What age companion would work better with my 2 month old boar?

[mezmezmeeez]

Hi, new member.

I had two boars, Percy and Newt. Last night I noticed a scab on Newt's back which I was not sure is from a bite mark (as I hadn't noticed any bleeding before); Decided to take him to a vet to get it checked out, Vet decided to treat my baby as he would a cat or dog, injected him with antibiotics and killed him. He looked like he was in complete pain till the moment he died.

Now, Percy is alone. The thought of replacing Newt makes me want to cry all over again but apparently leaving Percy alone is cruel.

Their cage is a 6x2, and there is two of everything; however, I'm not sure which age boar would be good to get so that bonding would be smooth(er). Newt was 5 days younger than Percy and very skittish, I'm not really sure if they managed to bond as I only had them for 10 days (and the vet did say it was a bite mark on Newt before he decided killing him is a good idea to get more money out of me), But Percy does not seem to be very sad he is gone? He eats, popcorned when I changed the cage layout a little and when I gave him some apples, and screams for treats when he hears a plastic rustle; So I'm not really sure if a same age boar would be okay as the last bonding seemed to have failed.

I do want a boar as Percy is not neutered and a sprayed sow is impossible to find where I am from. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[Lorcan]

Hi there! Sorry you've joined us after losing Newt do you know what the antibiotic was that the vet gave? Some antibiotics are fine to give in injection form - Baytril is the one I've known used, but some antibiotics shouldn't be used in guinea pigs at all.

What age is Percy? Boars go through their teenage years from about 4 until 16/18 months. That's when they can be most difficult to bond. They can be bonded at any age, however, there's no upper or lower age limit, and personality compatibility is much more important than age.

@Wiebke @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns

 

[mezmezmeeez]

Hi there! Sorry you've joined us after losing Newt do you know what the antibiotic was that the vet gave? Some antibiotics are fine to give in injection form - Baytril is the one I've known used, but some antibiotics shouldn't be used in guinea pigs at all.

What age is Percy? Boars go through their teenage years from about 4 until 16/18 months. That's when they can be most difficult to bond. They can be bonded at any age, however, there's no upper or lower age limit, and personality compatibility is much more important than age.

@Wiebke @PigglePuggle @Piggies&buns

It was Amoxicillin. The vet told me to bring him the next day and the day after that for two more injections as well. They denied ever giving him that this morning when I went to confront them after doing my own research.

Percy is 45 days old according to the person who gave them to me, but he was quite bigger than Newt who was supposedly only 5 days younger. I'm not sure if different bone structures are a thing in guinea pigs, but after searching online I think he is around 2 months old.

I am unable to do a "date" for him, so I'd just like to know if there is an age which is more likely to work with Percy.

 

[alpacasqueak]

I’m so sorry you lost your little boy, how horrible for you all. Yes agree with @Lorcan, what meds did the vet give by injection?
So sorry you’ve had to go through that, hope you’re ok x

 

[Wiebke]

It was Amoxicillin. The vet told me to bring him the next day and the day after that for two more injections as well. They denied ever giving him that this morning when I went to confront them after doing my own research.

Percy is 45 days old according to the person who gave them to me, but he was quite bigger than Newt who was supposedly only 5 days younger. I'm not sure if different bone structures are a thing in guinea pigs, but after searching online I think he is around 2 months old.

I am unable to do a "date" for him, so I'd just like to know if there is an age which is more likely to work with Percy.

Hi and welcome

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry. Any penicillin is fatal for any rodents, including guinea pigs.

You may find these links below helpful for bookmarking, printing and taking with you to the vets in order to avoid any further unnecessary deaths; especially if you are living in a country where guinea pigs and rodents are not part of a vet curriculum and there is also no database they can look up for safe medications and recommended dosage ranges.
Safe medications for guinea pigs: Guinea Lynx :: Medications
Dangerous medications: Guinea Lynx :: Dangerous Medications (the antibiotic convenia also belongs in this category as it causes fatalities in guinea pigs)
Dose calculator for guinea pigs: Guinea Lynx :: Dose Calculator
Guinea Lynx :: Dose Calculator
The Problems With Steroids And Why They Shouldn't Be Used.

Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre


As to a companion: your little boy is in his 'school weeks', i.e. the period between weaning and teenage when guinea pigs learn to master their environment and the finer points of social interaction by attaching themselves to a willing 'teacher' guinea pig older than themselves and shadow them. They are still very desperate for company of any age.
You will find our Boar Guide helpful. It contains information about the different ages and has also got a chapter about different companionship options since your choices very much depend on what is locally available and practical for you: A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Here is information on what you can do for a newly bereaved companion and also a grieving guide for yourself. You must feel very upset. Any strong feelings of guilt are an expression of how caring and loving an owner you are. Please don't beat yourself up too badly - how were you to know that the vet would treat wrongly from not having the first clue about guinea pigs? It is one of these harsh life lessons that you have to stumble into but cannot anticipate. Be kind to yourself in the coming days and give yourself space to grieve and to express your feelings in some shape or form.
Here is the access link: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children