What’s the best thing for our separated boar?

moodysuzy

moodysuzy

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In the ongoing saga of our three fighting rescue piggies...

They live as a pair and a single boar (Bao), in 2x5 and 2x4 adjoined c&c cages, they share 4 squares of barrier.

Our single pig doesn’t seem horribly miserable, he’s putting weight on as expected, is interested in us and food, wheeks at us, enjoys lap time, and occasionally gives us popcorns.

However he also spends a substantial amount of time chewing the bars that separate him from the pair. He hates Prawn and won’t stop rumbling at him given the chance, and the bar chewing isn’t good for him. He doesn’t chew anywhere else, only at the separation barrier. He either wants to eat Prawn or snuggle with Edgar, both probably.

We have have talked and decided that getting a fourth pig would be a bad move for us. The cage would need extending, there’s more risk of further fall outs. We are happy to keep them as they are. But what is best for Bao? We are within travel distance of little pips and the littlest rescue, so we are seriously considering chatting to one of those about giving Bao up to be bonded with another pig and rehomed elsewhere. I don’t want to get rid of him, I love Bao, but I’m trying to do what is best for him and not me. I also worry that maybe he won’t get bonded quickly or adopted and then he’s just a lonely pig somewhere else, and I’d rather he was with me in that case.

just looking for opinions about what would be ideal for Bao, if it wasn’t for the bar chewing I wouldn’t be concerned, but he’s clearly frustrated sometimes. They’re 8 months old so maybe he’ll settle down when he gets out of his teenage years - but that’s months away :(
 
I’m glad you’ve come back with an update, I often wonder how they are getting on!

Yes Bao’s cage would ideally be expanded to a 2x5 for him to live with another boar. There is only a risk of further fall outs if he isn’t put with a compatible piggy. The fact that you are in access of a rescue will help here as you can be assured of finding (it may take a little time) a compatible piggy for him to live with and the rescue can help you do that - suitable compatible piggy friend = no fights and falls out and Bao can live happily with you and a friend. He is in the peak of his teens so bonding him would need some expertise (hence the rescue’s help) but it is absolutely doable.

The decision is yours though, if you feel happier surrendering him than taking on a fourth piggy then that is absolutely your call.
 
Being c&c cages, you have the option to stack them - you obviously can’t do it while bao is alone as he needs the interaction through the bars, but if he is bonded with another then you can put one pair on a top level of the cage and the other on the bottom level so it takes up less floor space
 
Well done on considering what’s best for Bao, even though it’s not what you want.

If the rescue does boar dating then that is a better way to get a good pairing for him. But as said above, bonding can be difficult during the teenage months. But it’s not impossible.

I have a stacked c&c and it works well for me. So think about that too if you’re worried about space.

Otherwise what else is making you hesitate keeping him and getting him a friend? Perhaps laying it out here you can work through it logically then come to a decision that suits you as well as Bao. It’s a tough one but you’re doing very well ☺️👌🏾
 
Thanks for your replies, four is...a lot of guinea pigs - it ups the chances of fall-outs, chances of needing a vet, it makes it more difficult to go away and find people to look after them. We didn’t really want more than two in the first place, but hadn’t anticipated quite this many problems

Bao used to take out his frustrations with Prawn on Edgar, so if we had them in the same room, would he turn on his friend? And would we be giving less attention to each pig due to having more. We’re also in rented accommodation (pigs are authorised) but the more we have, the more likely the landlord will come up with problems.

We are very unsure about getting a fourth of I’m being totally honest. It doesn’t feel like the right decision for our family. Maybe it sounds petty, we did agree to take these pigs after all, but that’s just the situation unfortunately.

If the choice is keep them as is, or surrender Bao, then I honestly don’t know what the best choice is.
 
No he wouldn’t turn on his friend. The problems with Bao occurred purely because there were three boys together. When two boars are character compatible, then fall outs do not occur.

i absolutely agree, four is a lot and if it doesn’t feel right for you, then that is the right decision for you.

In terms in keeping things as they are or surrendering Bao, then the best thing for Bao is to surrender him. While there is more to interaction than physical contact, he is very young and it’s not in his best interests for him to face the rest of his life with through bar only communication. I know it is not an easy decision to make, but his needs have to come first and if you don’t want to bond him, then giving him up is the best.
 
If you feel four is too many pigs, then consider rehoming Bao via a rescue. I know you’ve said it would be difficult to let him go but it seems the best option for all of you. A few rescues neuter their boars before rehoming, so he could end up with a pig wife of his own and have a great life with her!
 
On a side note - little pip's rescue seems to have disappeared off Facebook, any idea if they're still running?

Honestly it makes us so sad watching Bao chewing the bars trying to get to the boys, we know giving him up is kinder. I'm worried he won't find a buddy and then be alone away from us, but at least he'd have a chance
 
He will very likely be found a friend to live with, so I wouldn’t worry about that. Rescues don’t like having single piggies and understand their need for companionship.
 
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