Should I Adopt A Male Or Female For My Boar?

[Little Pigs]

I have two boars however, since adolescence they have fought and nip each other constantly - they had plenty of room in their cage! The problem started as one of my boars was already very 'snuggly' and would press himself against his cage mate and sleep on top of him! However his friend did not like this as he got older so they ended up always fighting .

I have been forced to separate them to risk any injuries and wanted to adopt a friend for each of them from a rescue which will look after your piggie for a day and see who they bonded with

However, I was wondering if it is better to adopt females or males (if decided to be put with females I will neuter my boys at least 6 weeks in advance to make sure the sow does not come pregnant). What are peoples views on this?

- Thanks x

 

[sport_billy]

Do you have a recommended rescue close to you? Bedding For Guinea Pigs - Overview maybe try some boar dating if so and the rescue do it? Sorry to hear about the fallout

 

[Wiebke]

I have two boars however, since adolescence they have fought and nip each other constantly - they had plenty of room in their cage! The problem started as one of my boars was already very 'snuggly' and would press himself against his cage mate and sleep on top of him! However his friend did not like this as he got older so they ended up always fighting .

I have been forced to separate them to risk any injuries and wanted to adopt a friend for each of them from a rescue which will look after your piggie for a day and see who they bonded with

However, I was wondering if it is better to adopt females or males (if decided to be put with females I will neuter my boys at least 6 weeks in advance to make sure the sow does not come pregnant). What are peoples views on this?

- Thanks x

If you have access to a rescue that offers residential "full" boar dating, then I would go for it even if there is a waiting list! Any resulting bond is as stable as a sow bond. Not all good rescues have the time (it is not a quick process) to offer this. Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

For neutering, you'd best do some research to find either a general vet with lots of boar neutering experience or an exotics vet with practice in small furries' ops in order to minimise the risk of post-op complications as much as possible.
A cross gender bond (provided that initial acceptance by the sow has happened) is the most stable of all guinea pig bonds.

What option you choose is generally determined by your actual local availablities and what you are happiest with if you have the choice. Boar dating if it is just speed dating is a lot cheaper and less risky, but a cross gender bond is that bit more stable, so there is no straight forward recommendation.

 

[Janice C]

My boars fell out too at 9 months so we’re neutered and now live separately with their wives!

 

[Little Pigs]

I do worry about the risk of an operation as I have an extremely close bond with my Ollie and love him dearly... I also worry if I was to spend the money only to find that he does not get on with a sow. He has been introduced through bars to 3 different sows already and he acted very aggressively.

He is very happy and as I speak I am watching him popcorn around his cage but for some reason he loves to cuddle with other piggies but always turns aggressive on them for some reason... he has also made a close bond with people and runs up to anyone who may pass him whether they be a stranger or not...

His cage mate is also currently living alone and has daily interaction with Ollie - some days they can get along for up to 2 hours but they can have bad days where they instantly try fight I am torn about what to do...