Advice please

[pinklaces34]

Hi guys, I havn't been on here in a while, last time I was on I was introducing a baby boar to our adult male, which thanks to all the good advice went very well and they were best friends for 2 and a 1/2 years, unfortunatley our adult boar Snuggles had to be put down last night due to Kidney failure so he has left his friend on his own. My husband has found someone with a pair of baby boars who are looking for a forever home. My first question is would introducing both of these to our adult work? obviously under the right circumstances and my second question is if it did work are we going to have problems with the two young ones when they both reach adolescence together?

Any help as I don't want Justin to be alone for too long

Thanks

 

[lauralucy]

trios of boars rarely work.

personally i would stick with 2 unless your ready for any fallouts.

have you tried local rescues? to Boar date Justin?

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Hello, Sorry to hear about your Loss R.I.P Snuggles.

I would strongly advice against trying to introduce Justin to the baby pair, Trio's very rarely work, and it would be very risky for you to try, it could cause problems and ruin the bond between the babies, then you end up with 3 lone boars in separate cages.

I would suggest taking Justin "boar dating" at a rescue, letting him choose his own friend, that way you are guaranteed a good bond and 2 happy boars. Alternatively, you could consider getting Justin neutered and getting him a wifepig.

Please make sure Justin is happy and eating at the moment, he will probably be quiet, but it is important he is eating.

xx

 

[pinklaces34]

Thanks for the advice guys. We are keeping a close eye on Justin I am so gutted for him when they were out in the run on Sunday he spent the whole time just sat next to snuggles but we thought it was just too cold for them so put them back in the hutch, obviously know now he knew his friend wasn't well. Does anybody know how much neutering normally costs?

Thanks

 

[Toffeewoffee]

Around about £50, thats what i paid 4 years ago anyway. Though please seek a very good experienced vet to do it if you decide to go down that route, as with any operation it is a risky procedure.

Bless him, its funny how they know isn't it?

xx

 

[Wiebke]

If you are located in Britain, there is the possibility to boar date any single or bereaved boar at a good rescue under expert supervision. That maximises Justin's chance at finding a character compatible companion (the key to a stable boar bond) and minimises your risk of ending up with boars that won't get on.
Here is a list of recommended (and vetted) guinea pig rescues. The vast majority offer boar dating in some form.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0
Here is Suzy's boar dating blog from her rescue. She practises full (i.e. residential) boar dating, which is the safest, but also the most time consuming way to bond boars of all ages. Any resulting boar bond is however as stable as a sow bond. Not all rescues have the time to offer this specific service; some just offer "speed dating" with a youngster.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59233

If you want to go down the neutering route, please be aware that it is crucial to find an experienced vet with a good track record in successful guinea pig neutering, as the risk of post op complications (and deaths) is sadly still far too common and can easily cost you a multiple of the operation cost, not to mention the heartbreak and sleepless nights.
You also have to factor in a full 6 weeks post op wait before your boar is 100% safe to go with girls. I have the surprise baby from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post op boar (not one of mine), to prove that particular point!
Generally, cross gender pairings are the most stable, provided the boar has been initially accepted by his sow (not all will necessarily; so again dating at a rescue can help to make sure that he finds the lady of his dreams).
http://www.cavyspirit.com/neutering.htm

As to other boar options and boar pairings, you will find this link here helpful. We generally do not encourage trios with young boars; the fall out rate during the stroppy adolescent months is very high and most trios end up with separation.
http://www.susieandpigs.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/optionsmenu.htm

Please give Justin a rag or cuddly toy to snuggle into in the meantime (if possible with his friend's fading scent on).

 

[MargaretB]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope you can manage to find Justin a new friend soon.