What Age To Neuter, Or To Neuter At All?

[Tewdric]

Young Telford is coming up to three months old. I originally got him in an effort to provide some company for the recently bereaved Moriarty (my avatar pig). Unfortunately that didn't work out as Moriarty got fed up of Telford repeatedly trying to hump him and Moriarty didn't manage to convince Telford that he should be the dominant pig so it ended up with teeth bared. They have enjoyed living opposite each other and being out in the run next to each other so Moriarty does at least have some company for his last days, (he is 5 and his next trip to the vet will be the last - he has the same genetic problem that meant his brother had to be pts. I've come to terms with that and am keeping a very close eye on him.)

That leaves Telford. The original plan was to neuter and then get him some girls to live with. I've had several pairs of boars now and thought a change to girls would mean I wouldn't get the 'lone pig' problem again. However, having found this site I've now heard about boar dating and I'm beginning to wonder if I ought to try that for Telford rather than putting him through an op. I've never had to care for a post op pig before and I must admit the idea does make me a bit nervous.

Any comments gratefully received!

 

[Wiebke]

Either step requires a leap of faith! Your closest recommended guinea pig rescue is probably Windwhistle Warren by Cheltenham; it may be worth contacting them and having a chat with them.

If Telford turns out to be a difficult bonding customer, then neutering by a good vet is still an option for you. it is certainly worth trying another avenue before neutering if it comes at no risk for you and Telford - especially as Telford has likely still a a few more weeks to go before he is old enough for neutering.

 

[Tewdric]

Thank you for the advice. As you say, I've still got the two options to persue atm.