Hello All
I have just taken on a boar and he has lived alone to date. I believe he is 2 years old. Is it fair for him to remain solo or should I get him a friend? I am worried that he might not bond with another boar and as he is settling in with me, might be overwhelmed by additional stress? If I do get another boar and it doesn't work out, what next?
Hi and welcome
Please get your boy a companion, ideally from a rescue that offers a dating service so your boy can have a say who he gets on and wants to live with.
This means that you come home with a healthy/fully quarantined companion only if acceptance has happened and you have the rescue to fall back on if the bond is running into trouble during the life time of the adopted piggy. If you use one of our recommend vetted good standard rescues, you can neatly avoid all the usual pitfalls that await the unwary since anybody can call themselves a rescue in English speaking countries.
Alternatively if you are in the UK where neutering is a comparatively cheap operation, having him neutered so he can live with a sow or two after a 6 weeks post-op safety wait is also an option. Finding a good vet is key.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts
If you can't do either, look for another single piggy to live in an adjoining cage for round the clock interaction and stimulation. In this case, try to ensure that the piggies can see each other full body and touch noses as guinea pig interaction consists of scent (pheromones), body language and vocals and is very complex.
You can find guides about companionship, guinea pig social interaction, links to lists of recommended rescues and vets for several countries in our new owners guide collection, which you may find very helpful in getting started anyway!
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
If it is of any help for you for you, here is a picture of my (neutered) Dylan with his wifelet Begw. Dylan is another boar who has spent the two first years of life alone in a hamster cage and ended up with atrophied muscles on his back end. He is now perfectly healthy and happy with his little girl, who was handed into the same rescue as a (mis-sexed) unwanted baby 'boar'.
PS: We could help you a lot better if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your account details (via clicking on your username on the top bar) so we can tailor any recommendations to what is really relevant and available where you are straight away and concentrate on what are your locally available options. We have members and enquiries from all over the world from very different conditions and backgrounds. Thank you!
