The doctor is in!!!!

[jdomans]

Tomorrow I will be driving to Jacksonville, FL to get our very first boar. He belongs to a young lady who I met on this forum who can't keep him as well as she wants. We have been emailing for about 3 months now and she had asked me to be his godmother. He name is Doolittle and we will keep that name. I called my vet and we have an appointment for a general check up on Tuesday afternoon. Until then he will be in the Super Pet XL cage in here. I am going to build him an apartment that will run along side the girl's cage. It will be about a 2 x 4 with a 1 by top story. He is quite a character and we are excited. I will post pigtures tomorrow when I get him back home.

[Percy's Mom]

Yeah! I can't wait to see him. I love the name Doolittle.

[jdomans]

Thanks Percy's Mom! Here is what I have prepared for him. This will do until the vet sees him on Tuesday and gives me a clean bill of health and then he can go to his apartment. We will build that tonight.
I got out my Super Pet XL and fixed it up. I put all the food and water in one area to try to give him as much free space as possible. I bought him a teddy last week and also put in a cushy dog toy to rest his ehad on. I will give him a pigloo for nights only as it would take away too much floor space. What do you all think? Did I forget anything or should I take anything out? I have towels and fleece in it.

[pamziaw]

Is that a wheel in the corner? If it is you need to take it out, they risk spinal injuries.

[jdomans]

No it is a hay thing. sorry for the poor shot. Here are better ones:
His cushy stuff


His kitchen and potty

[twinkies]

Looks nice and comfy. Will Doolittle be all alone when you get him next to the girls?

[Slap Maxwell]

Are you planning on having him neutered?

[jdomans]

Doolittle will share grids with the girls. I will not risk having him neutered. It would just kill me if something happened to him. I recently joined a board for boar owners and from everything I read, he will be just peachy playing with the girls between the grids. Many times folks can't find a playmate for a boar and they do great living next to another so he will do that with the girls.

[Percy's Mom]

How old is Doolittle? From what I know of the procedure (which admittedly isn't much), if you have a good vet, and your boar isn't too old, it usually goes pretty smoothly.

I just can't imagine being happy if the only contact that I could get with someone of my same species was through a grid wall.

[jdomans]

Well at the moment is is with nobody at all. There are many times people try to pair up boars and they don't get along so side by side is what works. Doolittle is maybe 3. Percy's Mom -it just terrifies me to think he could die from the surgery and it is not recommended if not necessary. His options are to stay with a girl who can't give him what he needs and she is moving and was going to give him to her Dad who knows even less about GPs but likes him, or come to our home and live like a king minus 'getting his women' whenever he wants.

[Percy's Mom]

I agree that he will definitely be in a better place living with you even if his only contact with the girls is through a grid. It's just something to think about. He's in the prime of his piggy life and I'm assuming in good health. There is also the plus side of a possibility of less impaction when he gets older.

Ultimately, it's your decision, but there are a lot of factors to consider. As much as we like to trust the word of people on boards and forums, you might want to discuss this one with your veterinarian as well.

[jdomans]

I have been doing much thinking and reading on cavy spirit. At his visit on Tuesday I will ask the vet many questions which of course include his track record on cavy neutering! This vet is the senior partner of this clinic. I have not seen him before but his reputation in Savannah is flawless and he is much loved. The vet I saw last year when Pol had mites is now with another clinic and to see her I know the price would be way up compared to the original clinic she was in which is where I am going Tuesday. Gee how confused are you now? LOL Dr. Bink is the vet for cavies that is why I couldn't get in tomorrow because the other vets in the clinic don't see them. I don't know if Doolittle was ever used for breeding. I really don't think so. I feel we are dealing with a typical case of a boar whose owners got bored with him. I will talk about all of this tomorrow when I go get him. Yes there is so much to consider. Is it ever easy? NOPE----!

[Percy's Mom]

Always always lots of decisions to be made. Whatever you and your vet decide, I'm sure Doolittle will have a wonderful home and won't need worry where he's living out the rest of his days.

[jdomans]

It is just awful because I have a knot in my stomach thinking about surgery and then I know about companionship too! Oh Lord. Another course is down the road to get a boar but again there are no guarantees about friendship. Day by day is what we shall do.

[JenniferT]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We just had a baby a couple of days ago so I know how exciting it is to met new family members. I will look forward to your pictures!

[JennG]

Congrats! I can't wait to see pics of your new baby.