Lonely Boar Dilemma

[Heykids!]

I have a dilemma and am hoping for some advice...

Just before Christmas I lost my little girl Iris as we sadly had to have her put to sleep. She left behind her friend Wallace, a neutered boar who will be 3 in May who is coping extremely well. I have always been of the opinion that guinea pigs need a friend and should not be kept alone but unfortunately the decision to get another piggy (or two) isn't proving so easy. I am very opinionated when it comes to pet shops and breeding and it would be against my ethics to buy from either a pet shop or breeder. Wherever possible I will always try to rescue. I have contacted a couple of rescues who have asked for Wallace to stay with them for a couple of days or perhaps even a week for bonding purposes. I completely understand this and think it is a fantastic idea. The problem is Wallace has reoccurring bladder problems which he is on daily medication for and is under close supervision by myself and his exotic vet John Chitty of Anton Vets in Andover. I am therefore VERY reluctant to allow him to stay away from me. Don't get me wrong, I have NO doubts that a rescue will be able to administer his meds and look after him but we have our little routine which he is used to and I don't want to upset this. When I have explained this to some of the rescues they have advised that Wallace is therefore not suitable for bonding at the moment because of his medical problems as the bonding could cause him stress. I foresee his medical issues being long term if not life long so am concerned he won't ever be fit for bonding. I hate the thought of him being alone but also don't want to cause him any further stress or problems.

My partner is also reluctant to take on any more guinea pigs. Last year was VERY VERY tough and both piggies suffered numerous illnesses and it seemed like I was in and out of the vets! Unfortunately I suffer with anxiety and there were times when my partner was concerned for my own health. I admit I worry frantically about my piggies as they mean the world to me. However, rehoming Wallace would break my heart.

I do know of a rescue that has 2 baby sows at the moment. They won't be ready to go for another 3-4 weeks but am wondering if bonding babies would be less stressful for Wallace. I really am unsure about him living the rest of his life alone.

Any advice would be very much appreciated - I just want what's best for my precious little boy.

 

[Merab]

Sorry life has been so difficult for you.
Hope it’s more settled now.

I was left with a lone boar some years ago and successfully bonded him with 2 sows.
He’d had a little snip so he was very happy and there were no little furry consequences.

Let us know how things go for you

 

[rhymer]

So sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel, I have suffered with anxiety for the last 10 years and worried endlessly when my piggies where ill.

A few years ago I had a 6 year old boar called Angel whose bonded partner died, he was bonded with 2 baby piggies from a rescue and it gave him a new lease of life.
Angel thought he was their dad.

Hope things go well and you can find him some friends.
Keep us posted.xx

 

[Little Piglets]

I only have 2 adult boars (still under a year but they stopped growing) and BOTH seem to enjoy pups when I've intro'd them to their cages. If older pups, I'd do neutral if boars. If still nursing or not fully weened, they seem to get on OK (it might beak with what others do, dunno, as long as supervised goes OK).

Any how, I currently have 3 boar pups, and intro'd all 3 at separate (numerous) times to both adult boars that are in separate cages, and both boars seemingly enjoy them. Funny thing is both adult boars HATE each other hence being separate, but liked the pups. They'll both follow/mark, sniff/lick, then just plop down. Might see an ear tug from a boar. Might see a nip from a pup if it's already been intro'd to sows as it'll mimic what it's been taught. Hopefully you can infer something from all that.

As far as "breeder or pet shop" guinea pigs go, ALL guinea pigs deserve a good home. It's bordering on gp segregation to completely ignore one subsect of gp because of their perceived origin. To be brutally honest, ALL gp are captive bred, whether intentional or accidental, and all sheltered gp were actually bred somewhere. Since they no longer exist in the wild due to human interference, humans are the only thing keeping them from extinction. If an International law banned people from allowing them to procreate altogether, they'd easily be extinct in 8-10 years. I realize this site and others like it frown upon certain methods of acquiring gp, because they are rescue, but to completely ignore ones out there needing a good home is kinda dubious.

If you can't get a rescue to work with you and your gp isn't contagious, and would actually flourish with a litter-mate to keep him happy, do what makes sense.

 

[Wiebke]

I have a dilemma and am hoping for some advice...

Just before Christmas I lost my little girl Iris as we sadly had to have her put to sleep. She left behind her friend Wallace, a neutered boar who will be 3 in May who is coping extremely well. I have always been of the opinion that guinea pigs need a friend and should not be kept alone but unfortunately the decision to get another piggy (or two) isn't proving so easy. I am very opinionated when it comes to pet shops and breeding and it would be against my ethics to buy from either a pet shop or breeder. Wherever possible I will always try to rescue. I have contacted a couple of rescues who have asked for Wallace to stay with them for a couple of days or perhaps even a week for bonding purposes. I completely understand this and think it is a fantastic idea. The problem is Wallace has reoccurring bladder problems which he is on daily medication for and is under close supervision by myself and his exotic vet John Chitty of Anton Vets in Andover. I am therefore VERY reluctant to allow him to stay away from me. Don't get me wrong, I have NO doubts that a rescue will be able to administer his meds and look after him but we have our little routine which he is used to and I don't want to upset this. When I have explained this to some of the rescues they have advised that Wallace is therefore not suitable for bonding at the moment because of his medical problems as the bonding could cause him stress. I foresee his medical issues being long term if not life long so am concerned he won't ever be fit for bonding. I hate the thought of him being alone but also don't want to cause him any further stress or problems.

My partner is also reluctant to take on any more guinea pigs. Last year was VERY VERY tough and both piggies suffered numerous illnesses and it seemed like I was in and out of the vets! Unfortunately I suffer with anxiety and there were times when my partner was concerned for my own health. I admit I worry frantically about my piggies as they mean the world to me. However, rehoming Wallace would break my heart.

I do know of a rescue that has 2 baby sows at the moment. They won't be ready to go for another 3-4 weeks but am wondering if bonding babies would be less stressful for Wallace. I really am unsure about him living the rest of his life alone.

Any advice would be very much appreciated - I just want what's best for my precious little boy.

Two baby girls sound delightful! It also means that you do not face the same dilemma again when Wallace passed away.

Piggy worries can take over if you suffer from anxiety. Leave any weekly weigh-ins, health checks and medical care to your partner if he is willing. However, you may find that you will miss the undoubted benefits from your pets once they are gone and may likely transfer your anxiety/obsessing onto another area of your life as the problem is not centred in your pets but in your need to have control. it would be good if you had an honest chat with your partner.

Here is my 2 year old Dylan meeting his own little baby girl (supposed to be 8 weeks old but weighing as much as a 3 weeks old). She was an unwanted 'baby boar' handed into rescue. Dylan is making a great 'daddy boar' for his little wifelet and has been very gentle with her. They have been together for nearly a week now and are still in quarantine as the need for companionship did have priority. Dylan (and other piggies before him over the last 5 years) has been adopted from the same rescue, so I am kind of fostering-cum-adopting with the rescue's trust. Tiny Begw is thriving and putting on weight well!

 

[Seven7]

I have also heard that when you give plenty of attention to a single piggy then that would suffice. If you are spending a lot of time with your single piggy, that would be better than going to a rescue center.

Also, if you just have one piggy, that is definitely easier than taking care of multiple piggies.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Humans can not replace interaction with their own kind, as much as we think they are enjoying our undivided attentions x

 

[Tiamolly123]

I agree Bill & Ted, 2 or more is best

 

[VickiA]

You clearly love him and want the very best for him. A pair of baby sows is likely to work well as a mini herd. I’m sure Wallace would love them. I have a neutered boar living with 2 sows and they are a very happy little group.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I have also heard that when you give plenty of attention to a single piggy then that would suffice. If you are spending a lot of time with your single piggy, that would be better than going to a rescue center.

Also, if you just have one piggy, that is definitely easier than taking care of multiple piggies.

That is not correct unfortunately. Even being with your piggy 24/7 cannot replace a cagemate of their own species to talk to and play with

 

[Heykids!]

Sorry life has been so difficult for you.
Hope it’s more settled now.

I was left with a lone boar some years ago and successfully bonded him with 2 sows.
He’d had a little snip so he was very happy and there were no little furry consequences.

Let us know how things go for you

So sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel, I have suffered with anxiety for the last 10 years and worried endlessly when my piggies where ill.

A few years ago I had a 6 year old boar called Angel whose bonded partner died, he was bonded with 2 baby piggies from a rescue and it gave him a new lease of life.
Angel thought he was their dad.

Hope things go well and you can find him some friends.
Keep us posted.xx

I only have 2 adult boars (still under a year but they stopped growing) and BOTH seem to enjoy pups when I've intro'd them to their cages. If older pups, I'd do neutral if boars. If still nursing or not fully weened, they seem to get on OK (it might beak with what others do, dunno, as long as supervised goes OK).

Any how, I currently have 3 boar pups, and intro'd all 3 at separate (numerous) times to both adult boars that are in separate cages, and both boars seemingly enjoy them. Funny thing is both adult boars HATE each other hence being separate, but liked the pups. They'll both follow/mark, sniff/lick, then just plop down. Might see an ear tug from a boar. Might see a nip from a pup if it's already been intro'd to sows as it'll mimic what it's been taught. Hopefully you can infer something from all that.

As far as "breeder or pet shop" guinea pigs go, ALL guinea pigs deserve a good home. It's bordering on gp segregation to completely ignore one subsect of gp because of their perceived origin. To be brutally honest, ALL gp are captive bred, whether intentional or accidental, and all sheltered gp were actually bred somewhere. Since they no longer exist in the wild due to human interference, humans are the only thing keeping them from extinction. If an International law banned people from allowing them to procreate altogether, they'd easily be extinct in 8-10 years. I realize this site and others like it frown upon certain methods of acquiring gp, because they are rescue, but to completely ignore ones out there needing a good home is kinda dubious.

If you can't get a rescue to work with you and your gp isn't contagious, and would actually flourish with a litter-mate to keep him happy, do what makes sense.

Two baby girls sound delightful! It also means that you do not face the same dilemma again when Wallace passed away.

Piggy worries can take over if you suffer from anxiety. Leave any weekly weigh-ins, health checks and medical care to your partner if he is willing. However, you may find that you will miss the undoubted benefits from your pets once they are gone and may likely transfer your anxiety/obsessing onto another area of your life as the problem is not centred in your pets but in your need to have control. it would be good if you had an honest chat with your partner.

Here is my 2 year old Dylan meeting his own little baby girl (supposed to be 8 weeks old but weighing as much as a 3 weeks old). She was an unwanted 'baby boar' handed into rescue. Dylan is making a great 'daddy boar' for his little wifelet and has been very gentle with her. They have been together for nearly a week now and are still in quarantine as the need for companionship did have priority. Dylan (and other piggies before him over the last 5 years) has been adopted from the same rescue, so I am kind of fostering-cum-adopting with the rescue's trust. Tiny Begw is thriving and putting on weight well!

I have also heard that when you give plenty of attention to a single piggy then that would suffice. If you are spending a lot of time with your single piggy, that would be better than going to a rescue center.

Also, if you just have one piggy, that is definitely easier than taking care of multiple piggies.

Humans can not replace interaction with their own kind, as much as we think they are enjoying our undivided attentions x

I agree Bill & Ted, 2 or more is best

You clearly love him and want the very best for him. A pair of baby sows is likely to work well as a mini herd. I’m sure Wallace would love them. I have a neutered boar living with 2 sows and they are a very happy little group.

That is not correct unfortunately. Even being with your piggy 24/7 cannot replace a cagemate of their own species to talk to and play with

@Wiebke
Thank you all for your messages and apologies for not replying sooner. Wallace has been a little down this week and sleeping where Iris used to sleep so today I went to the Blue Cross and picked up these little ones...! Meet Squeak and Pearl...! Obviously they're being quarantined at the moment and will be booked in for a vet check with my vet soon. Can I get them booked in as soon as Monday or should I let them settle in more first? They have been treated with Ivermectin 1% on 18 Jan and I've been advised to retreat on 19 Feb. Is this correct? I thought it should be done weekly for 3 weeks? I do have some ivermectin 1% so can treat them or should I wait until I speak to my vet? The little white girl does have a bald patch on her back but they have reassured me that it is NOT mites but likely to be a result of a fight. I also want my vet to check her feet as she has an extra toe on each back foot! They both seem to be firmly attached just floppy! See worrying already!

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, they are absolutely gorgeous, good on you for putting Wallace first, I think he will he will be delighted, lucky boy x

 

[Tiamolly123]

Very lucky boy, he probably doesn't know which way to turn.

 

[Merab]

What beautiful girls

 

[rhymer]

They look gorgeous. The white abby is the image of my Angel.
I would check the toes with your vet.
Hope all goes well, your Wallace is a very lucky boy.x

 

[Heykids!]

So after an initial quarantine period and vet check ups with my exotic vet, I put a divider in Wallace's cage so that they could meet through the bars. After a couple of days like this I decided to try bonding them on neutral territory this afternoon at about 4.00pm. I don't think it went well and I ended up bottling it! I know you shouldn't be too hasty with regard to separating but having read some of the sticky bonding posts I "think" I did the right thing! I set up a large ball pool with 3 log bridges, a pile of hay and a pile of grass. Wallace started off popcorning which I thought was a good sign. However things soon started to heat up. There were times when even the two girls started to show signs of dominance with one another. Wallace pulled a clump of hair from Pearl which resulted in her making a sound that I have never heard before which continued for some time. She was clearly showing signs of stress and I was worried she was hyperventilating. Squeak and Wallace then went head to head and Pearl gladly stayed out of the way! They began lifting their chins and facing each other off and this time Squeak ended up with a mouthful of Wallace's hair. This behaviour continued until eventually they began lunging and flying at one another and ending up in a scuffling ball! This was the point when I stepped in with a towel and took Wallace out of the situation. I hope I didn't act too hastily but the situation was clearly getting stressful and tense for everyone. They're now back in the divided enclosure and have only just started to settle back down. In fact, after Pearl made the strange sound, when I picked her up she seemed to have lost her voice even though she was opening her mouth extremely wide to try and squeal. Did I do the wrong thing separating them and should I try again? This is the divided set-up. Both sides are 142cm x 70cm which I am hoping is big enough for now.

 

[Heykids!]

So after an initial quarantine period and vet check ups with my exotic vet, I put a divider in Wallace's cage so that they could meet through the bars. After a couple of days like this I decided to try bonding them on neutral territory this afternoon at about 4.00pm. I don't think it went well and I ended up bottling it! I know you shouldn't be too hasty with regard to separating but having read some of the sticky bonding posts I "think" I did the right thing! I set up a large ball pool with 3 log bridges, a pile of hay and a pile of grass. Wallace started off popcorning which I thought was a good sign. However things soon started to heat up. There were times when even the two girls started to show signs of dominance with one another. Wallace pulled a clump of hair from Pearl which resulted in her making a sound that I have never heard before which continued for some time. She was clearly showing signs of stress and I was worried she was hyperventilating. Squeak and Wallace then went head to head and Pearl gladly stayed out of the way! They began lifting their chins and facing each other off and this time Squeak ended up with a mouthful of Wallace's hair. This behaviour continued until eventually they began lunging and flying at one another and ending up in a scuffling ball! This was the point when I stepped in with a towel and took Wallace out of the situation. I hope I didn't act too hastily but the situation was clearly getting stressful and tense for everyone. They're now back in the divided enclosure and have only just started to settle back down. In fact, after Pearl made the strange sound, when I picked her up she seemed to have lost her voice even though she was opening her mouth extremely wide to try and squeal. Did I do the wrong thing separating them and should I try again?View attachment 106516 This is the divided set-up. Both sides are 142cm x 70cm which I am hoping is big enough for now.

Any thoughts @Wiebke ?