Neuter a male or go for a female friend...

[Splat n Dexter]

Dilema:

Single one and a half year old female piggy in need of friend.

We know of a family member who has a year old lone male who they'd be happy to get neutered so they could live together. (He had to be seperated from his 2 brothers cos of fighting.)

A rescue also got in contact to say they have a 6 week old female who is waiting on the all clear from the vet regarding a fungal skin infection she has, then she's looking for a new home.

Been reading up on neutering and worry about complications etc for the male, then got the email about the female. :{
What would be the best for all?.... or should I consider expanding to a 3 piggy household....

 

[minimowers]

I'd go for the 3 piggy family option! In my experience boy pigs (with or without their bits) are a lovely addition to your family. They have different personalities to the girls and are underated.

There is a risk to the op but it is much easier to neuter a boy than a girl and it shouldn't be long before he is feeling better and (after a few weeks wait) ready to meet your lonely lady.

 

[Wiebke]

If you can, have them all, but be aware that not all trios will work out and you can end up with an outsider. If possible have the boy live alongside any girl(s) during the 4-6 weeks recovery phase, so the piggies are comfy with each other when meeting. That makes for a much smoother intro and a much better acceptance.

Be aware that post neutering op complications can happen weeks or even months after an operation. Any loss of appetite/sudden drop in weight needs to be investigated - more often than not, it is a sign of an internal infection/abscess. The upside is that living with girls is a boar's biggest amibition in life and the joy of seeing how happy a "husboar" is makes it worth the risk. But it is you and boys family who have to decide whether to take the risk or not.

The baby girl should work out, but your girl is still at an age where she still is accommodating to boars; not all older girls are.

 

[Splat n Dexter]

Be aware that post neutering op complications can happen weeks or even months after an operation. Any loss of appetite/sudden drop in weight needs to be investigated - more often than not, it is a sign of an internal infection/abscess.

See this is the bit that concerns me the most, especially just after loosing Dexter at the weekend. I don't think I could put the kids (both mine and my sister's) through it again if something happened, never mind Splat, our female.

 

[Splat n Dexter]

After giving it alot of thought and having spoken with my sister, we've decided not to get her male neutered to move in with Splat. Instead we hope to get her a female friend as soon as we can.

 

[BellasMummy]

After giving it alot of thought and having spoken with my sister, we've decided not to get her male neutered to move in with Splat. Instead we hope to get her a female friend as soon as we can.

Sounds like a good choice, females usually get on really well so you shouldn't have any problems with bonding etc.