How old can a boar be neutered?

[CPHill]

Hi. I am now getting over the shock of the 2 surprise births mickey had 3 days ago after 2 weeks of bringing them home from yes, a petshop!

I think we have one of each pup so am beginning to think about the future and it is breaking my heart to think about separating them but obviously don't want any more births! We have 2 sows and 2 pups which I think is a boy and girl. I know the boy needs to be removed at 3 weeks and I hate to think of him missing mum and sister so I'm thinking of options. How old can a boy be neutered at? If he has to live on his own for a few months though before going back will he get depressed and lonely so would it be kinder to rehome him now with another boy? I've not got the room to home him myself though with another boy

Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks

 

[Shellza]

I think boys should be at least 12 weeks before getting neutered. It depends on how well they develop as well as general health and weight. When I was researching for my boy I read that they should weigh at least 650g before the vets will operate. Most people will say that 6 months is the best time to wait. They have to be separated for 4 to 6 weeks after the op too. I don't know what would be best for your little one in your situation. With Archie I had him in a cage next to my girls while waiting for him to get bigger. He did seem lonely though and did my head in by chewing on the bars trying to get in with them.

 

[Lolapiggie]

Hi, I am in the same situation! Two babies, and one is a boy and one is a girl. I have bought a really big cage (150) and am going to partition a bit of it off tomorrow to keep the boar in He is three weeks old today - and I also want to get him neutured. The little girl can live with my two sows.

I'll let you know how it goes! The thought of it breaks my heart! xx

 

[Wiebke]

In this country, boars are usually not neutered before 4-6 months old, depending on the vet, the weight/general health.

Young boars are often sought after as company ofr a bereaved boar, so you might find a home for your boy through the forum or you could contact a reputable rescue in your area to make sure that your boy will only go to home checked good home.
http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk/gp/centres.asp#Somerset
This new rescue near Bristol comes with the recoomendation from another rescue forum member: http://yatesmallanimalfosterandrehome.webs.com/contactus.htm

I had to rehome my two surprise babies from a shop bought sow due circumstances when I started out with guinea pigs again, so I know what you are facing!

 

[Cavy2009]

I didn't have my boars done until they were 6 months old. They seemed to have coped better with that.

 

[Abi_nurse]

Depends on the vet sometimes. 4 months onward i would say, some vets will only castrate when they are at a certain weight i think.

x.