Thinking of Adopting Two Sows and 1 Neutered Boar

[GreenAbyss]

Hello and greetings all,

I have been reading the forum for a few weeks and am thinking of going ahead with adopting a Guinea Pig. I was thinking of starting with 2 baby or young sows and having them in a 2x5 C&C cage (that is US dimensions) or something of those dimensions that is a regular cage.

If I adopt the 2 baby/young sows how long should I wait before adopting a neutered male?

Should I get the trio at once? This would be my first Guinea Pig. I had Hamsters and Gerbils in the past as a kid but wanted something slightly larger this time.

I'm interested in the America Guinea Pig or something very similar since I have Asthma and can't be near long haired breeds. Would I need to tell the adoption place that as well?

 

[Wiebke]

Hello and greetings all,

I have been reading the forum for a few weeks and am thinking of going ahead with adopting a Guinea Pig. I was thinking of starting with 2 baby or young sows and having them in a 2x5 C&C cage (that is US dimensions) or something of those dimensions that is a regular cage.

If I adopt the 2 baby/young sows how long should I wait before adopting a neutered male?

Should I get the trio at once? This would be my first Guinea Pig. I had Hamsters and Gerbils in the past as a kid but wanted something slightly larger this time.

I'm interested in the America Guinea Pig or something very similar since I have Asthma and can't be near long haired breeds. Would I need to tell the adoption place that as well?

Hi and welcome

Ideally you ask the rescue whether they could bond a trio for you at the rescue, so you can be assured that they really get on and can avoid the pressure of a home bonding. Generally the younger sows are, the more accepting they are of a boar, but even there not all personalities necessarily match.

If you have major asthma issues I would definitely talk to the rescue beforehand and test with several visits whether you can cope with guinea pigs. Please don't keep them in your bedroom in this case!
Please be aware that the allergen is not necessarily sitting in the hair, but more often in pee of guinea pigs, so there is not a lot of difference between a long-haired or a short-haired breed although regular grooming is less of an issue in short-hairs. Piggies spray pee as part of their social interaction (pheromones), so you will often find particles sitting in the coat. Especially cross gender bondings are a pee fest - sows target spray at any boar who wants to read the pheromone status from their bum a bit too assiduously while boars like to mark any sows as theirs by spraying them with their testosterone and pheromone laden pee.

 

[Piggylove82]

Hi and welcome

Ideally you ask the rescue whether they could bond a trio for you at the rescue, so you can be assured that they really get on and can avoid the pressure of a home bonding. Generally the younger sows are, the more accepting they are of a boar, but even there not all personalities necessarily match.

If you have major asthma issues I would definitely talk to the rescue beforehand and test with several visits whether you can cope with guinea pigs. Please don't keep them in your bedroom in this case!
Please be aware that the allergen is not necessarily sitting in the hair, but more often in pee of guinea pigs, so there is not a lot of difference between a long-haired or a short-haired breed although regular grooming is less of an issue in short-hairs. Piggies spray pee as part of their social interaction (pheromones), so you will often find particles sitting in the coat. Especially cross gender bondings are a pee fest - sows target spray at any boar who wants to read the pheromone status from their bum a bit too assiduously while boars like to mark any sows as theirs by spraying them with their testosterone and pheromone laden pee.

Not sure i liked the sound of all that!

 

[Wiebke]

Not sure i liked the sound of all that!

We do have several members with asthma, but it is not an ideal combination!

Depending on how severely you are affected by it, guinea pigs may not be the best pet for you. As sad as this is, it is better for you in the longer term to do your research beforehand and go into this with your eyes open than ending up very ill in hospital and having to return piggies you have come to love very much to the rescue, which is generally an extremely gutting and heart-breaking experience.

Visiting a pet shop repeatedly and seeing whether you can cope with regular exposures (as allergies build up; you don't have them straight away) may also be a way forward - but if you still want to go for piggies, adopting from a rescue you have the backing of is the best way to ensure that your piggies will be safe whatever happens.

I am very sorry; I am borderline asthmatic but can thankfully manage on daily allergy medication with top ups whenever necessary.

 

[GreenAbyss]

Thank you all I contacted the adoption place and asked about Asthma and they said people with Asthma have adopted before. In regards to Asthma, I am not too concerned with having a guinea pig as I also had a cat, but i'm allergic to most dog breeds for some reason.

As far as a trio, I noticed they offer pairs and trios for the same price ($50) but only in same sex pairs or trios.

If I wanted a neutered boar it would be for just one at $100.

I do not mind spending the money for the right trio though I guess.

I'm thinking an older or adult neutered boar and younger sows. I mention that because I was reading that 4-14 months are difficult for boars. Unless that is different for mixed trios groups?

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you all I contacted the adoption place and asked about Asthma and they said people with Asthma have adopted before. In regards to Asthma, I am not too concerned with having a guinea pig as I also had a cat, but i'm allergic to most dog breeds for some reason.

As far as a trio, I noticed they offer pairs and trios for the same price ($50) but only in same sex pairs or trios.

If I wanted a neutered boar it would be for just one at $100.

I do not mind spending the money for the right trio though I guess.

I'm thinking an older or adult neutered boar and younger sows. I mention that because I was reading that 4-14 months are difficult for boars. Unless that is different for mixed trios groups?

Good that you could clear that point and that the rescue is OK with your asthma.

Bonded sow trios are also fine. Teenage is not a problem in 'husboars' (our expression for a neutered boar living with sows) as they don't have another boar to fight or fall-out with if they are not personality matched. I have adopted my fair share of teenage boys and never had any problems with the boys once initial acceptance had happened.

In cross gender bonds, age comes a very long way behind mutual liking. I have bonded similarly aged boars and sows but also had some very loving bonds with a large age gap in either direction. The most extreme case is Gethin's story who as a freshly neutered teenager fell in love with an old lady and was later joined by the lady's bereaved sister. After Tesni's death at 7 years of age I adopted a baby girl to bolster the inevitable transition for Gethin that would come with Ffwlbri's passing. In fact, little Carys gave old Ffwlbri a renewed zest for live; she went on for nearly another year and passed away this summer at the ripe old age of 8 1/2 years!
Gethin himself was 5 months old (right in the middle of the biggest hormones) when Ffwlbri's then 5 year old sister Tesni fell head over heels for her toy boy - a love that lasted for a good two years until Tesni died at 7 years of age...

5 year old Tesni with her new 5 months old 'toy boy' Gethin in March 2016


Tesni's widowed sister Ffwlbri with Gethin and Tesni in November 2017


7 years old Ffwlbri, baby Carys and nearly 3 years Gethin in September 2018


Gethin with a grown-up Carys this year


Most neutered boars are in fact teenagers, as fall-outs and fights from badly matched pairs are the most common reason why piggies are handed into rescue. As long as the boy is accepted by the sows, age is not a problem - anything goes!

My latest love match happens to be nearly the same age as both are young adults, but that is more accidental because the personality match with gentle and patient Alan and fear-aggressive Brathlys was the crucial point in this rather tricky case!



Three boars, unless they come into rescue as one of the rare stable adult boar trios, are not something I would recommend. The more sub-adults and teenagers in the mix, the higher the risk of fall-outs. A stable adult boar trio is a thing of joy, but they are generally very much the exception.

Please be aware that for a successful cross gender trio the sows need to be good friend because otherwise the boar will inevitably side with one of the sows sooner or later.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

 

[Piggylove82]

Good that you could clear that point and that the rescue is OK with your asthma.

Bonded sow trios are also fine. Teenage is not a problem in 'husboars' (our expression for a neutered boar living with sows) as they don't have another boar to fight or fall-out with if they are not personality matched. I have adopted my fair share of teenage boys and never had any problems with the boys once initial acceptance had happened.

In cross gender bonds, age comes a very long way behind mutual liking. I have bonded similarly aged boars and sows but also had some very loving bonds with a large age gap in either direction. The most extreme case is Gethin's story who as a freshly neutered teenager fell in love with an old lady and was later joined by the lady's bereaved sister. After Tesni's death at 7 years of age I adopted a baby girl to bolster the inevitable transition for Gethin that would come with Ffwlbri's passing. In fact, little Carys gave old Ffwlbri a renewed zest for live; she went on for nearly another year and passed away this summer at the ripe old age of 8 1/2 years!
Gethin himself was 5 months old (right in the middle of the biggest hormones) when Ffwlbri's then 5 year old sister Tesni fell head over heels for her toy boy - a love that lasted for a good two years until Tesni died at 7 years of age...

5 year old Tesni with her new 5 months old 'toy boy' Gethin in March 2016
View attachment 130078

Tesni's widowed sister Ffwlbri with Gethin and Tesni in November 2017
View attachment 130080

7 years old Ffwlbri, baby Carys and nearly 3 years Gethin in September 2018
View attachment 130081

Gethin with a grown-up Carys this year
View attachment 130082

Most neutered boars are in fact teenagers, as fall-outs and fights from badly matched pairs are the most common reason why piggies are handed into rescue. As long as the boy is accepted by the sows, age is not a problem - anything goes!

My latest love match happens to be nearly the same age as both are young adults, but that is more accidental because the personality match with gentle and patient Alan and fear-aggressive Brathlys was the crucial point in this rather tricky case!
View attachment 130083


Three boars, unless they come into rescue as one of the rare stable adult boar trios, are not something I would recommend. The more sub-adults and teenagers in the mix, the higher the risk of fall-outs. A stable adult boar trio is a thing of joy, but they are generally very much the exception.

Please be aware that for a successful cross gender trio the sows need to be good friend because otherwise the boar will inevitably side with one of the sows sooner or later.
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?

Aww. Your piggy love stories. Just beautiful reading about them

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum @GreenAbyss and well done for doing the research first.
My herd consists of 3 sows ranging in age from nearly 5 to about 2.
And then there is their husboar who was introduced last summer as a neutered young boar of about 5 months old.
The girls accepted him and the herd is happily settled.

Whatever combination you end up with they are guaranteed to grab hold of your heart and enslave you in no time at all.

We would love to see pictures when you do get your piggies

 

[Piggylove82]

Welcome to the forum @GreenAbyss and well done for doing the research first.
My herd consists of 3 sows ranging in age from nearly 5 to about 2.
And then there is their husboar who was introduced last summer as a neutered young boar of about 5 months old.
The girls accepted him and the herd is happily settled.

Whatever combination you end up with they are guaranteed to grab hold of your heart and enslave you in no time at all.

We would love to see pictures when you do get your piggies

How many did you start your herd with?

 

[Merab]

How many did you start your herd with?

The herd started when bereaved Merab lost her cage mate and was desperate for companionship. Enter baby sisters, Keziah and Jemimah, who I thought would be company for each other when I lost Merab who was 3 at the time.
Sadly Keziah died with a tumour. Enter 2 rescues, Priscilla and Phoebe.
The bonding of the 2 pairs worked well and Jemimah had company when Merab died at the age of 6.
I never intended to have a herd, but there were these piggies who needed good homes and so..........

 

[Piggylove82]

The herd started when bereaved Merab lost her cage mate and was desperate for companionship. Enter baby sisters, Keziah and Jemimah, who I thought would be company for each other when I lost Merab who was 3 at the time.
Sadly Keziah died with a tumour. Enter 2 rescues, Priscilla and Phoebe.
The bonding of the 2 pairs worked well and Jemimah had company when Merab died at the age of 6.
I never intended to have a herd, but there were these piggies who needed good homes and so..........

Oh I know. Guinea pigs are very hard to resist . I currently have two girls I adopted at 18 months. They are around 4 now, and although they are both happy and healthy, I do worry what will happen when the time comes that one trots over the rainbow bridge. The last pair I had, one passed away quite suddenly at just over 2. At the time, it was winter, and way too cold to have a new companion (my pigs are outdoor pigs). I did spend more time with her, knowing she should have a friend for company, but when the warmer weather came, she seemed so much more chatty to me and interacted with us a lot more, and when I asked the advice from our local pet shop, they said it can be hit and miss to buy (yes, I know ) a younger pig incase she resents it, and that if she seems content on her own, maybe keep her that way. She lived another 4 years as a solo female pig. I don't want to be in that position again, so didn't know whether to consider a 3rd pig now to go with the 4 year old pair I have now. Or might it upset their relationship?

 

[Merab]

Oh I know. Guinea pigs are very hard to resist . I currently have two girls I adopted at 18 months. They are around 4 now, and although they are both happy and healthy, I do worry what will happen when the time comes that one trots over the rainbow bridge. The last pair I had, one passed away quite suddenly at just over 2. At the time, it was winter, and way too cold to have a new companion (my pigs are outdoor pigs). I did spend more time with her, knowing she should have a friend for company, but when the warmer weather came, she seemed so much more chatty to me and interacted with us a lot more, and when I asked the advice from our local pet shop, they said it can be hit and miss to buy (yes, I know ) a younger pig incase she resents it, and that if she seems content on her own, maybe keep her that way. She lived another 4 years as a solo female pig. I don't want to be in that position again, so didn't know whether to consider a 3rd pig now to go with the 4 year old pair I have now. Or might it upset their relationship?

It’s always a risk with piggy relationships.
That’s why I opted for pairs thinking that if the bonding didn’t work the new piggies would still have each other and I would rethink what to do about the solo pig.
I’ve been lucky in that mine do get on and bonded well ( bit exciting at the time with the 2 pairs)

 

[Piggylove82]

It’s always a risk with piggy relationships.
That’s why I opted for pairs thinking that if the bonding didn’t work the new piggies would still have each other and I would rethink what to do about the solo pig.
I’ve been lucky in that mine do get on and bonded well ( bit exciting at the time with the 2 pairs)

Two plus two sounds such a big deal!

 

[Piggylove82]

It’s always a risk with piggy relationships.
That’s why I opted for pairs thinking that if the bonding didn’t work the new piggies would still have each other and I would rethink what to do about the solo pig.
I’ve been lucky in that mine do get on and bonded well ( bit exciting at the time with the 2 pairs)

Do you think a neutered boar would be an easier/safer bond with my two girls?

 

[Wiebke]

Do you think a neutered boar would be an easier/safer bond with my two girls?

The best way to find out is a good rescue that offers a dating service. Unfortunately, the RSPCA Worcester and the Blue Cross don't offer this, but the RSPCA Walsall (northern end of Birmingham) and other vetted and recommended rescues in the Birmingham/Leicester area do if you don't mind travelling for the extra peace of mind that allowing your piggies to have a say in who they want to get on with and bringing home only quarantined/vet cared piggies and only any sows that have undergone a 10 weeks mandatory pregnancy watch.
I have dated piggies of mine as far as Kidsgrove/Stoke-on-Trent (by train!), Wallsall, Redditch and Rugby (both sadly defunct now) or Leicester and would travel further if necessary.
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

 

[Piggylove82]

The best way to find out is a good rescue that offers a sating service. Unfortunately, the RSPCA Worcester and the Blue Cross don't offer this, but the RSPCA Walsall (northern end of Birmingham) and other vetted and recommended rescues in the Birmingham/Leicester area do if you don't mind travelling for the extra peace of mind that allowing your piggies to have a say in who they want to get on with and bringing home only quarantined/vet cared piggies and only any sows that have undergone a 10 weeks mandatory pregnancy watch.
I have dated piggies of mine as far as Kidsgrove/Stoke-on-Trent (by train!), Wallsall, Redditch and Rugby (both sadly defunct now) or Leicester and would travel further if necessary.
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

Wow. That's such a good idea. It's surely a good idea for more successful rehoming if rescue centres can do that. I just looked into the Blue Cross. They don't have any local piggies at Bromsgrove and don't mention if any of their males elsewhere are neutered either. Lack of info

 

[Wiebke]

Wow. That's such a good idea. It's surely a good idea for more successful rehoming if rescue centres can do that. I just looked into the Blue Cross. They don't have any local piggies at Bromsgrove and don't mention if any of their males elsewhere are neutered either. Lack of info

The Blue Cross do have a strict boar neutering policy in line with the RSPCA now (I know that the Burford branch do), but for dating to make sure that the piggies actually like each other you may want to contact any of our recommended private rescues that you can get to ask for what they have available and then start with the place that has the most possible matches.
It doesn't matter whether you think sow or husboar - the important thing is that they click, and that is something you'll only know when they meet in pigson. I have had so many dates go wrong that looked perfect on paper but were a total fail in reality; but I have often come home with another piggy than planned - and the start of a very happy love story. Keeping an open mind is key. You will inevitably love any piggy that comes to you.

 

[Piggylove82]

The Blue Cross do have a strict boar neutering policy in line with the RSPCA now (I know that the Burford branch do), but for dating to make sure that the piggies actually like each other you may want to contact any of our recommended private rescues that you can get to ask for what they have available and then start with the place that has the most possible matches.
It doesn't matter whether you think sow or husboar - the important thing is that they click, and that is something you'll only know when they meet in pigson. I have had so many dates go wrong that looked perfect on paper but was a total fail in reality but have often come home with another piggy than planned - and the start of a very happy love story. Keeping an open mind is key. You will inevitably love any piggy that comes to you.

Oh I know I will love them. But just want what's best for the girls I have already and that I love so much.

This forum has made me determined to make my piggies even happier too. I've bought some lovely snuggle tunnels (that I hope they use!) for when their new hutch is ready, after seeing others' pics of snuggly things.

My girls aren't into any of the guinea pigs treats you can endlessly buy from pet shops, chewy sticks or yogurt drops. I also bought a couple of fruit holders and used them to skewer their fresh veggies onto the hutch bars instead of putting them in their normal dish, and they seemed to really enjoy it . I'm trying them with different foods, like parsley and cherry tomatoes which I didn't even realise they liked!

So thank you to everyone here who's helped me or inspired me, maybe without even realising that you have x

 

[Piggies&buns]

Oh I know I will love them. But just want what's best for the girls I have already and that I love so much.

This forum has made me determined to make my piggies even happier too. I've bought some lovely snuggle tunnels (that I hope they use!) for when their new hutch is ready, after seeing others' pics of snuggly things.

My girls aren't into any of the guinea pigs treats you can endlessly buy from pet shops, chewy sticks or yogurt drops. I also bought a couple of fruit holders and used them to skewer their fresh veggies onto the hutch bars instead of putting them in their normal dish, and they seemed to really enjoy it . I'm trying them with different foods, like parsley and cherry tomatoes which I didn't even realise they liked!

So thank you to everyone here who's helped me or inspired me, maybe without even realising that you have x

It’s good they don’t like them - none of these things are good for piggies in any event.

 

[Piggylove82]

It’s good they don’t like them - none of these things are good for piggies in any event.

Yeah, I'm glad they don't like them too. Hopefully it's better for their weight too. Just letting them have good quality Timothy hay, a variety of fresh food and pellets. Only the other day, when I was in Pets at Home, I wandered up and down the aisles thinking to myself, how much of what this store sells is actually for the animals, and how much for the humans that own them . Making us think we should be buying this treat and that chewy block when in reality a bag of curly kale and half a cucumber is what the pigs really want!

Edit: no offence to anyone that DOES buy those things

 

[Black piggies]

My 2 sows met their boar when they were all well under a year old, and they got along well. Boar went along with what bossy dominant girl dictated :-) I followed all the guidance on neutral territory intros etc and luckily they liked each other. Otherwise would have looked for a plan B.
I think that trio is a happy group.

 

[Piggylove82]

My 2 sows met their boar when they were all well under a year old, and they got along well. Boar went along with what bossy dominant girl dictated :-) I followed all the guidance on neutral territory intros etc and luckily they liked each other. Otherwise would have looked for a plan B.
I think that trio is a happy group.

Sounds perfect

 

[Wiebke]

Yeah, I'm glad they don't like them too. Hopefully it's better for their weight too. Just letting them have good quality Timothy hay, a variety of fresh food and pellets. Only the other day, when I was in Pets at Home, I wandered up and down the aisles thinking to myself, how much of what this store sells is actually for the animals, and how much for the humans that own them . Making us think we should be buying this treat and that chewy block when in reality a bag of curly kale and half a cucumber is what the pigs really want!

Edit: no offence to anyone that DOES buy those things

For more ideas you might find this link here interesting. It is a copy of an article I have written for Guinea Pig Magazine some years ago with plenty of pictures: Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

I haven't been in a pet selling pet shop for a long time as most of the stuff for sale is there to appeal to humans and not for the pets. The best enrichment and toys are the cheap home-made ones that the piggies can have fun with wrecking them in the process!

 

[Wiebke]

Wow. That's such a good idea. It's surely a good idea for more successful rehoming if rescue centres can do that. I just looked into the Blue Cross. They don't have any local piggies at Bromsgrove and don't mention if any of their males elsewhere are neutered either. Lack of info

PS: Gethin has been dated and adopted from the RSPCA Walsall. Carys and Alan are both from Neville's Nest in Leicester, which is currently my nearest guinea pig rescue.

 

[Piggylove82]

For more ideas you might find this link here interesting. It is a copy of an article I have written for Guinea Pig Magazine some years ago with plenty of pictures: Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs

I haven't been in a pet selling pet shop for a long time as most of the stuff for sale is there to appeal to humans and not for the pets. The best enrichment and toys are the cheap home-made ones that the piggies can have fun with wrecking them in the process!

I loved those videos. The long haired grey one kinda stalking the black one. Mine does that. Kinda goes into creepy creepy mode. And zoomies. Mine have mad moments in their outside run and tunnel

 

[Wiebke]

I loved those videos. The long haired grey one kinda stalking the black one. Mine does that. Kinda goes into creepy creepy mode. And zoomies. Mine have mad moments in their outside run and tunnel

Gareth is exhibiting just some rumblestrutting boarly behaviour and then having a popcorn just for the sheer joy of being a boar with sows to be manly with! It is something that you see not rarely in mixed gender paris/groups, especially where the boar is not the leader.