Boar Dating?

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Hi,

My partner and I recently bought our first cavies - 3 brothers at 10 weeks.

We have since been advised that keeping 3 boars together is likely to lead to fighting in the long term - and we've seen a few signs of this already.

Ernie and Alfie seem to get on best, so we are looking for a friend for Hugo, preferably an older boar who is used to being handled and can provide a good role model.

We have found a few possible candidates within our area, but how do you know if the 'date' went well? What are the signs of successful bonding? How long should the 2 be together before we make a judgement, etc...?

Lots of advice appreciated please! :)

Thanks,

Lu
 
The best way to do boar dating is through a good rescue, as they will know all the signs of if it went well! :) Otherwise your risking a fight, or possibly a bad match, where about are you in the UK? :)
 
Hi - welcome to the forum :)


There are a few rescues that offer boar dating - it would be helpful if you post your .loaction and others willo be able to advise of a suitable rescue that offers this service for you :)

Ive got 9 pigs 5 of which are boys (they live as 2 pairs and my 1 neutered boy lives with his 2 wives). Boar paring is more than just putting two boys together and hoping they'll get along - at your boys ages you would probably do better with an older boar. To ensure a good match it's all about matching personalities. Please be aware though that not all rescue pigs come well handled - however what you will have is a happy, healthy guinea that deserves nothing but the best.

My neutered boy was from a rescue and while he was very nervous when we first got him (back in march) he's now a very contented little man who loves attention (he comes running to the side of the cage when called and will happily fall asleep on your lap) - even though hes not too happy about being groomed (as he's a long haired boy) he is one of my most laid back piggies :)

Good luck in finding your new addition :) i seriously doubt you'll stop at 4! i only had 1 when i first joined and now have 9 - to be honest if i could afford more and had a bigger house id have a lot more piggies :))
 
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Hey,

Thanks for the responses guys :)

We're in Cambridge. We need to look locally because we don't want poor Hugo to be traumatised by a long journey.

We've had a look on Gumtree, Preloved, and freecycle style sites for unwanted boars, and looked on local rescue websites. However, there are very few solo boars around! :(

I'm liking little Travis here very much though: http://www.woodgreen.org.uk/rehome/small_animals/1535_travis (although it says he enjoys eating grass - which we cannot provide, as ours are indoor piggies).

Once it gets past a reasonable hour, we're going to contact the rescues and ask if they have any boars which have not been advertised on the sites and enquire as to whether they will allow us to bring Hugo along to meet them :)

Matching personalities shouldn't be too much of an issue - as we're really starting to get to know our boys (even though we've only had them 3 days!). Hugo and Alfie are fighting for the alpha spot - Hugo is quite skittish when we are around, even though he's the most adventurous and boldest of the 3 when he thinks we are not watching. He's short haired, smooth ginger and white, and slightly red-eyed (only in certain light).

Roll on 9am so we can go! I'm excited :D
 
Hi there

Here's my thread on the Boar Dating Service at the Glynneath Guinea Pig Rescue. I'm too far away to be of help but it will give you an idea of what to expect with dating. It's very long but it covers lots of different dates, some good, some not.

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=59233

Bonding males is not something I would recommend to the inexperienced as so much can go wrong and when it does the boys can inflict a lot of damage on each other so I would always advise any member with a single pig to go piggy dating at a reputable rescue.l

HTH

Suzy x
 
Thanks Suzy. I only wish we lived closer.

We've had a look around and there are no single adult boars around our area! :( I'm not sure what we're going to do for poor Hugo.

Is it true that if we bought a sow into the house, there may be an awful lot of fights between all the boys?

If this is not the case, obviously, we would get them neutered accordingly - would it be best to get Hugo neutered if he was to live with her - or is it better to ensure the sow is neutered... just in case?

Sorry for all the questions - but the information provided on the internet varies, and you lot seem to know your stuff :)

Lu
 
Introducing females in to a male environment can cause problems, not always. I have most of the rescue pigs in the same room, males housed away or above from the females and rarely have any issues. The younger boys can be more problematic though as they are very hormonal.

If you were to get your boy neutered he needs to be at least 5/6 months old, and you will be well advised to research the vet, procedure and post op care involved as it is not a decision to be taken lightly. Very few females are spayed as it is a very big op to undertake, recent females on the forum that have been spayed have suffered post op complications.

There is a new rescue that may be in your area - Mosschops rescue - try googling it to see if they are close enough.

HTH

Suzy x
 
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