Advice: Is it a bad idea to rescue another piggie?

[walleandeva]

We currently have 2 boars who are around 6 months old. We have quite a large c&c cage for them. We feel that we would love to adopt another little boar to join them. Is this a good idea or not?

[_Lisa_]

I don't think rescuing another guinea pig is ever a bad idea unless you are concerned about your own resources and being able to properly care for him.

And while it may not be a bad idea, there are many things you need to consider and plan for: like what you would do if the new boar does not get along with the two you already have? Or what you would do if it changes the relationship of the two you have and they also start to not get along? What methods would you plan to use of introduction? How long are you willing to try introducing them?

Will you need to expand your C&C, buy/make new hay racks, change your feeding schedule/arrangement, or serve different veggies than what you are already feeding?

As long as you have the means, resources, & love to care for another pig I can't imagine rescuing another would ever being a bad thing. Just make sure you cover all your bases just in case it changes the dynamics of how your duo is currently living.

[Paula]

I generally agree that it always a good idea to take in more if you can afford to do so and have the desire to care for more. Of course there are always things to consider, like extra vet costs, extra maintenance costs, etc., but if all those things have been well thought out and you have the resources and desire to care for more, by all means, you should.

One thing you might want to think about if you're planning to house the new pig with your existing boys is whether or not it's fair to your resident pigs. As much as I love to be able to take in and care for more rescue pigs, I draw the line when the answer to that question is no. The needs and happiness of the pigs I already always take precedence over those I may wish to adopt. If you'd be impacting the cage space of your existing pigs to such a degree that they become unhappy, it's not worth taking in another one, as much as you may want to.

[claire]

I have a yearning to add a third boar too, but I'm going to (try to!) hold off for a year until my boys are fully grown and have their relationship completely established.

[walleandeva]

Thank you for all your answers. I was thinking of getting a baby boar to add to them. would a baby boar be easier to introduce to my existing two than an older boar?

[Moo&Star]

hallo. really great question and the responses are ever so thoughtful.

i, too, would take into account their overall sense of well-being first off. my boars are big pigs, and are a handful [rescued]. they are very connected to one another, and of course, i am a part of the herd as well, so that makes three.

affording medical issues should they arise, maintaining proper nutritional needs, mental and physical stimulation [time-wise], good housekeeping practises within their space or wherever they venture [my boys are freewheeling], and so on. looking at the present arrangement and into potential future scenarios with a new addition to your family. pigs may react fine at first, then have behaviours to work out. any change to/in their environment is significant, and it's wonderful that you are not acting on impulse.

all the best!

moo and star

[MomtoO&O]

Originally Posted by paula.m.moore

I generally agree that it always a good idea to take in more if you can afford to do so and have the desire to care for more. Of course there are always things to consider, like extra vet costs, extra maintenance costs, etc., but if all those things have been well thought out and you have the resources and desire to care for more, by all means, you should.

One thing you might want to think about if you're planning to house the new pig with your existing boys is whether or not it's fair to your resident pigs. As much as I love to be able to take in and care for more rescue pigs, I draw the line when the answer to that question is no. The needs and happiness of the pigs I already always take precedence over those I may wish to adopt. If you'd be impacting the cage space of your existing pigs to such a degree that they become unhappy, it's not worth taking in another one, as much as you may want to.

Paula, thank you for sharing this. I've also been considering rescuing another sow, and your post helped me decide that now is just not the best time for my pigs to have a new friend. Maybe in the fall!