more piggies

[harry 13]

currently i have a male 6mths old. is it best to introduce one or more to the cage(which is ample enough for 3 piggies). and is it best to introduce male boars

 

[Wiebke]

currently i have a male 6mths old. is it best to introduce one or more to the cage(which is ample enough for 3 piggies). and is it best to introduce male boars

Hi and welcome!

Key to any successful boar bond is character compatibility and mutual liking. The best place to let Harry have his say is by dating him at a good standard rescue under expert supervision, so he comes home with a companion only if acceptance has happened and you have the support of the rescue during the settling in phase the whole life of the adoptee in case the bond runs into trouble. This maximises the chances of achieving a stable bond while minimising the risks of you ending up with two boars that will not get on. Worth any extra effort as our recommended rescues have a mandatory quarantine and only rehome healthy piggies.
Companionship
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Recommended UK rescues: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended rescues in some other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Boar trios are a big NO NO, especially with sub-adult trios, which have a 90% risk of ending with a spearation. Your boy is currently right in the middle of the teenage months when testosterone output is at an all time high. The teenage months last from 4-14 months.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?

Alternatively you can consider having him neutered by a vet who is experienced in guinea pig neutering or small furries operations so he can be bonded with a sow after a 6 weeks-post op safety wait. His testicles have now fully descended, so he is at a perfect age for that. It is not a cheap and quick solution, but cross gender pairings are the most stable of all piggy bonds. A neutered 'husboar' can live with any number of sows, so if you would love to have more piggies than a pair, this is the safest way to go.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts

Here is our bonding guide for home bonding. Please be aware that not all baby boars will necessarily be accepted by a single boar; again, it is a matter of hitting it off or not and the right mix of personalities.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics