Rip :-( / Re-homing Advice

[Bobalicious]

Yesterday morning I had to reluctantly have my Bob put to sleep. He went downhill almost over night with severe diaherroa, not eating/drinking, and when i syringe fed him he was spitting it out/choking - he wasn't having any of it. His stomach was very swollen and he was scrunched up in a lot of pain. The vet was brilliant and for the last 4 months we have been through various treatments and an operation, but i think unfortunately it was all just too much for him - he was only 6 months old! It got to a point where i knew he wasn't happy and had to heartbreakingly make the difficult decision that it was time to say goodbye. I want to thank you all for you advice and care over the last 4 months.

I am now in a bit of a dilemma as to what to do with Fred - his brother. He is pining for him, and i am giving him cuddles, got him a cuddly toy, so I am hoping it will pass soon. However I definitely want to get him a new buddy. He is only 6 months old himself, and is so sociable! The trouble I have is that I know it isn't ideal getting another male as they may fight (particuarly as Fred is quite dominant) but to have him newted and then have to wait 6 weeks before I can pair him with a female seems a bit too long. Plus I don't feel comfortable putting him through the operation - I havent exactly had the best of luck with my guinea pig motherhood journey and I can't risk loosing Fred as well.

I know newted females is quite rare, i have rang a few rescue centres and they do not have any. Any ideas? Although I am not over Bob, I desperately know Fred needs a companion ASAP.

Thanks

 

[helen105281]

I am so sorry you had to let Bob go.

Do any of the rescues near you offer boar dating? that would be your best option as then Fred could choose his own friend. I know rescues in the Norwich area are a bit few and far between though.

 

[Bobalicious]

I have contacted a few but they don't and also don't have any newted females. I am willing to travel...do you know of any close ish to me? I've just come home to check on him and he's not eating. It's so sad I desperately need to get him a buddy.

 

[artcasper]

So sorry for your loss and i hope you find a friend for Fred very soon x

 

[AlbiePercy]

Sorry for you loss. Popcorn free, little Bob. xx
What Helen is suggesting is to 'date' Fred at a rescue and allow him to choose his new male companion. A lot of members have had great success with dating their lonely boar. You may be best to get a friend who is a little bit older, so they don't hit the bumpy hormonal teenage stage together, and this will help their bond to be stronger. Good luck!

 

[Freela]

I'm really sorry for your loss. As to finding Fred a companion, I only have sows but know there are lots of people here with experience bonding boars. Just because he's a boar does not mean he won't accept another boar as a companion. Hopefully someone with more experience can give you specific advice, but don't assume that he won't accept a male friend, particularly as one would be easier to come by than a neutered female.

 

[gogoguineas]

I think your nearest rescue may be wood green in cambridgeshire?
The best options are either seek out a very very cavy savy vet and have him neutered or find a rescue that will allow you to take along your boy for a date to pick his own friend. Either way be prepared to travel but it's so worth it! My advice would be don't settle, i.e don't neuter unless your vet has a proven track record of successful neuters.
Alternatively there are some guides on here regarding bonding and lots of members who will help with that should you wish to bond at home