sad news - and more advice needed please

Status
Not open for further replies.
N

New Owner

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
28
Reaction score
1
Points
0
Location
worcester, england
This forum has helped to support me with my 2 males over the past year. Sadly when I came home from holiday yesterday I discovered that Barney had passed away whilst in boarding (I must stress that I believe they were well looked after and it was one of those sad things. We are devastated but want to do the best thing for ginger Ted). He is about 14 months old and very dominant - my thoughts are that introducing another boar isn't going to work, I don't think leaving him alone is fair, so the only other option is to be neutered. Is this what others think or should I consider another boar? If I go ahead with neutering is there anything I should be aware of.....
Sorry, a lot of questions there - I just want to do the right thing for ginger Ted. (I have also posted a question in the food section as on top of loosing Barney I've had to take ginger to the vets today). Many thanks
 
I would really say that my personal first option would be to find another boar, in the best interest of you and your piggy.

Neutering is a complicated, dangerous operation that isn’t as simple as cats and dogs, and the recovery after the op can be dangerous in an animal as small as a guinea. It can also be expensive and time consuming as guinea pigs need dedicated after care, if you did neuter Ted it would be at least another 6 weeks before he could be bonded with a female. Neutering makes no difference to behaviour so shouldn’t be considered if only looking to house with another male.

Do you have any local rescues you could take Ted boar dating ? Many boars do bond well in the right conditions, and I'm sure everyone on here would be happy to offer more advice if you chose to bond your piggy.
 
I am so sorry you lost Barney. It is worth taking ted boar dating and seeing if he will be happy with another boar before you try neutering.
 
I am very sorry for your loss; being out of their usual surroundings can lower the immune system and can trigger underlying problems, even with the best of care. But it always comes as a total shock! :(

The best way to find a new friend for your bereaved boy is by dating him under expert supervision at a good rescue that offers a boar dating service - if you are located in Britain. This maximises Ted's chances of finding a character compatible friend and minimises your risk of ending up with two boys that don't work out.

Here is the Piggy Bank map of recommendable rescues, most of whom offer some kind of boar dating. We amy be able to give you specific recommendations if we know your area. https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0
 
So sorry to hear about Barney. Not what you want to hear when you return from a holiday.

If you let us know where you are in the world then we can help point you in the right direction in regard to getting a new friend for your little Ted. Boar dating is a great way to find a new friend and just because he is a teenage lad with lots of hormones and dominant does not mean that he won't find a friend that suits him. One of my boys is so very submissive that he gets on with most pigs. It's all about matching personalities and finding the right pig. It might not be the first one he tries or the third or the fifth but the right buddy will be out there.

Neutering is an option but like Twiams says it comes with risks and is not as straight forward as in larger mammals. In saying that, it was absolutely the right decision for one of my boys who was very large, boisterous and dominant. He now lives with a wifeypig at a friend's house and he is very much under the thumb!

We can't tell you what the right solution is for you but getting Ted a friend will make his life complete again. He will be grieving for Barney just as you are. I hope all goes well.x
 
I'm with everyone else a reputable rescue could help match Ted up to a new friend, there is a friend for every male and he is getting to an age now were his hormones will settle down :)
 
Thanks for all the comments. I live in Worcester. The lady who looked after the lads when we were away volunteers at a rescue. She mentioned if he was neutured he could be matched/dated with a female i will try and contact the rescue for a chat i think buy if you know of any other places in my area please let me know and I can have a chat with them also. I don't really want to put poor ginger Ted through more.
 
Just checked the piggy bank map and the rescue I mention above is there...windwhistle...I'll give them a ring. Thanks again for ongoing support.
 
Windwhistle has a very good reputation. It is your closest good rescue. There are also several smaller rescues in the Bristol area.

If you want to rather go for full residential boar dating, Suzy in Glynneath in South Wales offers it, which is just about within a reasonable travelling distance for you. This is the most time consuming, but safest way of bonding boars and you can bond boars of any age that way. However, not every rescue can afford to offer it. The resulting bond is generally as stable as a sow bond. There may be a waiting list because of the care involved.
Here is Suzy's boar dating blog which she has kindly kept for us for quite a while; it gives you a bit of an idea how full boar dating works. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?59233-Boar-Dating-Service-Wales

All the best for finding Ted a new friend of his own liking! You will find that the consolation of seeing your bereaved boy happy again will help you with coping with your loss. Each piggy has its unique place in your heart, and none ever replaces another.
 
Thank you - I have left a message for windwhistle and looked at the residential boarding you mention. Hopefully I'll find another friend for ginger Ted soon.
 
PS: You are most welcome to post a tribute to Barney in our Rainbow pets section.

With members from all the world, we would be grateful if you added your general area to your details; it makes it much easier to give you the appropriate advice, links and local tips (if possible) straight away. You can do so in forum/private messages (on top bar)/my settings/edit profile/location.
 
very sorry for the loss of your boy Barney.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top