Pros And Cons To Boars

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5littlepigs

5littlepigs

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I have never owned a boar pig, only sows, but I am considering rescuing some boars... Before I do though, could I ask what the pros and cons are of owning one and how to generally care for a boar?

Thanks!
 
:D Boars if kept together need more space than sows. It is possible to keep neutered boars with spayed sows (I've done it) but maybe not with un-spayed sows. Intact boars may need to have their back passages cleaned out now and then. Apart from that, I don't think boars need any different care from sows. Members who have boars now can tell you more.
 
Personally, I wouldn't keep boars in the same room as sows . They'll be able to smell them .
 
Usualy Boars are big old softies , in many cases all a boare needs to keep him happy is lods of food, and loads of love and a supply
Of unlimatid snuggles :hug:

If you want pigs that are intersting to wacth then go for sows.
 
I had never owned Guinea pigs before I got my boys. I rescued a pair of boars back in January this year it was the best thing I ever did. I'll try to summarise the pros and cons for you.

Let's start with the the cons as I like to end on a positives:

1 - Boars occasionally scent mark around their territory and occasionally on you and it smells nasty (fishy to be precise) but this is nothing that can't be resolved by washing your clothes / changing the bedding.
2 - Boars can scrap and fight with each other after you clean out the cage or bathe them etc because you've removed their scent, so they have to establish who's boss again. But a well bonded pair of boars can get along just fine with minimal fallouts if you set the cage up right and have at least 2 of everything.
3 - Boars need their private parts and anal sacks cleaning every so often as they rub their bottoms along the floor when scent marking and this means that they collect bits like hair, hay and poo chunks inside their bums. They can also suffer from impaction when they get older if they aren't cleaned regularly. It's not a pleasant job, but if it becomes a regular part of your grooming routine then they and you will soon get used to it.
4 - Boars grease glands can sometimes be very active and require regular cleaning.


The pros:

1 - Boars have individual personalities just like sows which you'll grow to love!
2 - They can be just as cuddly and loveable as sows
3 - They are gorgeous
4 - They are inquisitive and will wheek for food when the fridge opens
5 - They are every bit as wonderful as sows and shouldn't be over looked! :D
 
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Hiya,

We have 9 boars and 4 sows. All of our boars have individual personalities and no two are really the same. Of the 9 boars only one is neutered and lives with his wifepiggies and the others are in 3 groups of pairs and 2 singles. They all live in the same room and we havent had any problems with pairs of boars falling out over the scent of the ladies. We just make sure that when having floor time the boys are first before the ladies so there are no scents crossing. To be honest the boars personalities are bigger than the sows or maybe they are just cheekier but in a cute way.

As long as you check your boars bits regularly and ensure that in the case of long haired piggies you keep their bum area short they should be ok.

Whereabouts are you in the UK as if you are really considering getting boars we know of two gorgeous bonded neutered boars who are looking for a forever home. If you are interested please PM us and we will give you more information and direct you to their owner for more details.

Lisa & Ali...x
 
I'd only ever had sows until Mr Ted came to join us. He's a Neutered boar but his attitude is all male. I have to say he's so cheeky and so much fun. We adore him here, and we were definitely hooked on sows before his arrival. So I'd say it all depends on the personalities of the individual piggies. Both sows and boars can make lovely pets.
 
Cons
- Can be smelly and scent their territory
- Possibility of impaction
- boar glue/sperm rods
- Dangleberries!

Pro's
- The boars that I have owned have absolutely loved lap time
- It's funny to watch them try to walk while they are rumbling
- Rumbling can become quite a hypnotic and relaxing noise
- Dangleberries!
 
Boars can be trickier to bond with another boar, the best pairings are a young one with and adult, that way there is less competition for who is boss. I have 6 boars, one is neutered and lives with 9 females, he is a sweetie and very happy! 2 sets of paired boars, again with an older and younger in each. Also a dominant boar is best with a docile , when you get 2 dominant ones together then you may have problems. I have Alvin on his own, see profile pic:) Only as he is very dominant, and I have tried to bond him, but he just doesn't get along . He is a real happy chap,popcorns , chats away, gets loads of attention from my family and I give him extra cuddles which he purrs away. If he looked sad or unhappy I would reconsider, but do not want to put him through an operation unessecarily as he is content as he is. Taz, was different he looked sad on his own and was content but quiet. After I got him neutered and put him with the girls, his personality changed! He is much happier now, you can see it and he popcorns, which he didn't before:)
Sorry I am waffling but boars are just as loveable as girls :)
 
My Harry had to have his back passage cleaned out at least once a week when he got older! It was insane xD
He use to look at me as if to go "sorry"
I think he did it as an excuse to have a bath! He really loved having a bath xD

7squeakers. said:
:D Boars if kept together need more space than sows. It is possible to keep neutered boars with spayed sows (I've done it) but maybe not with un-spayed sows. Intact boars may need to have their back passages cleaned out now and then. Apart from that, I don't think boars need any different care from sows. Members who have boars now can tell you more.
Click to expand...
Drezella said:
I had never owned Guinea pigs before I got my boys. I rescued a pair of boars back in January this year it was the best thing I ever did. I'll try to summarise the pros and cons for you.

Let's start with the the cons as I like to end on a positives:

1 - Boars occasionally scent mark around their territory and occasionally on you and it smells nasty (fishy to be precise) but this is nothing that can't be resolved by washing your clothes / changing the bedding.
2 - Boars can scrap and fight with each other after you clean out the cage or bathe them etc because you've removed their scent, so they have to establish who's boss again. But a well bonded pair of boars can get along just fine with minimal fallouts if you set the cage up right and have at least 2 of everything.
3 - Boars need their private parts and anal sacks cleaning every so often as they rub their bottoms along the floor when scent marking and this means that they collect bits like hair, hay and poo chunks inside their bums. They can also suffer from impaction when they get older if they aren't cleaned regularly. It's not a pleasant job, but if it becomes a regular part of your grooming routine then they and you will soon get used to it.
4 - Boars grease glands can sometimes be very active and require regular cleaning.


The pros:

1 - Boars have individual personalities just like sows which you'll grow to love!
2 - They can be just as cuddly and loveable as sows
3 - They are gorgeous
4 - They are inquisitive and will wheek for food when the fridge opens
5 - They are every bit as wonderful as sows and shouldn't be over looked! :D
Click to expand...
 
I've had boars and sows at different times. They are equally loving and entertaining. A well bonded pair of boars are hilarious when they start rumble strutting, it's so half hearted like they just do it because they are supposed to. Hormonal sows can be just as stroppy as boars. I really think the pros and cons is about equal for both sexes.
 
I have boars and sows - boars are more loving and enjoy cuddles and ear rubs more -
 
Courtneyyyleex said:
My boars are more cuddly than my sows. But that could just be mine
Click to expand...

:agr: I have 4 boars and 4 sows and the boys are much more cuddly in my house. The girls are quite independent so are not that bothered. However they all have different personalities which also means some like cuddles more than others. :nod:
 
Caron's Cavies said:
:agr: I have 4 boars and 4 sows and the boys are much more cuddly in my house. The girls are quite independent so are not that bothered. However they all have different personalities which also means some like cuddles more than others. :nod:
Click to expand...
One of my girls absolutely hates cuddles and being picked up:( she scratches so hard trying to get away.i don't pick her up unless nessacery but I do pet her from the cage. My boy Heisenberg is the cuddliest piggy I've ever had
 
We have a neutered boar living with 4 girls. He is the nicest and cuddliest of our piggies. They live together happily. But out of all our piggies Bob is the most lovely pig.
 
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