We just adopted a 2 year old Guinea pig boar 2 days ago for my son. I personally am committed to his ultimate care. I’ve had Guinea pigs in the past many years ago so I considered myself an experienced owner, however, I see that much has changed since the days of yesteryear and that I in fact have much to learn. After watching some videos for new owners I learned just how important it is for guinea pigs to always be kept in pairs.
I expressed my concerns and was told that if he’s given lots of attention (he will, our family can dedicate a substantial amount of time and attention as I do not work outside the home) that he will bond with us and would do well without another Guinea pig, that some like to be with others and some don’t.
Originally our Guinea was housed in a cage with another 10 week old boar and it was said that the two boys got along. I reached out to see if I could adopt his cage mate as well and he is still available. I was excited to do what is best for our new piggy and encouraged.
However, I’m now finding that it is very difficult to bond boars with each other. I actually watched a video saying that only 20% of males will bond and 80% will fail. I’m so discouraged. I am now worried to have an adult male without a companion who might end up being unhappy but extremely worried about bringing in the baby who once reaches teenager-hood could have an 80% failure rate and could result in fighting, biting, and wounds. My son would be heartbroken. How do I correct this situation? Do I bring in the young boar and hope for the best or do we personally bond with him and give him loads of attention and enrichment? I do not have the space to keep them separate if things go south. The cage I purchased (for what I thought would be one Guinea pig) is 24 in. x 47 in. It does have the option to put on an extension making it 18 in. longer, which I would certainly do if we added a companion.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
I expressed my concerns and was told that if he’s given lots of attention (he will, our family can dedicate a substantial amount of time and attention as I do not work outside the home) that he will bond with us and would do well without another Guinea pig, that some like to be with others and some don’t.
Originally our Guinea was housed in a cage with another 10 week old boar and it was said that the two boys got along. I reached out to see if I could adopt his cage mate as well and he is still available. I was excited to do what is best for our new piggy and encouraged.
However, I’m now finding that it is very difficult to bond boars with each other. I actually watched a video saying that only 20% of males will bond and 80% will fail. I’m so discouraged. I am now worried to have an adult male without a companion who might end up being unhappy but extremely worried about bringing in the baby who once reaches teenager-hood could have an 80% failure rate and could result in fighting, biting, and wounds. My son would be heartbroken. How do I correct this situation? Do I bring in the young boar and hope for the best or do we personally bond with him and give him loads of attention and enrichment? I do not have the space to keep them separate if things go south. The cage I purchased (for what I thought would be one Guinea pig) is 24 in. x 47 in. It does have the option to put on an extension making it 18 in. longer, which I would certainly do if we added a companion.
Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Thank you
) and introduce as you all recommended. I’ve been up most of the night reading the articles. Thank you so much for your support.
Pebble walked slowly over to Patrick. Sniffed him, rumble strutted around him a bit and then walked off. Patrick then followed him to the other side of the pen. Pebble then spent about 5 minutes smelling him and walking over him. I think to show him he was boss. Patrick did mount Pebble once which was hilarious considering the side difference but Pebble didn’t seem to mind and that was that. Done. Bonded. 
