I'm After Some Advice About Future Pigs

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Sue and Smartie

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I have Geraldine left from a pair of sows. Geraldine is 4 years old. Her sister died on Tuesday this week and we are all grieving still.
But I will find her a suitable friend or friends, only I would like some advice from you piggy people.

I was offered two guinea pigs some time back, the little girl said she wanted me to have them when I had space, so her mum was keeping them for me. They are boars and un-neutered (they're about a year old). Obviously if I had them I would take them in to be neutered, but could this work in reality? Two boars and one sow? Or am I living in cloud-cuckoo land?
I would like to take these two on but Geraldine's needs come first, and I don't want to take them and find I've made a bad choice.
Thanks.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
I have Geraldine left from a pair of sows. Geraldine is 4 years old. Her sister died on Tuesday this week and we are all grieving still.
But I will find her a suitable friend or friends, only I would like some advice from you piggy people.

I was offered two guinea pigs some time back, the little girl said she wanted me to have them when I had space, so her mum was keeping them for me. They are boars and un-neutered (they're about a year old). Obviously if I had them I would take them in to be neutered, but could this work in reality? Two boars and one sow? Or am I living in cloud-cuckoo land?
I would like to take these two on but Geraldine's needs come first, and I don't want to take them and find I've made a bad choice.
Thanks.
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Hi!I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever if feels right for you.


Unfortunately two boars with any number of sows in a group will not work, whether with full or neutered piggies of either gender. Two boars that are not used to living next to sows should also not be within sight and reach of pheromones of a sow as it will cause problems and in the worst case, fights and fall-outs.

The best way of finding new company for Geraldine is by rescue dating her; mutual liking comes before age and gender (another sow or neutered boar). If she can choose who she wants to live with, you can be assured that you have a happy and stable relationship. Most of our recommended good standard rescues offer dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so you come home with a new friend only of acceptance has happened and will not end up with two piggies that do not get on. It is well worth the extra effort and mileage!
I have done this repeatedly with bereaved or fallen-out piggies of mine with piggies of either gender, from same age mates to a nearly 5 year gap (two years on, now 7 year old Tesni and her 2 year old gentle toy boy Gethin are still as loved up as ever!)

The rescues listed in the links are all those we can guarantee that you are in safe hands. Sadly, anybody can call themselves a rescue or a breeder without license and checks, and the results can be accordingly.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Travelling with guinea pigs
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
 
Thank you. That's pretty much what I expected. I shall ask Erica at Little Pip's if she has any suitable older pigs for Geraldine. I think that young pigs might be a bit much for her.
 
It all depends on the personality; Gethin is a gentle and calm and not at all over-sexed boy! If I've learned anything over the years, then that piggies have very much their own ideas who they want to get on... and it is not necessarily who you think would be the best choice! You can of course also consider two bonded sows for Geraldine.
Which is the fun with dating - allowing the piggies their say. ;)
 
Indeed it is.
We were lucky when Panda went to Little Pip's, he and the girls hit it off straight away. I just remember seeing his little face light up when he heard the other pigs and realised he wasn't going to be alone any more.
 
So sorry for your loss.
Hope you do find a good companion for Geraldine

@Wiebke is right about age not being an issue.
When my Merab lost her cagemate she was 3 and I bonded her with 2 baby girls.
They gave her a new lease of life and she started getting much more active and bouncy than she had been for a while.

Let us know how things work out
 
I hope Geraldine won’t be left alone for too long. You are a very caring piggy slave, she’s so,lucky to live with you x
 
Erica has some lovely sows who need a home, so hopefully it will not be too long before Geraldine can go and meet them. Erica has another bonding to do before she can give Geraldine the time she needs.
I am keeping Geraldine's spirits up in the meantime with some lovely spring grass :)
 
Sue and Smartie said:
Erica has some lovely sows who need a home, so hopefully it will not be too long before Geraldine can go and meet them. Erica has another bonding to do before she can give Geraldine the time she needs.
I am keeping Geraldine's spirits up in the meantime with some lovely spring grass :)
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That is great news! As long as Geraldine is eating on her own you need not worry; she'll keep and will hopefully be out of deep mourning by the time she can meet a new friend.
 
Geraldine lets nothing interrupt her eating, ever. Even when she had surgery last year she was up and eating before anyone expected her to be.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
Geraldine lets nothing interrupt her eating, ever. Even when she had surgery last year she was up and eating before anyone expected her to be.
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A healthy appetite is always a good sign. Let’s hope she soon finds her choice of companion.
 
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