do some boars prefer to be alone?

[beanjaminfranklin]

I've had Bean for a year, he's always been an "only child" so for the anniversary of his adoption, I got a younger boar. The new boar (Potato, Tato for short) is in a separate cage and has shown interest in Bean but Bean could not care less. Granted it's only been 24 hours, but Tato has wheeked a couple times and Bean ignores him, Tato has sniffed around Bean's cage from his own and from the floor, at one point Tato stuck his nose in between the bars of the cage right up against Bean's nose and Bean seriously acted like he didn't even see him. He's been sleeping a lot, but he's eating normally, pooping normally, there's no excess discharge coming from his eyes, nose or mouth, his breathing is regular. TMI warning, he's had a nasty anal impaction but I clean the area weekly and it's clearing up well. The only thing I can think is that he's mad at me because he was in two Midwest cages connected by a ramp for about a month, and I separated the cages - one for each pig - until they're used to each other and can share the space. Could it be that he doesn't want a companion since he's been alone for so long?

 

[Freela]

I don't have boars, so hopefully someone can give you some more specific advice. However, when I've introduced new pigs, a period of 'pretend I don't see the newbie' has occurred often. It definitely doesn't mean he won't warm to having a friend with some time. Have you checked out the sticky notes on bonding behaviors at the top of the page above? You may find them really helpful as you go through the process.

 

[beanjaminfranklin]

I don't have boars, so hopefully someone can give you some more specific advice. However, when I've introduced new pigs, a period of 'pretend I don't see the newbie' has occurred often. It definitely doesn't mean he won't warm to having a friend with some time. Have you checked out the sticky notes on bonding behaviors at the top of the page above? You may find them really helpful as you go through the process.

Oooh okay, it gives me peace of mind to know other pigs ignore newbies! Thank you!

 

[Claire W]

I really wouldn’t give up hope. As above, it isn’t rare for an existing pig to ignore the newbie. I’m sure that he would love a friend when the time comes for bonding

 

[Swissgreys]

I would also add that if Bean has been on his own for so long it might just take him a while to work out that he is a guinea pig and would quite enjoy having a friend.

 

[Wiebke]

I've had Bean for a year, he's always been an "only child" so for the anniversary of his adoption, I got a younger boar. The new boar (Potato, Tato for short) is in a separate cage and has shown interest in Bean but Bean could not care less. Granted it's only been 24 hours, but Tato has wheeked a couple times and Bean ignores him, Tato has sniffed around Bean's cage from his own and from the floor, at one point Tato stuck his nose in between the bars of the cage right up against Bean's nose and Bean seriously acted like he didn't even see him. He's been sleeping a lot, but he's eating normally, pooping normally, there's no excess discharge coming from his eyes, nose or mouth, his breathing is regular. TMI warning, he's had a nasty anal impaction but I clean the area weekly and it's clearing up well. The only thing I can think is that he's mad at me because he was in two Midwest cages connected by a ramp for about a month, and I separated the cages - one for each pig - until they're used to each other and can share the space. Could it be that he doesn't want a companion since he's been alone for so long?

Hi!

There is a chance that Bean has lost the ability to see himself as a guinea pig if he was separated at too young an age before he could fully socialise. Please give the boys a bit more time as neighbours. It can also be that he is somewhat afraid of the newbie.

You may find these guides below interesting and helpful. The singles guides deals with several of these aspects and boar guide deals with socialisation and also age/development.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[beanjaminfranklin]

Hi!

There is a chance that Bean has lost the ability to see himself as a guinea pig if he was separated at too young an age before he could fully socialise. Please give the boys a bit more time as neighbours. It can also be that he is somewhat afraid of the newbie.

You may find these guides below interesting and helpful. The singles guides deals with several of these aspects and boar guide deals with socialisation and also age/development.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

These guides are so helpful, thank you! I wish I had been more knowledgeable when I adopted him.

 

[Wiebke]

These guides are so helpful, thank you! I wish I had been more knowledgeable when I adopted him.

We are all on a learning curve; there are always times when we wish we known then what we know now - and that applies to all of us!

If the two boys don't work out, could you keep them as next door neighbours?

 

[beanjaminfranklin]

We are all on a learning curve; there are always times when we wish we known then what we know now - and that applies to all of us!

If the two boys don't work out, could you keep them as next door neighbours?

Yes that's my plan I bought two of everything just in case