Help about what go finding a friend for my 5 month old boar who just lost his friend.

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GeoC

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone,
I’m new to the group and was recommended to join by my vet. I’m looking for some advice on finding a new friend for my 5-month-old male guinea pig.
I originally had two boars who were bought together at 12 weeks old, but sadly one of them became very ill. A large tumour was found, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to have him put to sleep because he was losing so much weight and was in a lot of pain. It’s been really difficult, but what makes it even harder is knowing that his brother is now on his own.

I really want to find him a new companion so he’s not lonely, but I’m unsure about what age piggy would be best to pair him with. Would it be better to get a younger boar, maybe around 12 weeks to 5 months, or would an older pig be wiser? I just want to make sure I do the right thing and keep my remaining pig happy and content.

Any advice or guidance would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss

Age is much less of a factor in bonding: what is important is character compatibility.
With that said bonding a teenage boar can be tricky due to the hormones.

If at all possible it is best to get in touch with a rescue centre as they can help ensure compatibility and a successful bonding before you bring a new piggy home.

If that isn’t possible and you have to buy a piggy, then it is best if that piggy is a baby. It doesn’t guarantee success but it is the easier option.
Bonding is a specific process which has to be done in neutral territory so it is important that if you have to do the binding yourself that you follow the correct process so as to not risk causing them to fight.

I’ve added a guide below which explains more

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated Bonding Dynamics and Behaviours
 
Thank you for your quick response. I’ll definitely have a look. I’m happy to spend the time bonding them at home if needed. I have a call with a rescue later to see if they can help me.
The boar I still have has a mellow, slightly shy character, although he’s improving. The one I lost was very boisterous and confident, and that balance worked really well between them, so I’d like to find a similar match.

It’s a horrible feeling losing one of them; I feel very empty right now. I just want to make sure my remaining boy is happy.
 
I am sorry you lost your little piggy. I can't give you qualified advice but hope you can find your remaining piggy a good companion soon.
 
Thank you for all the kind words and advice. I went to a highly recommended guinea pig rescue near where I live this evening to have a chat with them, and they gave me some really helpful guidance. They were so supportive and empathetic, and they really put me at ease about what needs to happen next.
I’ve adopted a baby boar from them, and I’ll be bringing him home in a day or two to hopefully bond with my original piggy and help him feel less lonely and depressed. I can’t believe how everything has happened, from losing my boy to suddenly receiving so much kindness and support. I’m extremely grateful, and I really hope this gives my remaining pig a happy and enjoyable life.
 
GeoC said:
Hi everyone,
I’m new to the group and was recommended to join by my vet. I’m looking for some advice on finding a new friend for my 5-month-old male guinea pig.
I originally had two boars who were bought together at 12 weeks old, but sadly one of them became very ill. A large tumour was found, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to have him put to sleep because he was losing so much weight and was in a lot of pain. It’s been really difficult, but what makes it even harder is knowing that his brother is now on his own.

I really want to find him a new companion so he’s not lonely, but I’m unsure about what age piggy would be best to pair him with. Would it be better to get a younger boar, maybe around 12 weeks to 5 months, or would an older pig be wiser? I just want to make sure I do the right thing and keep my remaining pig happy and content.

Any advice or guidance would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much.
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I am so sorry for your loss. It is incredibly hard to go through something like that, and it is clear how much you care about your boys. Your remaining pig is lucky to have you looking out for him. :hug:


Finding him a new friend is a wonderful idea. At his age, he will often do well with either a younger boar or a calmer adult. Younger boars can sometimes be a good match because the age gap can reduce competition. An adult who has a gentle temperament can work too, since many older pigs are less interested in dominance.

The most important part is a proper introduction on neutral ground and watching their behavior closely. Personality matters more than age, so if you can meet a few candidates through a rescue, that can help you find the best fit.

You are doing the right thing by seeking advice, and your boy will benefit from it. If you have any updates or questions about the bonding process, feel free to share.
 
wheek!guinea said:
I am so sorry for your loss. It is incredibly hard to go through something like that, and it is clear how much you care about your boys. Your remaining pig is lucky to have you looking out for him. :hug:


Finding him a new friend is a wonderful idea. At his age, he will often do well with either a younger boar or a calmer adult. Younger boars can sometimes be a good match because the age gap can reduce competition. An adult who has a gentle temperament can work too, since many older pigs are less interested in dominance.

The most important part is a proper introduction on neutral ground and watching their behavior closely. Personality matters more than age, so if you can meet a few candidates through a rescue, that can help you find the best fit.

You are doing the right thing by seeking advice, and your boy will benefit from it. If you have any updates or questions about the bonding process, feel free to share.
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Thank you for the advice hopefully they will be good
 
GeoC said:
Hi everyone,
I’m new to the group and was recommended to join by my vet. I’m looking for some advice on finding a new friend for my 5-month-old male guinea pig.
I originally had two boars who were bought together at 12 weeks old, but sadly one of them became very ill. A large tumour was found, and we had to make the heartbreaking decision to have him put to sleep because he was losing so much weight and was in a lot of pain. It’s been really difficult, but what makes it even harder is knowing that his brother is now on his own.

I really want to find him a new companion so he’s not lonely, but I’m unsure about what age piggy would be best to pair him with. Would it be better to get a younger boar, maybe around 12 weeks to 5 months, or would an older pig be wiser? I just want to make sure I do the right thing and keep my remaining pig happy and content.

Any advice or guidance would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much.
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear of your loss, RIP little one 🌈
 
Welcome to the forum.
So very sorry for your loss.

@Betsy lives in Dorset and knows a good rescue who may be able to help you.
I think it’s lovely that you are thinking of your bereaved piggy’s needs while your own grief is so raw.
Be gentle with yourself
 
Truffolo said:
Sorry to hear of your loss, RIP little one 🌈
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Thank you! ☺️ His name was Kevin, and I never expected losing him to hurt this much. He had such a big personality, and we had a strong bond. He trusted me, and I really loved having him in my life. It’s been harder than I thought it would be.
 
GeoC said:
Thank you! ☺️ His name was Kevin, and I never expected losing him to hurt this much. He had such a big personality, and we had a strong bond. He trusted me, and I really loved having him in my life. It’s been harder than I thought it would be.
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Piggies are enchanting little animals, adorable and very communicative ❤
 
Here’s a little update for you all. I brought home a new baby boar (adopted) Wednesday night from a lovely lady who runs a well-known guinea pig rescue. He’s meant to be a companion for my remaining pig, Albert, after losing his friend Kevin to illness.

I introduced the baby Stan to Albert, and after the usual initial dominance behaviour, they’ve settled in really well together. Stan seems to be adjusting beautifully, and it’s been so sweet watching them enjoy each other’s company already. It honestly so nice to see Albert pop-corning and wheeking again; he hadn’t done that in the past week while Kevin was unwell. Seeing him happy again felt incredibly fulfilling.

I was a bit nervous about bringing in a new baby, but they genuinely get on so well. I think Albert knew Stan was there to lift his spirits! It really seems like they’re going to form a strong bond.

Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. Kevin will never be replaced, but I’m truly happy that Albert has a new companion and won’t have to be alone moving forward. ☺️

Left photo was Kevin enjoying himself 🥲 right photo is Albert and his new companion Stan enjoying some hay together on the Guinea Pig cam I have set up to keep an eye on them ☺️
 

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How are Stan and Albert getting along - guinea pigs just love having a friend 🥰
 
Ah so lovely ❤️❤️
I have a ginger pig called Geoff and a skinny pig called Freddy IMG_8418.webp
 
Geoff looks just like Stan 😂
 

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GeoC said:
Geoff looks just like Stan 😂
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Geoff is very gentle and lets me do anything for him …whereas Freddy 😬 but he’s lovely
I can see Albert and Stan are great friends already ❤️❤️
 
That was like my pig that I just lost Kevin 🥲 super confident would let me pick him up and he would climb on my hands etc. Albert has always been a bit shy but we are working on it 🙏 and Stan seems to be very calm with me so I’ve been able to handle him with ease. This was Kevin I miss him
 

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GeoC said:
That was like my pig that I just lost Kevin 🥲 super confident would let me pick him up and he would climb on my hands etc. Albert has always been a bit shy but we are working on it 🙏 and Stan seems to be very calm with me so I’ve been able to handle him with ease. This was Kevin I miss him
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What a lovely boy - they leave big holes in our heart when they leave
The pain of the loss is because of the love we had for them
Kevin will always be in your heart and thoughts and you have lots of memories of him ❤️
Take care of yourself as you grieve
 
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