Neutering

[Sharon.Mackay]

HI, I have just been browsing through some questions and came across a couple that said neutering won't alter behavior. We had one of our boys 'done' last year because he was being very aggressive and humping everything in sight. He wouldn't tolerate other pigs and was really stressed. It was the vet who suggested it, and as I trusted his knowledge we went ahead. It has worked and he is now successfully paired with a new friend and is pretty chilled. So is it a case of it doesn't work in changing behaviour, but will calm them? I'm confused.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Two of my boys are neutered and the 'constant humper' has never so much as sniffed at his brother since in over two years
Think the reason is because people would believe neutering changes their behaviour and the only true reason for it in piggies is so they can live with sows. We'd have people with herds of lads if it were 100% effective.
Has caused debates far and wide and I'm on the fence on this, yes it certainly calmed my boy down (was on the verge of separating them :...) but could never agree it will stop aggression/humping.

 

[Sharon.Mackay]

Two of my boys are neutered and the 'constant humper' has never so much as sniffed at his brother since in over two years
Think the reason is because people would believe neutering changes their behaviour and the only true reason for it in piggies is so they can live with sows. We'd have people with herds of lads if it were 100% effective.
Has caused debates far and wide and I'm on the fence on this, yes it certainly calmed my boy down (was on the verge of separating them :...) but could never agree it will stop aggression/humping.

Thanks, maybe I was just very lucky with Spike. Certainly wouldn't rush to do it again as there were complications and we nearly lost him When I think back the vet did say it didn't always work, but you live and learn eh?

 

[Rodentopia]

I think with boys its personality regards whether they get on or not. I have a group of boys and they never fight just odd bicker but thats it, they have the space to get away from each other and just get along happily. I've had warring piggies in the past and looking back it was a clash of personalities two dominant piggies. In my opinion neutering will have calmed your boy down as its took away his urges but i personally wouldn't put a guinea though an op unless it was necessary but thats just my opinion