Should I add a third pig?

[Dottygirls]

I have two lovely rescue girls who we’ve had for 2 years since they were 6 months old. I’m wondering about expanding and adding another piggie to the mix.
Would this be cruel to them as they are well bonded and I worry about disrupting that?
If we were to look at another one is there any accepted wisdom on whether a neutered boar or another girl is best in a group of 3?
We would be looking for a rescue again.
Thank you!

 

[Dottygirls]

Just to add we have a cc cage and plenty of room to expand. They are on fleece and free roam almost everyday.

 

[fluffysal]

I vote for a neutered boar. Lots of boys need loving homes.

 

[Piggies&buns]

if you are going to add a third piggy then it would be best for it to be a neutered boar. However to do so it is safest to have the help of a rescue centre to ensure compatibility.

Thread 'Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?'

Oct 31, 2017

The temptation is always there when you have two adorable and happily settled guinea pigs to stick in another one into a generous cage or to merge your two pairs of guinea pigs. This however can rather easily end in disaster if you do not respect your guinea pigs and their social needs and quirks. Bonding is not quite as easy as introducing your piggies for a happy ever after for you!
Even your pairs may not always be as stable or happy as they grow older. Not all singles will immediately fall in love when seeing another piggy. Some can be actually rather challenging to bond.
Here is more...

• Wiebke
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Behaviour, Bonding and Bereavement

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[Dottygirls]

Thank you both - that is super helpful and confirms what I was leaning towards. If we decide to go forward I’ll talk to some rescues and see what they can advise about trial visits with neutered boars. Thank you!