Getting my only guinea pig a companion...so many questions!

[GeorgesHuman]

I have had my 4 year old guinea pig, George since he was a little piglet. He was bought as a present for me, and the person who bought him didn't realise that piggies should always come in pairs or packs.

He is extremely social with people and squeaks like mad whenever he wants human interaction. I have him out whenever i'm home, but as I do work, I worry about him being alone for hours on end so i've been thinking of buying a young male to keep Georgie boy company but i'm hesitant for a number of reasons.

He is quite territorial when I put my hand into his home and I fear that he will reject the new pig and hurt it, or it will hurt him and i'll come home to a bloodbath or dead piggie

Second of all, i'm afraid that a new pig might bring disease to George like ringworm or ticks or something and I don't want my (so far) healthy piggie to get ill. He's my baby!

Also, what if George likes living alone as it is, and hates his new house mate?


I just don't know what to do for the best, so thanks in advance for any replies and advice!

 

[pig in the city]

I think it might be difficult to pair him with another male, a baby male would probably be ok at first but as he grew up it may lead to fighting. He is also a bit old to be neutered so that he could go with a female. What about getting him a friend to go in an adjacent cage? Maybe a rescue pig. at least they could chat to each other and there would be no infection risks?

 

[Lady Kelly]

I would contact a local rescue and chat with them, they might be able to do "piggy dating" to see if he takes to another male or not. I would go for a younger male but at least you can see his reaction before you get one home

 

[Wiebke]

The best way is if you can get to a rescue that offers "boar dating" so George can find a companion he really clicks with. You also don't have the problem of being stuck with a second piggy that he may fall out with.

I have bonded single piggies of mine successfully that way. Just keep an open mind, as you probably won't come back home with your own favourite, but with a very happy George!

I can warmly recommend this rescue here: http://www.smallpawsrescue.co.uk/

 

[Niki]

Whilst allowing George to choose his own friend is the best way there are still no guarantees their relationship will stay harmonious when the baby's teens hit.

I have had boars who have chosen their own baby boars & i've had to separate them when baby has hit the teens. 2 pairings ended with wounds on both, 1 pairing ended with no wounds but from bullying by the adult boar to the extent where he would chase the younger from any food bowl & spend his time chasing him from the veggies (which were scattered).

However, having said that, i do have 1 pair who are still happy together (bar the odd little tiff) after 18 months of living together. The elder, in this pairing, also chose his baby boar.