I have a pig who might need to be neutered (trying to find out now if it’s male or female)
How soon can they be bonded after that procedure?
Hi
Here is our Sexing Guide, which aims at teaching owners how to learn where exactly to look and feel for when sexing (there are some much more gender divisive areas that are not as obvious) with lots of comparison pictures of piggies of all ages and states:
Illustrated Sexing Guide
You are welcome to ask for a second opinion on here but we would like you to try for yourself first. The more people do no longer have to rely on the judgement on others who should know but sadly all to often don't, the better. When you post a pictureplease make sure that it is clear and well-lit so it doesn't become a guessing game for us - we refuse to play those with something as serious as sexing. We would also like a second picture of the inside of the slit.
You upload any pictures ideally via the Attach Files button underneath your post when you write it. Not all formats are supported on here since we are not part of social media but this way always works.
As to neutering:
Here is our comprehensive information on boar neutering, which you may find very helpful if you have a boy:
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care
We recommend a 6 weeks post-op wait for any boar over 3-4 weeks of age (Frühkastration in Germany), which is following RSPCA welfare practice (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the leading animal charity in the UK). The little baby in my avatar picture on the left is the surprise gift from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post-op boar (not one of my own) in the days before the post-op wait was firmed up at 6 weeks.
If in any doubt, please ask your vet whether their recommended post-op wait covers most or the full risk of a possible pregnancy. As Tegan's example shows (she was by no means the only case of a pregnancy post 4 weeks), there is a crucial difference between mainly safe and totally safe - and when you pay a lot of money to prevent any accidents, you really do not want them to happen.
You can keep your boy and girl in adjoining cages for company through the bars and to make hopefully friends before the actual bonding, as long as your boy cannot climb or jump over or wiggle under or through any divider. When sows come into season, boars can be amazingly athletic and determined.
All the best!
