What age cage mate should I give my boar?

[Iggleandpiggle959]

Hello, I have recently lost my 27 month old boar leaving his 9 month old cage mate (also a boar) on his own since Sunday. I am looking for advice on what age group would be best to pair him with?
thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Age is not relevant. Its character compatibility which is the determining factor of a successful bond. If possible look to rescue centres who offer boar dating so he can choose his own new friend (regardless of age). However, given the current lockdown situation, it may be harder so getting yourself on a waiting list for dating for when it is possible again with restrictions lifted is a good idea. As he is right in the middle of his teens with hormones flying, bonding with another boar can be trickier, not impossible though, so having the help of a rescue centre in finding a good match is a good idea. If you buy a piggy on spec from a pet shop for example, then you will need a plan B in mind in case the bonding doesn't work and they dont like each other. In that event, they would need to live in separate but side by side cages for interaction through the bars.

 

[Iggleandpiggle959]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Age is not relevant. Its character compatibility which is the determining factor of a successful bond. If possible look to rescue centres who offer boar dating so he can choose his own new friend (regardless of age). However, given the current lockdown situation, it may be harder so getting yourself on a waiting list for dating for when it is possible again with restrictions lifted is a good idea. As he is right in the middle of his teens with hormones flying, bonding with another boar can be trickier, not impossible though, so having the help of a rescue centre in finding a good match is a good idea. If you buy a piggy on spec from a pet shop for example, then you will need a plan B in mind in case the bonding doesn't work and they dont like each other. In that event, they would need to live in separate but side by side cages for interaction through the bars.

thank you so much this is so helpful as we were considering getting a piggie from a pet shop before you said this. Would it matter if it was a while before he got a cage mate?

 

[Piggies&buns]

thank you so much this is so helpful as we were considering getting a piggie from a pet shop before you said this. Would it matter if it was a while before he got a cage mate?

A bereaved piggy is usually ok for a few weeks alone, but it depends entirely on the piggy. You will need to make sure he is as happy as he can be, eating well and not losing weight. While rescue dating is the best and preferable way to find a new friend as you can be assured of a healthy, compatible companion, your piggy’s welfare must come first and given the delays COVID is causing in many aspects, if he begins to show signs of distress due to being alone, buying a piggy from a pet shop may become the option you simply have to take for the sake of your boy. You do have some time to speak to and get on waiting lists at rescue centres provided he is ok. I think reputable rescue centres will prioritise bereaved piggies for bonding

The guide below explains how to look after a bereaved piggy.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

If you do have to get a pet shop piggy friend for your boy, then the process of bonding must be followed properly. As a pet shop piggy is likely to be very young, bonding must be done straight away when you bring a new baby home as piggies under four months of age should never be alone. This means you cannot quarantine a baby piggy.

Your other option is to use this time to have your boy neutered, have his six week wait and then bond him with a sow(s). Boar/sow pairings tend to be more stable once they are past the acceptance stage and given your boy is a teenager it may be the preferable option.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
I’m not going to repeat the great advice from @Piggies&buns but I hope you can find a lovely companion for your boy soon.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve

 

[Iggleandpiggle959]

Sorry for the late replies but I wanted to reply when everything was sorted. We were able to find someone with a boar who could have a play date and we now have a little boy with us. Thank you so much for all your help : )