Cage: wait for a 2nd pig to expand cage?

[Erenna]

I currently have a lovely long-haired boar named Pudding and would like to get him a friend. He is currently in a C&C cage with about 6 square feet area and would like to expand this but I understand that it's best to introduce pigs in a new cage. Also I understand adults get along best with younger pigs.

So my dilemma is do I wait to expand until I can find a male young pig to adopt (I've been looking for about a month already); settle for a adult male and hope for the best; get a young male from a pet store (EVIL I know); or build the new cage now and take my time looking for the right companion?

Essentially which is more important expanding his cage sooner; finding him a friend sooner; finding a young boar; or introducing them together into a new cage?

Another complication is that I can't quarantine new pig in a separate room. I am renting a room with a shared kitchen etc. so I only really have one room that's mine (I'm going to university). My roommate has been remarkably tolerant of Pudding and is okay with me getting another but I don't want to push this. It can be very hard to find a place that will let you have pets. Is across the room helpful? Should I still quarantine the full month?

sorry for the long post

[JD In Van]

You should probably expand the cage now. They need about 7.5 square feet for one alone to get around and stretch properly, and with boars you're going to want to be closer to 10 square feet for both. When you intro apparently you can just scrub down the cage to remove any scents before you put your boys back into it. (this I haven't done my boys came together but it's quite detailed on various threads of the site).

Don't get your guy a friend at the pet store though. Expand and take your time finding him the right friend. Quartintine should be in a completely differant room but if you're not able to do this it's even more imparitive you get your guy a friend from a reputable shelter/rescue, preferably one where he's been pre quarintined in a foster home for at least a month and included a vet check to insure he has no health issues.

Another option for quarintine (that I think's kind of creative) is having someone pet sit your new pig at thier place for the QT period that insures you won't have any contact between the two inadvertantly. I've heard of a few people doing this now. Of course you need a willing and capable half way home for this.

[akstrohm]

Expand now. For intros, you need a thoroughly cleaned cage, not a new cage. Expanding now won't make them less likely to get along.

Get a pig from a reputable rescue. They can help you with intros and making quarantining less of an issue. Make sure you watch your pig carefully for any signs of illness before introducing a new one. Do NOT get your pig from a pet store--especially if you can't quarantine. Pet store pigs are very often sick (and missexed and pregnant). If you buy from a store, there's a good chance your current pig will get sick.

Finally, adult males can very often be paired successfully. It depends a lot on personality. Are you positive he is a boy?

[Erenna]

Thanks for the advice. Yay, I have and excuse to start construction I wasn't serious about getting a pig from a pet store, just feeling a little desperate after checking the local SPCA and Craig's list regularly with no luck. (I know I have to be careful with craig's list)

Are you positive he is a boy?

Yes he's very much a boy, a well endowed boy.