When Is 'too Old'?

[SpinningNickel]

I apologise if this is a silly question, but I'm struggling to come up with a simple answer and need some support.

After a long and full piggy life, one of our boars crossed the bridge today. Once we've all had a bit of time to digest, we of course need to think of what to do with our remaining boar. My concern is that he's now 5 years old. As far as we know, he's in good health, but we're conscious he could carry on for three years, or pass tomorrow.

If we re-bond him, we could end up with another lone boar very soon. Or we could bond a baby who starts challenging and harassing for dominance when puberty hits in a few months, which seems unfair on the old boy... but if we don't, he could carry on for months and years and we wouldn't want him lonely.

What to do? Is there a point at which you would think, 'let my senior citizen boar retire peacefully' or would you always seek to re-bond? TIA x

 

[Wiebke]

I apologise if this is a silly question, but I'm struggling to come up with a simple answer and need some support.

After a long and full piggy life, one of our boars crossed the bridge today. Once we've all had a bit of time to digest, we of course need to think of what to do with our remaining boar. My concern is that he's now 5 years old. As far as we know, he's in good health, but we're conscious he could carry on for three years, or pass tomorrow.

If we re-bond him, we could end up with another lone boar very soon. Or we could bond a baby who starts challenging and harassing for dominance when puberty hits in a few months, which seems unfair on the old boy... but if we don't, he could carry on for months and years and we wouldn't want him lonely.

What to do? Is there a point at which you would think, 'let my senior citizen boar retire peacefully' or would you always seek to re-bond? TIA x

No piggy is ever too old for a new friend. Please contact either Milhaven Guinea Pig Rescue in Keighley, Barnsley Animal Rescue Charity or Cavy Corner sanctuary in Doncaster; they all offer dating at the rescue and may have a suitable companion for your boy. They may also be prepared to help find a solution if you do not want to continue with guinea pigs after the death of your second boy.

I would recommend to contact all three to find the best way forward.
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
@pig in the city (guinea pig fosterer for BARC)

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

One of the piggies that have arrived here this year is a friend's 8 year old lady who became depressed after she lost the last of her same age mates.

 

[SpinningNickel]

Thanks Wiebke. I was concerned about an older pig being harassed come puberty time but would definitely much rather he had a friend, so that's comforting. We'll contact some rescues in a few days and go from there.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I think boar dating would find a good match. You never know he might pick a boar similar in age to bond with.

 

[Betsy]

Hopefully all will go well with the bonding!

Alas it was not the same for me. Years ago when Lenny passed, his cagemate Gizmo would not accept another boar so he lived the rest of his live a lonely old man which was very sad. He missed Lenny dreadfully and in the first few weeks on his lonesome ownsome he would call for Lenny when he went back into the hutch until Lenny's scent had gone. It was completely heartbreaking. I think he died of a broken heart in the end.

 

[The3LittlePigs]

If you want to continue having piggies after your boy has passed, then getting him a friend is a good idea. My old boy was very happy when he got his new friend, even though he gets chased sometimes. If you don't want to have any more piggies, however, I can see why you wouldn't get him a friend. Rip to your passed boy, and good luck!

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks Wiebke. I was concerned about an older pig being harassed come puberty time but would definitely much rather he had a friend, so that's comforting. We'll contact some rescues in a few days and go from there.

Boar dating works for boars of any age. Not all boars coming into rescue are young ones; sometimes, there are adults and older boars, too! If you can't find anything suitable in Milhaven or BARC, Cavy Corner sanctuary will surely come up with a suitable mate of your boy's liking. Rescue dating means that it is ultimately down to your boy who he wants to live with.

PS: In 2012 I adopted a widowed no longer wanted 5 year old boar from BARC to live with my elderly sows in a golden Oldies group - he had the time of his life here! My Mali, who lived until she was 8 years old, was the same age when she arrived as an emergency from Milhaven a few months later; she joined my dedicated cataract group and despite being blind, waddle-zoomed around the living room floor by following her own scent spoor until two days before she died. just as an example...

 

[chesca_27]

Just want to add, you could always see if you can adopt an adult boar (18 months and up) after the difficult stage. That's what ended up happening with my 5 year old boar (will be 6 soon ) and my new younger boar, who get on brilliantly. I don't think there is ever really a 'too old' for bonding point.