New pig?

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Abbiestewart

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I have a guinea pig named Thomas who is just a year old. We are thinking of getting a new piggy for him tomorrow. A new little brother. I think it would be worth a shot at trying with them as Thomas isn't a very dominate pig and has dealt very well with the loss of his brother. I understand there is possible issues that could appear in a year but if that occurred I could separate them although I can't see that happening with Thomas due to his personality. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to go about it ? Or should I just leave him be as he is playing and eating well and there hasnt been a drop in his behaviour? There's so many pros and cons to all options and it's really difficult picking what would be best for him
 
Your best option is a rescue centre, they will bond and ensure that Thomas goes with someone with whom is suitable and long term will provide great companionship. Lets face it, in humans we get along mostly, but some people just get on famously, pigs are just the same. 'going to get a new piggy' whilst maybe easy for you but on the pig? That's all debatable until it actually happens, even if you're an experienced owner, it doesn't negate the possibility of the relationship going sour because the behaviour wasn't observed and issues being picked out from the bonding.
 
Definitely check out your local rescues and ask if they have facilities for you to take Thomas in to meet prospective friends. Although Thomas may not seem dominant, or was dominant with his previous friend the dynamic between him and a new piggie may be very different.

I first got Mousse as a companion for my Sheltie, Boris. Boris was so chilled out he would get on with anyone so Mousse assumed a more dominant role. When Boris passed, I took Mousse speed dating and he actually chose a baby boar to whom he was submissive. Although Butterscotch was much smaller, from day one he was in charge - Mousse rumbled a bit but Butter ignored him 😂 now they are very settled. Butter is independent and will do exactly as he pleases, Mousse is more cuddly and despite vocalising a lot and making a fuss he will always relent and let me/Butter ‘win’!

I have found it’s really important to give them the time to meet and greet other piggies. They will give you clear signs when they have found a compatible friend (Mousse ear-cleans and snuggles, for Boris it was eating and walking around together).
 
After one of my pigs lost his brother, I had to get a new friend for him. As there were no rescue centres/pet shops with boar dating, I decided to run the risk of buying one from a pet shop. Luckily, they have been getting along splendidly since day one.

Just my experience, not saying that this always works:drool:
 
Thank you everyone! Unfortunately I'm not able to get to a rescue centre
 
ThePotterPiggie said:
After one of my pigs lost his brother, I had to get a new friend for him. As there were no rescue centres/pet shops with boar dating, I decided to run the risk of buying one from a pet shop. Luckily, they have been getting along splendidly since day one.

Just my experience, not saying that this always works:drool:
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That's comforting to hear as that was what I was hoping to do if I can't get him a new friend from the pets at home rehoming section. I've spoke to my vet who said it would be worth giving it a shot. Is there anything you did that made it easier for the 2 to get along?
 
It's just to let everyone know that I have decided to go to pets at home and look in there rehoming section for a new friend for Thomas. If I'm unable to I will run the risk of getting a slightly younger guinea pig and see how it goes. Thomas has been doing extremely well by himself surprisingly. A lot of eating and playing and just genuinely enjoying all the food to himself I think. He's been very cuddly and things too and just doing very well. I am hoping he will enjoy meeting a new friend when I take him to get one
 
With boars it’s important to ensure they have enough space. Have them in the biggest enclosure you can practically provide and make sure you provide two of everything - water bottles, food bowls, hides, toys etc. Also make sure that hides/houses have two entrances so that one piggie cannot corner the other in a hide/pin one in. When feeding veggies, I always put one bowl at one end of the cage and the other at the opposite end. They usually end up polishing off one bowl together and then move on to the second 🤷‍♀️ But the option to eat apart is open to them! Also, while the new one is young make sure there is plenty of opportunity for play and zoomies during floor time/lap time.

I would have a look online for videos of boar behaviour so you know what to expect, and when the line is crossed and you need to separate. Boar behaviour can be concerning sometimes - definitely read up on the behaviour sticky posts on this forum!
 
Pets at home adoption centre can be a bit of a con. I got a piggie from there. I asked them what was the matter with him bites etc. None of that it was the last of the previous litter. Also the purchase price went through the till?
 
I’d suggest you get him a younger companion in any case. Hope you find one soon. And if it’s transport that’s a problem, there’s piggy trains that can get them to you.
 
A massivethank you to everyone this has been extremely helpful!
 
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