggressive towards him and bullied him so I’m not sure how this affects his situation

It doesn’t really change it.
Peter and his brother were not compatible so that is why there were problems in their relationship but there absolutely will be a piggy out there for him with whom he is compatible.

Would you consider neutering him (and after the six weeks post op wait) and finding a sow for him?

 

[peterpiggy]

It doesn’t really change it.
Peter and his brother were not compatible so that is why there were problems in their relationship but there absolutely will be a piggy out there for him with whom he is compatible.

Would you consider neutering him (and after the six weeks post op wait) and finding a sow for him?

I’d consider it, although the risks of surgery do scare me a little. I’m also not sure about the vets in my area. I just want to do what’s best by him but it seems as though all the options have risks

 

[Guinea Slave]

Nothing to add other than how lovely you are for caring for him and trying to ensure he is happy. Thank you! X

 

[peterpiggy]

Nothing to add other than how lovely you are for caring for him and trying to ensure he is happy. Thank you! X

Ah thankyou, I’m trying my best do do good by him but some things are hard to work out

 

[Wiebke]

I have contacted the Tees Valley rescue and hopefully something can be sorted soon for him, as I feel awful for his current situation. Thank you

In the situation that it can’t be worked out, would I have any other options than rehoming him, or would that be best? I’d feel bad ferrying him around place to place, poor guy. Though I don’t want him to be depressed either

A good standard rescue would be the safest place if they can fit him in - at the moment there is an avalanche of no longer wanted piggies...

 

[peterpiggy]

A good standard rescue would be the safest place if they can fit him in - at the moment there is an avalanche of no longer wanted piggies...

It’s definitely tough, and makes me wish he had a better start to his life After contacting the TV rescue, they recommended bonding him with a young baby. Is this a good option, in your opinion? The chance of fallouts in the future does worry me a little but that is what they have recommended to me as his age is unknown.

 

[Wiebke]

It’s definitely tough, and makes me wish he had a better start to his life After contacting the TV rescue, they recommended bonding him with a young baby. Is this a good option, in your opinion? The chance of fallouts in the future does worry me a little but that is what they have recommended to me as his age is unknown.

Hi

It is a very good way and the bonding with the highest chance of success. Babies are looking for a guardian boar to take them on and teach them when they leave their group; this is actually species specific behaviour; a baby can also not challenge your boy. The rescue dating helps to find a baby your boy clicks with. And you have the rescue to fall back if things don't go to plan; they will always take back their adoptees.
See chapter School Weeks: Journey through a Lifetime: The Ages of Guinea Pigs

Most of these bondings work out through teenage; the age difference will help because only one piggy will hit a teenage spike at any time. it is one of the safest boar-boar bonding options.

 

[peterpiggy]

Hi

It is a very good way and the bonding with the highest chance of success. Babies are looking for a guardian boar to take them on and teach them when they leave their group; this is actually species specific behaviour; a baby can also not challenge your boy. The rescue dating helps to find a baby your boy clicks with. And you have the rescue to fall back if things don't go to plan; they will always take back their adoptees.
See chapter School Weeks: Journey through a Lifetime: The Ages of Guinea Pigs

Most of these bondings work out through teenage; the age difference will help because only one piggy will hit a teenage spike at any time. it is one of the safest boar-boar bonding options.

Thankyou, I had a read through the guide. I’d prefer to bond him with a baby than get him neutered just for ease of mind regarding surgeries if I am completely honest.

The trouble is finding a baby of the right age at a rescue in my area. I’d prefer not to let him live for very long alone as he is now. Next step would probably be the upgrade his cage and just
hope there is a suitable baby in the area, I guess

 

[peterpiggy]

Another update to the situation, the woman who gave him away is now saying he is 3 years old rather than 1 1/2

 

[Wiebke]

Thankyou, I had a read through the guide. I’d prefer to bond him with a baby than get him neutered just for ease of mind regarding surgeries if I am completely honest.

The trouble is finding a baby of the right age at a rescue in my area. I’d prefer not to let him live for very long alone as he is now. Next step would probably be the upgrade his cage and just
hope there is a suitable baby in the area, I guess

Please be aware that anybody can call themselves a rescue (or a breeder) without license or supervision, and the difference between 'rescues' can be staggering. This is why we have introduced our rescue locator. Try and contact Gerties and see how they are doing in terms of youngsters. Gerties specialise in boar dating.

Any youngster should be ideally under 4 months but I would keep an open mind. In the end, it is all about the personality match much more than about the age.

When my Nosgan failed to get on with any of my own or his previous owner's two sow groups (he was a bereaved boar and clearly preferred to interact with boys), I brought home four months' old impulse surrender Nye for him (whose owner pretended he was 1 year old even though his testicles had only just started to descend). Nevertheless they made a perfectly balanced yin-yang pair with both their looks and personality. Nye needed a couple of short term separations when he got a bit too much for skittish Nosgan but they always went back together as if nothing had happened and made a happy pair until Nosgan 's death. I had Nye neutered at 6 months of age (the long Christmas holiday got in the way).
Nye with Nosgan

They were even able to live next to a sow pair with just a grid divider as Nosgan wasn't bothered with them and Hyfryd (the mother on the other side, found pregnant dumped in a park in Leeds with a boar and another pregnant sow) hadn't accepted any of my husboars. After Nosgan's death, right at the start of the intro little Nye went straight up to big Hyfryd and gave her a big piggy kiss on the eye - the rest is very much still ongoing history and an enduring love affair between my biggest sow and my smallest boy...
Nye and Hyfryd


Just to show you that our advice is just a guideline but in the end, it is the piggies' personalities and choices that matter more than anything else and that there is no rule that cannot be broken.

 

[Wiebke]

Another update to the situation, the woman who gave him away is now saying he is 3 years old rather than 1 1/2

Doesn't matter - in the end it is all about who he wants to be with...

You'd be surprised how many people make up information or can't remember anything about their piggies - not even their names... (if you have had your boar neutered before no longer wanting him, he surely must have a name and a vet account after all).

 

[peterpiggy]

Please be aware that anybody can call themselves a rescue (or a breeder) without license or supervision, and the difference between 'rescues' can be staggering. This is why we have introduced our rescue locator. Try and contact Gerties and see how they are getting.

Any youngster should be ideally under 4 months but I would keep an open mind. In the end, it is all about the personality match much more than about the age.

When my Nosgan failed to get on with any of my own or his previous owner's two sow groups (he was a bereaved boar and clearly preferred to interact with boys), I brought home four months' old impulse surrender Nye for him (whose owner pretended he was 1 year old even though his testicles had only just started to descend). Nevertheless they made a perfectly balanced yin-yang pair with both their looks and personality. Nye needed a couple of short term separations when he got a bit too much for skittish Nosgan but they always went back together as if nothing had happened and made a happy pair until Nosgan 's death. I had Nye neutered at 6 months of age (the long Christmas holiday got in the way).
Nye with Nosgan
View attachment 199058
They were even able to live next to a sow pair with just a grid divider as Nosgan wasn't bothered with them and Hyfryd (the mother on the other side, found pregnant dumped in a park in Leeds with a boar and another pregnant sow) hadn't accepted any of my husboars. After Nosgan's death, right at the start of the intro little Nye went straight up to big Hyfryd and gave her a big piggy kiss on the eye - the rest is very much still ongoing history and an enduring love affair between my biggest sow and my smallest boy...
Nye and Hyfryd
View attachment 199061

Just to show you that our advice is just a guideline but in the end, it is the piggies' personalities and choices that matter more than anything else and that there is no rule that cannot be broken.

I’ve joined the group for Gertie’s to hopefully get another angle on the situation. I’m trying to avoid any ‘rescues’ that aren’t recommended on this forum.
Your piggies are gorgeous and it’s reassuring to hear some success stories amidst the more worrying ones
As for his age, it makes no difference to me bless him. He’s perking up daily and is eating more than I can keep up with. I’d be more than happy to let him take his pick if the opportunity arises, he would definitely love some company I can already tell.

 

[Merab]

Don’t know if this helps but I have a neutered boar.
He had been bullied and was labelled as having to live alone.
I had 3 sows so I adopted him, had him neutered and he’s very happy.
Yes surgery can be a risk and Micah did develop a scrotal abscess after his op. It was quickly sorted and recovered well.
A lot depends on how confident you are with your vet.

The baby boar option is best so hopefully there will be one in the rescue that Peter connects with.

 

[Wiebke]

I’ve joined the group for Gertie’s to hopefully get another angle on the situation. I’m trying to avoid any ‘rescues’ that aren’t recommended on this forum.
Your piggies are gorgeous and it’s reassuring to hear some success stories amidst the more worrying ones
As for his age, it makes no difference to me bless him. He’s perking up daily and is eating more than I can keep up with. I’d be more than happy to let him take his pick if the opportunity arises, he would definitely love some company I can already tell.

Your boy is looking like he could be the brother of my Barri (former Pickles) who was a vet surrender because of incorrectly treated ringworm. The first vet his owner finally saw wanted to to put him to sleep straight away; the second persuaded her to hand him over to a sanctuary to be treated properly and to be neutered - that was 5 years ago. Barri had little ringworm relapse some months in but I got on top of it straight away and he's been clean since. He has however been suffering from IBS-like symptoms for the last two years and is now coming up to 6 years of age.


PS: Gerties specialise in boar dating so if they can help you, they are by far the best place for your boy.
Gerties and Tees can both help you with neutering vet recommendations as they have both regularly boys of all ages neutered.

My Brathlys is Gertie's adoptee; she was found living rough in a winter garden in Gateshead weeks after her owners had moved out and taken their hutch with them. Lissie is somewhat traumatised - including from some likely rather rough handling from children and has some major fear-aggression issues which is why she has come here. She now has companionship and no longer bites people. She also went from bright orange to dark brown and looks like a very different piggy these days!

 

[peterpiggy]

Don’t know if this helps but I have a neutered boar.
He had been bullied and was labelled as having to live alone.
I had 3 sows so I adopted him, had him neutered and he’s very happy.
Yes surgery can be a risk and Micah did develop a scrotal abscess after his op. It was quickly sorted and recovered well.
A lot depends on how confident you are with your vet.

The baby boar option is best so hopefully there will be one in the rescue that Peter connects with.

For that option I'd definitely have to explore the vets in my area as I have no experience with them as of yet, but I will definitely keep that in mind, thank you!

 

[peterpiggy]

Your boy is looking like he could be the brother of my Barri (former Pickles) who was a vet surrender because of incorrectly treated ringworm. The first vet his owner finally saw wanted to to put him to sleep straight away; the second persuaded her to hand him over to a sanctuary to be treated properly and to be neutered - that was 5 years ago. Barri had little ringworm relapse some months in but I got on top of it straight away and he's been clean since. He has however been suffering from IBS-like symptoms for the last two years and is no coming up to 6 years of age.
View attachment 199063

PS: Gerties specialise in boar dating so if they can help you, they are by far the best place for your boy.
Gerties and Tees can both help you with neutering vet recommendations as they have both regularly boys of all ages neutered.

My Brathlys is Gertie's adoptee; she was found living rough in a winter garden in Gateshead weeks after her owners had moved out and taken their hutch with them. Lissie is somewhat traumatised - including from some likely rather rough handling from children and has some major fear-aggression issues which is why she has come here. She now has companionship and no longer bites people. She also went from bright orange to dark brown and looks like a very different piggy these days!

They definitely do look similar!
I'm planning on having a vet just check over Peter to make sure there's no issues I'm unaware of, if possible.
Hopefully I'll find some help with Gerties, they sound great (as do TV)

 

[Wiebke]

For that option I'd definitely have to explore the vets in my area as I have no experience with them as of yet, but I will definitely keep that in mind, thank you!

Ask Gerties or Tees for who they use to have their rescue boars neutered as their vets have all the practice and experience with the operation - which is what you are looking for in a vet. It makes for a much quicker op and therefore a much smaller risk of complications.

 

[Wiebke]

Don worry, you'll get there! Peter is happy to have found you. Just put carefulness over rushing for company - it pays in terms of long term happiness to do it right, even if it means a bit of a wait.

You can try boar dating first and keep neutering as the fall-back option.

I have adopted several boars that were neutered as adults (Nosgan was ca. 3 years old when he had the snip) and know of one 6 year old single boar being neutered, who spent the end of his life as a very, very happy 'husboar' with a wife specially adopted for him by his loving new owner.

 

[peterpiggy]

Don worry, you'll get there! Peter is happy to have found you. Just put carefulness over rushing for company - it pays in terms of long term happiness to do it right, even if it means a bit of a wait.

You can try boar dating first and keep neutering as the fall-back option.

I have adopted several boars that were neutered as adults (Nosgan was ca. 3 years old when he had the snip) and know of one 6 year old single boar being neutered, who spent the end of his life as a very, very happy 'husboar' with a wife specially adopted for him by his loving new owner.

Tees Valley have kindly placed him on their bonding waiting list which is a step in the right direction.
In the meantime I’ll just be looking to upgrade the cage ASAP and increase his welfare and comfort with me here. Definitely in no rush, but eager to see him properly happy

 

[Wiebke]

My Carwyn was also 3 years when he was rescued from a backyard breeder in the Durham area. His dad and brothers sadly all died not too long after their rescue but Carwyn lived to 6 1/2 years and made up in spades for 3 years in a bare 1 foot square breeder box and all the fun his family had missed on. He fell head over heels for his little baby wifelet Heini who remained very closely bonded for all this time here.
I adopted Carwyn as an end of life companion for a 7 years old sow of mine before adopting two young sows from Northeast Guinea Pig Rescue in South Shields, which would be another place for you try - but less promising than Gertie's.

Tees Valley have kindly placed him on their bonding waiting list which is a step in the right direction.
In the meantime I’ll just be looking to upgrade the cage ASAP and increase his welfare and comfort with me here. Definitely in no rush, but eager to see him properly happy

Just make sure that the cage is compatible with rescue welfare standards. Members can give you helpful tips on that in the housing section. Most rescues have waiting lists for dating as it is not something you can do quickly and it is rather time consuming.

 

[peterpiggy]

My Carwyn was also 3 years when he was rescued from a backyard breeder in the Durham area. His dad and brothers sadly all died not too long after their rescue but Carwyn lived to 6 1/2 years and made up in spades for 3 years in a bare 1 foot square breeder box and all the fun his family had missed on. He fell head over heels for his little baby wifelet Heini who remained very closely bonded for all this time here.
I adopted Carwyn as an end of life companion for a 7 years old sow of mine before adopting two young sows from Northeast Guinea Pig Rescue in South Shields, which would be another place for you try - but less promising than Gertie's.


Just make sure that the cage is compatible with rescue welfare standards. Members can give you helpful tips on that in the housing section. Most rescues have waiting lists for dating as it is not something you can do quickly and it is rather time consuming.

I’ll keep a look out across all options. Will also look through the housing section on recommended cages. Currently it would have to be a cage rather than C and C due to my living situation, although in the future it can always be upgraded.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’ll keep a look out across all options. Will also look through the housing section on recommended cages. Currently it would have to be a cage rather than C and C due to my living situation, although in the future it can always be upgraded.

The biggest commercial cage available is the ferplast plaza 160 which measures 160x60cm.
There is also the possibility of joining two commercial cages together to give more room than one commercial can offer (two boars needing more space)

Member Gallery: Commercial Cages