Bonding Piggies

Status
Not open for further replies.
Connie

Connie

Adult Guinea Pig
Joined
Jun 11, 2011
Messages
3,068
Reaction score
53
Points
560
Location
Swindon
Heya, I'm new here and hoping for a little advice.
I picked up a rescue Boar piggy today, I'm not sure exactly how old he is but hes still quite young (less than 4 months definatly) I already have 2 piggies who are brothers, and are 6 1/2 months old. After the 2 week Quaranteen period i hope to bond them, as if they cannot bond he will have to go back to the rescue. :( I have had piggies before, however they were all 4 brothers. Anybody got any advice for me?
 
Please brace yourself that things might not work out; if things go really pearshaped, you can up with three single boars! Many trios don't make it through the stroppy months intact if all boars are in them.

Personally, I find introducing a third piggy to a stable pair the bonding most likely to go wrong, irrespective of the gender. I would urge you to rethink, especially if you do not have the option to keep a single boar. Did your newbie come from a rescue or did you take him on yourself?

Here is more about boar behaviour, so you know what to look out for:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=28949

Make sure that all boars get to eat, drink and sleep (have three bowls, hideys etc.). Please weigh them once weekly.
 
Last edited:
Oh NO!

Is it really that big a problem? I was offered him from a rescue centre... i could take him back. :(
Oh dear... i didnt know it could cause so many problems!
 
Connie said:
Is it really that big a problem? I was offered him from a rescue centre... i could take him back. :(
Oh dear... i didnt know it could cause so many problems!
Click to expand...

Some trios of boars work, many have done. I have two sets of paired boars, even they may go wrong once the babies get older. The only two things you can do is try bonding them, or take him back to the rescue.

It's worth a go I suppose, but as said.. worst case, you could end up wrecking the already bonded pair's relationship and cause them to fight.
 
Ok

Thanks very much for the advice, i think i have to try but ofcourse any sign of my bonded pair argueing and my new piggy will have to be returned. :( Anyone else who has ANY advice I'm still very much willing to listen.
 
Sorry but I can only echo what Wiebke has posted :(

I have a big interest in boars and boar behaviour, your original pair are going through the boar hormonal stage and will continue to do so for quite a while yet and another one put in is very very likely to cause fireworks, not necessarily on the first meeting but maybe a few weeks down the line when hierarchy and relationships start to develop.
I rehome boars for a rescue, and I insist on a boar date to check compatility.
Its a shame the rescue you got the wee lad from didnt give you more information before they rehomed him to you. :(

I know people have had trios of boars but to be honest I think its few and minority that have survived through to old age, and I think placing another boar with 2 bonded 6 months old is very much likely to fail.

With boars I stick to a pair its much safer, and I have a very large c&c cage for my pairs, as boys do tend to fall out over space, well they will bicker over most thing actually :)

I have found that the personality works best if one boar is very laid back and the other one can became top boar with out fighting for that place.
 
:)

Ok, thanks everybody for your help! Sad as it was i decided the right thing to do was to take him back to the rescue. They were very understand and have been rehoming quickly lately so hopefully someone else will be able to home him. :)

I'm lucky i think, my piggies have never argued in the 3 months ive had them. Obviously i will keep an eye on there bond.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top