How to keep Barry amused?

[Alicia]

I got Barry 1 year ago from a woman who didn't want him anymore, she told me he was under 1 year old but I think he's more about 3 years old. He goes in his run every day for at least 4 hours and apart from eating the grass he just sits in the corner. He has a tunnel but he doesn't use it in the run. I'm worried that he's bored. I think he might be lonely but I am too scared to neuter him and put him in with the girls and the old boar he used to live with used to bully him. I have a 6 year old boar that I could put him with but both the boars have been used for breeding before, Barry was bred from before I got him and Roy the old boar managed to escape into the girls run a few years ago. Would this make a difference? Should I try them together? Or are there any other ways I can entertain Barry?

 

[The Potteries Guinea Pig Rescue]

Lonely Barry

Hello xx>>>
Nice to meet you.Sorry to hear about Barry it sounds to me like he is very lonely bless him.Piggies do so love a piggie friend.I would recommend you speak to some of the rescue forums on here and get Barry fixed up with a baby boar friend ! Very few boars wont accept a baby boar and he will be all happy.This has worked for me.
You could try Barry with your older boar or why not fix him up with a baby boar too ? There are guinea people on here with more experienced :{ than me with pairing older boars so i hope they respond soon and i am sure they will sort you out.I understand your hesitency with neutering your boar if your not sure on his age,but the best idea is to speak to an experienced small animal vet for advice.Maybe its something you could consider for your future baby boar if you get one.
Love to you
Helen x

 

[Wiebke]

Is it possible to have both boars next to each other first, so they can meet through mesh and be neighbourly company? Could you eventually divide the run with a temporary mesh?

Many older piggies do mellow with age, so a very slow approach in small steps might work out for them. Your first aim should be that they can share run time eventually; if they get on well, you can go further. But I would take it VERY slowly and not force them together like you would with a youngster as both boys are used to being alone - these tactics have worked before with older boars and you are in control at all times.

 

[Alicia]

Thank you for the replies. Barry's run is right next to Roy's run and they sit next to each other sometimes. Most days recently Barry's been sitting in the corner when he's in the run next to Roy but Roy sometimes runs up and down his run clicking his teeth at Barry. Their runs have been next to each other ever since I've had them and mostly they seem OK through wires. What should I do next?