I've owned a guinea pig male for about 3 years now. Within the first year of bringing him home I wanted him to have a companion. I did purchase another but did not realize that the one I purchased was a female. They mated and had three babies. The babies turned out to be all female, so all three and the mother live in a big cage. However the original male is still alone. I've become very busy and he is usually alone which makes me upset and concerned for his health and social needs. He often climbs up on the bars for attention (and food).
I want to spend more time with him. He's very curious but often times he runs under the furniture and hangouts, and will become very agitated if he's bothered(And bite). This makes me very hesitant to let him out of the cage. What are some recommendations for things we can do together and what devices can I use with him?
HI and welcome
Is it possible to move his cage right next to the sow cage? Just as long as you make sure that he cannot escape (climbing over or wiggling through an grids). Cable ties and if necessary a couple of extra grids over the top where is cage joins the sow cage should do the trick. Being able to have full communication (voice, body language and scent) is going to fill his biggest need. It would also be the easiest option for you.
Here is our singles guide, which looks at the various circumstances of single piggies, at companionship options and what else you can do for single piggy.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Alternatives would be to boar date him at a good rescue if you have one within your reach or to have him neutered.
Recommended UK rescues that mostly offer boar dating:
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended rescues in some other countries:
Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations
Information on neutering:
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care
Here are some links that will help you with your boy's bad habits. They tackle the problem from a guinea pig's point of view and their social expectations, and are therefore usually surprisingly effective.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Please take the time to read the links. You should find them hopefully very informative and helpful; and find that they will answer many of your questions in a detail that I cannot pack into a single post, seeing that it takes me days to write each guide!
We could help you 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). this will make it appear with every post you write and allow us to tailor any advice and recommendations to what is available and relevant where you are. We have members and enquiries from all over the world and from very different backgrounds and climates, access to rescues and vets and medical or convenience brand names. Thank you!
1 boar and a few females usually makes a great little herd