Boar or Sow?

[Jbrooke14]

Hi, I'm doing a lot of research before getting my piggies, and have found two rescue centres by me.

Firstly, from what i have read it seems boars are more hard work than sows, purely because of having to clean their genitals daily, and the issues around that...then apparently boars go through a difficult teenage time?

And there seems to be more boars than sows in rescue centres...?

So what should i go for?

We're a family with a 4yo, 1yo and 5m. Obviously the piggies will be handled by me, and under very close supervision when 4yo is having a cuddle...is one prone to be more cuddly/friendly?

 

[Bill & Ted]

I have two boars and they are very tame, it does depend on their personality to some degree, and also how much time you have to build that bond with them. All piggies can be very timid and scared when you first get them and it does take time and effort to “tame” them. It’s usually older boars that need their “bits” tending to occasionally and can suffer compaction but this is not that common. I’ve never had to do this with any male piggie I’ve ever had. They are generally full of character and mischief, so please don’t discount them.
A couple of sows is probably an easier proposition for a first timer though, good luck I’m sure whatever you decide you will enjoy them x

As long as you are buying them “for you” and not your children as most children soon loose interest and they can live for 8 years plus.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
It really depends on personality.
I have sows, one of whom is long haired and that requires grooming and extra bum cleaning.
As she has as much attitude as fur this can fun!

When you go to the rescue why not see which piggies give your heart a tug.
It’s great you are doing research first - I’m sure you will be a great owner.
Looking forward to seeing pictures when you get your piggies

 

[Wiebke]

Hi, I'm doing a lot of research before getting my piggies, and have found two rescue centres by me.

Firstly, from what i have read it seems boars are more hard work than sows, purely because of having to clean their genitals daily, and the issues around that...then apparently boars go through a difficult teenage time?

And there seems to be more boars than sows in rescue centres...?

So what should i go for?

We're a family with a 4yo, 1yo and 5m. Obviously the piggies will be handled by me, and under very close supervision when 4yo is having a cuddle...is one prone to be more cuddly/friendly?

Hi!

Are the rescues you have located on our list of recommended good standard rescues, which have a mandatory quarantine and vet care, a pregnancy watch for any incoming sows over 4 weeks. They take care to put only stably bonded pairs up for adoption and will also help you to find a pair that is suitable for a family; don't go by looks, gender or age - adult piggies past their teenage hormones that are used to a home environment and handling is what you are looking for! Healthy guinea pigs live for 5-7 years on average; so getting younger adults will give you many years but allows you to avoid the trickiest boar age.

Please be aware that anybody can call themselves a rescue or a breeder without licensing and control. Make sure that any rescue you go to has a mandatory quarantine and vet care and take care to have a home check - this means that they really care what kind of home their piggies go to. Do not rehome from a 'rescue' that has piggies with bald patches that ae explained away as 'dry skin' or a 'seasonal problem' - these patches are invariably caused by mange mites or ringworm (fungal).
Here are our vetted recommended piggy savvy rescues lists:
UK: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Key to any successful piggy bond is mutual liking and character compatibility, which is something that breeders, shops etc. don't provide - hence the high fall-out rate of teenage boars, especially when you combine that with too small cages. It's not the boars that are the problem, it is the humans that fail them, often more than once.

You may find these guides here helpful:
This guide here discusses the various pros and cons for every combination to help you make an informed decision. Key to any successful bond is character compatibility and mutual liking.
Boars, sows or mixed pairs; babies or adults?

Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths (a once weekly check for healthy boars is all that is needed, by the way!)
Sow Behaviour

Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents

 

[Jbrooke14]

Yes, definitely the piggies are for me primarily, but my children will obviously help out. I'll take a look through that list of recommended rescue centres and see which is closest. The two rescue centres I'm in touch with are not on that list, how do i check that these are ok? Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, definitely the piggies are for me primarily, but my children will obviously help out. I'll take a look through that list of recommended rescue centres and see which is closest. The two rescue centres I'm in touch with are not on that list, how do i check that these are ok? Thanks

Ask them for their quarantining measures, what vet they use and whether their pets are vet checked before being put up for adoption. Any rescue that hasn't got any rehoming requirements is not a rescue worth its salt. Any rescue that will not allow you to see how their piggies are kept in rescue are also highly suspect.

 

[Reenie]

Welcome to the forum! It's great to rescue guinea pigs. I'm all about the boys though. I've 5 of them and they've all got their own personalities. Admittedly there's a bit less chance of a fall out with sows, and the option to grow your herd when you become totally addicted (which you will). Good luck whatever you decide x

 

[Chris24]

Unfortunately there are generally more boars at shelters as they are a bit harder to pair with other boars due to dominance behaviour. Some people say boars are cuddlier and more interactive with humans but I believe it really depends on the personality of the individual piggy.

Another option is to get a neutered boar with one or more sows. This makes for a particularly good mix as the boar will (normally) become top pig and keep the girls in check when they are having arguments.