We had a pair of bonded boys for my 2 eldest children, so far so good. Then we got another pair of boys when my youngest child started to protest about his lack of a pet. We kept the pairs in runs next to each other for a few months until they seemed to be all their time up against the wire that was separating them. Also strangely the more dominant one of the older pair started driving his friend out of the house and making him sleep outside (obviously I provided another house at this point so the poor little thing wasn't out in the cold!) and I decided to let all four of them try being together. There was the inevitable bit of running about and nipping but they seemed to settle pretty well. They were in a 12 foot run with 3 different houses to choose from so however grumpy the dominant one was to the others (he wouldnt let anyone share a house with him) there was always a place to snuggle up and they tended to end up with three all piled up in one house and the grumpy one having a house to himself. Then last night I found the one who had originally been chased out had died. There was no blood or fur pulled out, he looked quite peaceful, so I dont think there had been a big fight, I think he must have had some undetected illness that finally caught up with him but now I have a problem: The remaining three are getting on very well, they are frequently to be seen with all 3 little heads in one feed bowl, but my son whose piggie died is desperate for a new furry friend. I cant provide more space, so I dont want to buy another pair to bring my total up to five, but how likely is a group of three who has just has a reasonable amount of upheaval to accept a new arrival? Also I am loathe to aquire a little one just as we head into winter as my piggies live out. They have insulated houses, a polycarbonate roof to their run and heat pads when it gets really cold but is that enough for a youngster who might get cold more easily?
When is it ok to add another piggle?
- Thread starter decadec
- Start date
D
DMS260820
From what i have heard before on here. You are already very lucky that you have 3 boars that get along, it might be pushing it a bit to risk getting another and then risk causing an upset between the 3 existing pigs relationship.
Hi!
I am very sorry for your loss. you are welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section if you find that this would help your son.
Please be aware that most boar trios and nearly all boar quartets fail latest when any youngsters hit the teenage months. Small groups are by far the most unstable boar combination. Ideally you keep boars in stably bonded pairs - and ideally you date single boars at a good rescue so the piggies can decide whether they want to get along or not. Character compatibility is key to any successful boar bond once the teenage hormones hit home and the boars develop their adult identity between 4-14 months of age.
Please take the time to read these guides here so you can mae as informed a decision as possible to spare you any further trouble down the line:
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Boars: Teenage, Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
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Hi l think you are the lady l spoke to on Saturday? As said above l think you are best leaving things be unless the trio falls out. If that happens consider boar dating at a rescue for the outsider.
Hopefully they will all remain friends.
Hopefully they will all remain friends.