2 More Boars?

[bobsie]

i have 2 "teddy" guinea pigs that are brothers and 1yr old, they live in an insulated hutch 6ft by 2ft. I want to get 2 more boars but in a separate hutch of the same size.

The run is 9ft by 10ft it's prectically a big part of the garden sectioned off with picket fence, mesh and covered with pond mesh over the full area to stop cats.

I want to put the new hutch in there with them, so they will be separate but together. When it comes to playing in the "piggy town" can I let them play together? I know it would have to be slow but do you see any problems?

The two I have now are VERY placid they were bred for showing ( although this isn't my thing ) I'm still unsure who is the top boar.

What do you think?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! While some mostly laid back and no longer hormonal adult next door boars will get on with shared grazing time, most will not. You have to be aware that playtime is not what guinea pigs see it as - anytime guinea pigs meet, especially boars, they will start the bonding ritual and dominance sort-out. At the worst, it can cause fights and fall-outs in or between established pairs.

I would personally not force the issue, especially at first and especially not with any sub-adult piggies in the mix.

 

[bobsie]

So is a better idea splitting the run so they are completely separate or let them out with the use of all the space but2 at a time?

 

[Wiebke]

So is a better idea splitting the run so they are completely separate or let them out with the use of all the space but2 at a time?

I would split if you want them to get acquainted with each other once the new arrivals have settled in and have established their own hierarchy, so the can cope with an added stress factor to their new bond. Timesharing will also work. it very much depends on the age and kind of bond that your newbies have.