General: Is there a way to age a piggy?

[MyHappyPlace]

I purchased a preschool that came complete with a GP. Since I know nothing about their care and needs, I've been online for the last few days trying to get educated. The first thing that I learned is that his cage is way too small... The school has 72 grid panels (measured the squares)that i'm going to use to make him a new space. He also isn't getting a good diet. Took him timothy, lettuce, bell pepper and a baby carrot this morning and I swear you could see his eyes rolling with pleasure! So now i'm considering a companion since everything i've read says that they don't like to be alone.

I spoke to the local cavy rescue and he told me that it's recommended that I have him neutered prior to introducing a friend. My concern with this is that I don't know how old he is. He's a really big pig, almost the size of a rabbit. Does that mean he's old? I don't want to subject him to a medical procedure if he's in his golden years. The school has had him for 4 years, he was donated along with another male. The other one died about 6 months ago. They were both adults when the school got them.

All that to ask this..... Is there a way to tell how old he is? Can I introduce another male into his new house since he's had a friend in the past without having him neutred?

[Rnd210]

Yes, you could introduce another baby or young male with out nuetoring but you will need to quarentine for 3 weeks before introducing and a shcool setting is not a good place for a guinea pig a home setting would be best as they can be frightened easily.

[akstrohm]

I would not neuter him. All surgery has risks, especially in older pigs, and neutering provides no benefits.

He will do fine with another male. It will be easiest to introduce him to a baby, but adult males can be successfully introduced as well. If you're not prepared for a long term commitment (5-10 years), don't get a baby. I don't think there's a way to give you a more accurate age estimate. Nails, teeth, etc. can give some indication, but probably not more than what you already know (at least 4.5 years). Don't forget to do a three week quarantine behind closed doors for the new pig. You will also need to baby proof the cage if the new pig is a baby.

And as mentioned, a school is not a good environment for the pig. If there's a way to take him home, I would do so.

And good for you for getting this guy the space and diet that he needs!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

The rescue you spoke to was wrong. You do not need to neuter him.

[MyHappyPlace]

I understand everyone's concern in regard to the school but I can't bring him home. I have a dog that would never allow it. There is someone at the school 7 days a week. The class room he's in seems to have very good manners in regard to "Zeke". There are two little chairs for the kids to sit and watch him play. I'm told that the rule is no more than two at a time. I suspect the chairs also help in keeping a little distance between the children and the cage. Although one child each day is responsible for filling his water and pellet bowl, the teacher is the one that actually puts her hand in and gets the bowl etc. The piggy sits in her lap during story time and at nap time. The children are allowed to pet him one at a time with permission. He seems to like the kids and they love him! I had actually considered finding him a new home but the teacher pleaded the kids case successfully. She told me they would be crushed! So instead I'm going to do everything I can to make him a healthy, happy home right where he's at.

With 72 panels, I can make a large living area. The design I'm working on goes around a corner and has upper levels on both ends. I printed the dietary requirements to make sure that he starts eating better. I have a 3 x 3 enclosure with a top that I can put outside in the shade for him to happily eat grass for short periods of time, fully supervised and weather permitting. I'm doing everthing I can think of to give him a better life.

The fact that I can introduce another male without neutering him is a great relief. I'm sure with company, he'll be much happier. I won't introduce his new friend until the new cage is complete so quarantine shouldn't be a problem. The only other issue now is to find a friend that fits the bill without going to a pet store. The guy at the local cavy rescue refused to consider placing a piggie in a school, so I may have to find someone privately.

If there are any other suggestions for things that I haven't thought of, please let me know. Thanks!