Baby boy as a friend to older boy?

[Seven7]

I contacted a local breeder to get a baby boy as a cage-mate for Finn who will be 8 years old this year. Finn lost his best friend Bear recently.
Wouldn't a baby boy be better as a cage-mate than a teenager or an older boy from a shelter? I just need your input.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Possibly, but it all comes down to character compatibility.
As with any on spec bonding, you would need to have a plan b for living separately if the bonding failed.
Don’t forget a baby will become a teenager soon enough and then issues might occur at that point.

Personally given finn’s age and the fact older boars just want companionship, seeing what the shelter have regarding older piggies might be a wise move before going to get a breeder baby (which comes with the risks associated with getting breeder babies).

 

[weepweeps]

Given Finns age you could always get a pair of bonded boars to live along side him if you have the space.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I lost one of my 6 year olds last week. His cagemate, also 6, will not be bonded with either of my other single boars as they are all too dominant but he is very happy living alongside them

 

[Seven7]

I lost one of my 6 year olds last week. His cagemate, also 6, will not be bonded with either of my other single boars as they are all too dominant but he is very happy living alongside them

Finn and Ben fought drawing blood, so Ben always lived next to Finn and Bear. Ben will be 2 years old this year. I tried putting Finn and Ben after Bear was gone, but it didn't work out. They are clearly happier living separately.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Finn and Ben fought drawing blood, so Ben always lived next to Finn and Bear. Ben will be 2 years old this year. I tried putting Finn and Ben after Bear was gone, but it didn't work out. They are clearly happier living separately.

Yep that’s a good move to keep them separate.
Just to keep in mind that if Finn and his new companion don’t bond then you’ve got to have space for three separate cages.
If Finn and Ben already live beside each other then technically neither of them need another companion. Of course if you want more piggies then that is great but it does also mean that you can take your time in finding the right friend for him

 

[fluffysal]

Another option is a cage mate for Ben, with him being so much younger it's more likely that Finn will pass first (sorry to say it)..

 

[Seven7]

Yep that’s a good move to keep them separate.
Just to keep in mind that if Finn and his new companion don’t bond then you’ve got to have space for three separate cages.
If Finn and Ben already live beside each other then technically neither of them need another companion. Of course if you want more piggies then that is great but it does also mean that you can take your time in finding the right friend for him

I have had three boys, and I think I like having three boys.
My twin size day bed has been turned into a home for two boys, Finn and late Bear. Ben has a giant house on his own next to the twin day bed.
The twin day bed can easily be turned into two living spaces if the new boy doesn't get along with Finn and Ben, so space is not an issue.