There are a lot of bereaved male Guinea Pigs at the moment, and a lot of people asking for advice. There are several different routes you can go down to find a companion, and lots of heated debate on the internet about it! Personally, I don’t believe it’s a one-size-fits-all approach and it very much depends on the Guinea Pig and the situation.
Option 1: neuter and pair with females
If your male is young and in good health, having him neutered and getting him a lady friend or two is a great option. It's the most likely bond to succeed. However, you will occasionally find sows that don't take to a neutered boar, so as always, careful bonding with the support of a rescue is recommended. Neutering can cost £100 +, and you will need to wait at least 6 weeks post-neutering to introduce females. With an experienced vet, the risks are low but you do need to be aware that complications can occur. I recommend finding a vet who will use the abdominal method.
Option 2: bond with a baby boar
If you bond your boar with a baby (8 weeks or so) it will likely be very smooth sailing as the adult won't see the baby as a threat. However, you need to be mindful of the fact that the
baby may challenge for dominance when they reach adolescence.
Option 3: bond with an adult boar
Many owners would like to find a companion of a similar age and therefore
lifespan to their current Guinea Pig. Bonding adult piggies can be tricky...but
certainly not impossible! Sometimes it might take several bonding sessions to
find the perfect buddy, but often your local rescue can support you. It can take a bit of
time and dedication.
Other top tips
If your Guinea Pig is showing signs of loneliness while you are looking for a new friend, a cuddly toy can help!
If one of your Guinea Pigs has died in an unexpected manner or from an illness that could be contagious, I recommend waiting 2 weeks to introduce a new friend to prevent infections from spreading.
If possible.....adopt don't shop! And you'll have the full support of a rescue when attempting bonding, whichever method you choose.
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