Neutering

[Pigwig2021]

I’m considering having my 3 1/2 year old boar neutered. He’s been living with one other boar since very little but he has sadly just passed. I’ve been speaking to some rescue shelters and some other experts about grouping and for his age. All suggested female companions due to young hormones or potential fighting with males in general.
How safe is it and at his age?
also any suggestions on possible groups or preferably pairs? Thanks

 

[Siikibam]

I’m so sorry you lost your boy. If/when you want, you can post a tribute to him in the rainbow pets section.

There have been boars on here who’ve been neutered around that age. As always, there are risks with any surgery. But an experienced vet will lessen those risks. The time rescues generally suggest neutering and bonding with sows is when a boar is in its teen years (4-14 months of age). Whether they get along is down to compatibility - whether you bond him with another boar or sow(s). The chances of him meeting a boar he doesn’t get on with are the same as meeting a sow he doesn’t get on with. The other thing to bear in mind is that older sows can sometimes be less accepting of newbies. A boar/sow pair is more stable. But, it’s still down to compatibility.

So in essence, it’s up to you whether you try him with a boar or a sow. I wouldn’t be put off by what the rescues have told you. A lot of members on here have boar pairs who haven’t fought. I think they’re given a bad reputation. Have a look at the list of recommended rescues I’ve linked to below. Get in touch with them (both near and far) and let them know you’re looking for a friend for your boy. If you can take him for bonding then all the better.

Good luck finding him a friend. We’d love to know how you get on.
Rescue Locator
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

 

[VickiA]

@Pigwig2021 you appear to have 2 accounts. Which one would you like to keep?.

 

[VickiA]

In the right hands neutering is a safe operation for a boar. I would check your vet’s experience in carrying out this procedure. If there is a rescue near to you who undertake neutering it would be worth asking them which vets they use, so you can find an experienced vet.

 

[Wiebke]

I’m considering having my 3 1/2 year old boar neutered. He’s been living with one other boar since very little but he has sadly just passed. I’ve been speaking to some rescue shelters and some other experts about grouping and for his age. All suggested female companions due to young hormones or potential fighting with males in general.
How safe is it and at his age?
also any suggestions on possible groups or preferably pairs? Thanks

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss!

I have adopted several boars neutered at this age and know of successful ops even in much older boars. Here is our comprehensive guide to all questions around neutering: Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

The biggest risk factor in adult boars is not so much age but overweight. Please check around the ribcage whether your boy is a good weight for his size or whether he could lose some.
Our weight guide tells you how in the chapter about 'heft': Weight - Monitoring and Management

Crucial for operation success is finding a good operating vet, either a general vet with plenty of practice in boar neutering (often for a rescue) or an exotics vets with experience in small furries ops.
Here is our recommended vets locator. Please be aware that it is based on member feedback and not comprehensive: Recommended Guinea Pig Vets

Rescue dating your boar 6 weeks after his op once his post-op safety wait ends (to allow the semen in tubes that lead to the penis to die off they are not removed) is the best way of ensuring a good match. A happy guinea pig bond always relies on mutual liking and character compatibility. Initial acceptance during the bonding process is the biggest hurdle in a cross gender bond. You can look at a single sow or a well-bonded sow pair.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed) (the mixed pairs chapter also works for a two stably bonded sows plus neutered 'husboar' constellation)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

However, you can also consider dating your boar at a good welfare standard rescue that offers this service with another boar of any age; again mutual liking and character compatibility comes before age. Adult boars can be bonded, especially in rescues that offer residential bonding (as explained the second link).
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars (see chapter companionship)
Rescues, Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs (includes rescue information as well as a chapter on rescue dating)

Please take the time to read the links for more in-depth information on the aspects mentioned in this post. You should find them very helpful for making an informed decision and for further resources.

All the best!

 

[VickiA]

@Pigwig2021 you may only keep one account on this forum. I shall close this account and you can continue to use your other one.