Bonding through the bars-yes or no

[Teatae23]

Hello again everyone! So my boar is currently recovering from neuter surgery (and he is really healthy and happy). I'm planning to reintroduce him to my two girls after 6 weeks as advised. I was wondering is it a good idea to let him have floor time around the girls' cage (c&c cage) to make the bonding process easier later, or is it not suggested?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello again everyone! So my boar is currently recovering from neuter surgery (and he is really healthy and happy). I'm planning to reintroduce him to my two girls after 6 weeks as advised. I was wondering is it a good idea to let him have floor time around the girls' cage (c&c cage) to make the bonding process easier later, or is it not suggested?

Hi!

If you already have girls you want your freshly neutered boar to bond with at the end of his safety wait, then it is indeed of advantage if he can live in an adjoining cage and interact through the bars all the time. this is going to markedly enhance his chances of acceptance.

A single boar can always live next to sows (as he hasn't got anybody to fall out with and his presence won't cause the kind of problems that bonded boars get in the presence of sows. However, you have to make very sure that he cannot climb, squeeze, wiggle or jump out of his cage or somehow get into the girls' cage as the determination and stounding athleticism is greatest when one of them is in season.
Cable ties and a traditional cage for your boar (if necessary second-hand from the free-ads) are strongly recommended.

More on this score in chapter 3 of our boar guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Our comprehensive bonding guide, which also includes the run up: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[Merab]

I can echo @Wiebke ‘s advice.
My little boar Micah lived next to the girls for his 6 week wait.
He had the companionship he desperately needed and they all got to know him.
When I took away the bars bonding was a resounding success and all 4 live very happily together.