Hi, we have been looking into the piggies we want as we are closing the gap on purchase, within the next few days to 2 weeks. we have seen wonderful little boys we are taken by, however some are from different litters in different stores, is it wise mixing them together or is it friendlier on the piggies to get them from the same litter, we are currently looking at 3 little boys. thank you
Mixing Litters
- Thread starter charlyroo
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Hi!
Please be aware that baby boar trios have a fall-out rate of around 90% during their first year of life once the boys hit the teenage hormones between 4-14 months old. The fall-out rate is also still pretty high if you buy two baby boars for looks and not for character compatibility. It doesn't matter whether they are brothers or not; the key to any successful boar bond is whether your two boys get along as they develop their adult identities. Two dominant boys are bound to clash whether they are brothers or not! Same/similar age babies have got the added problem that they go through the hormone hits at the same time, which ups the risk for fall-outs.
If you prefer a safe ride instead of enjoying two cute babies for a few weeks and then fret over macho teenagers for the next ten months, I would strongly recommend to make use of one of our recommended rescues. Unlike shops, rescues have already stably bonded and guaranteed healthy pairs of boars that are used to human interaction and handling (which is NOT the case with shop or most breeder piggies!). That way, you can neatly avoid all the usual pitfalls that await the unwary newbie and will also get support from the rescue during the settling in period and the whole life of their piggies. You'd be amazed what beautiful piggies end up in rescue! Any good rescue will also match the piggies to your knowledge and not rehome piggies that need an experienced owner to a piggy newbie family.
If you really are looking for a group of three, I would strongly recommend to look for a rescue that can pair up a well bonded pair of sows of theirs with a neutered boar of the sows' liking for best stability and happiness.
Here is our UK good standard rescues locator: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/
You may also find these threads here helpful in making informed decisions:
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-a-guide-to-successful-companionship.76162/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/boars-sows-or-mixed-pairs-babies-or-adults.108944/
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/children-and-guinea-pigs-a-guide-for-parents.124784/
PS: If you are anywhere within reach of Keighley in West Yorkshire, Milhaven Rescue currently have got a rare stable boar trio up for rehoming.
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