New Boar

[Ridgeback]

I have recently adopted an eighteen month old boar who has always lived on his own and seems very content. He gets lots of attention and lives indoors at the moment. I don't want to risk getting another boar as they may fight and don't really have the room at the moment. I have four females who get along great together so I feel a bit sorry that he is on his own. I have to weigh up whether lots of attention makes up for this or consider neutering him so he can have company from my girls for some of the time. It frightens me that he would have to have an operation. Is it worth the risk? I would appreciate your views on this as I have never owned a boar before. :{

 

[Niki]

I have had 2 boars neutered, both were done because they had previously fallen out with one another & then fell out with babies they had bonded with when the babies' hormones hit.
My vet is a good cavy vet & neuters for 2 local rescues. However, there is a risk with any operation.

It is better for a pig to have company as they are sociable animals & a boar with sows is how it would be in the wild but whilst most boars & sows do bond without problems there are a few who don't, sadly there are no guarantees.

I don't want to influence your decision in any way, you need to weigh up the pro's & con's of neutering but if you do decide to go ahead please ensure your vet has done guinea pig neuters before & if you have a local rescue who have theirs neutered, ask them which vet they use.

Just to add, you could always contact Tracy at Rabbit & Guinea Pig Welfare http://www.rngp.org/ & ask if you can go on her waiting list for a spayed sow (this is the only rescue i know of who routinely spay all sows) although you may be waiting some time.

 

[Ridgeback]

Thank you for your advice, my mum and I will speak to our vet about their experience with neutering boars. I will then make my decision. I am feeling a bit worried in case something goes wrong. I have only had him for two weeks he's the first guinea totally my own, the girls are my mum's, thanks again will need to think about it!
Ridgeback. :{

 

[Shellza]

I had my boy neutered by a very cavy savvy vet and it all went fine with no complications. I think as long as you have a vet that has done guinea pig neutering before it should all be fine. Only you can decide what is best though .

 

[Ridgeback]

Thanks for the advice, will speak to vet tomorrow.