My Boar Coco Has Just Lost His Brother

[Stephen Little]

My 4 year old boar Coco has lost his brother Whitey but seems to not care whatsoever. Will he be alright on his own or should I get him another cage mate?

Regards,
Stephen.

 

[Wiebke]

My 4 year old boar Coco has lost his brother Whitey but seems to not care whatsoever. Will he be alright on his own or should I get him another cage mate?

Regards,
Stephen.

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss!

If you have the option to rescue date Coco at a good rescue, so he can choose who he gels with, it is worth finding new company. Even piggies that do not pine can become depressed and starved of attention/interaction over time.
Many rescues have got older boars and not just young ones, so it may be worth enquiring for an older companion boar.
The majority of recommended rescues will help re-bond bereaved piggies; they practice mandatory quarantine/vet care, so any piggy would be healthy and won't require a quarantine. The majority of our listed UK rescues offer dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so you come home only with a companion of acceptance has happened and are not risking to end up with two boars that do not get on.
Recommended good standard rescues UK: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

I am currently looking after an 8 year old bereaved sow for that reason - she seemed initially fine on her own, but gradually became very dependent on her owner's attention and somewhat depressed when nobody was around. The old lady has definitely perked up since her arrival!

 

[Stephen Little]

I love him too much to let him go somewhere else. I cried my heart out when Whitey died and I don't want to lose his brother so soon. He is well looked after. Any more advice apart from giving him away?

 

[Stephen Little]

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss!

If you have the option to rescue date Coco at a good rescue, so he can choose who he gels with, it is worth finding new company. Even piggies that do not pine can become depressed and starved of attention/interaction over time.
Many rescues have got older boars and not just young ones, so it may be worth enquiring for an older companion boar.
The majority of recommended rescues will help re-bond bereaved piggies; they practice mandatory quarantine/vet care, so any piggy would be healthy and won't require a quarantine. The majority of our listed UK rescues offer dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so you come home only with a companion of acceptance has happened and are not risking to end up with two boars that do not get on.
Recommended good standard rescues UK: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Other countries: Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

I am currently looking after an 8 year old bereaved sow for that reason - she seemed initially fine on her own, but gradually became very dependent on her owner's attention and somewhat depressed when nobody was around. The old lady has definitely perked up since her arrival!

 

[Stephen Little]

See where you are coming from now. Thanks for the advice.
So find a rescue boar who will get on with Coco.

 

[Jesse's pigs]

See where you are coming from now. Thanks for the advice.
So find a rescue boar who will get on with Coco.

Yes that would be a good option. some rescues offer boar dating where Coco can choose his new friend.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes that would be a good option. some rescues offer boar dating where Coco can choose his new friend.

I think your closest recommended rescues are either Heathlands or Wood Green.

Age is less important than mutual liking, but as older boars no longer have the big testosterone output, they are generally easier to bond. It may be worth contacting all rescues within your reach to see whether they have got single boars in and available for adoption, or whether there are some in the pipeline that may be ready for adoption soon. There is not necessarily a steady supply...