I need to clarify something

[guineapigluver1]

How often does cleaning out the anal sac need to be done? And if the boar is young do you need to do it at all?

[clotho]

I do it once a week during cage cleaning time for all my boars. It's an easy routine to get into and I believe it helps keep them clean and avoid impaction. I always find a bit of shavings and/or hair in there, so I think it's best to clean it out regularly. I think you should do it. Otherwise you could end up with impaction issues which are much much worse trust me!!

Guinea Lynx :: Impaction

[guineapigluver1]

The reason I asked is because I am still waiting to adopt two guinea pigs and I found a pair of boars that I fell in love with, and my mom said no because unless it's a neutered boar she doesn't want me getting boars, because when I'm away she would have to do it and she thinks it's gross. So I just don't know what to do.
One other thing; if you just used a curved syringe like this Amazon.com: 12 cc Disposable Syringe with Tapered Curved Tip: Kitchen & Dining&
Could you just use the syringe to clean it out?

[Haley0489]

You don't have to do it unless the boar has impaction problems. Most of us do it just to get them used to it, in case they do develop impaction later on. I clean my boars out about every month. It's not nearly as gross as it sounds.

[guineapigluver1]

Okay, thanks. I know its not really that gross it's my mom thats the problem maybe if I explain it to her she will allow me to get boars.

[clotho]

Some people use syringes to clean out their boars, but I tried it and found it very difficult. The stuff inside the sac is quite thick sometimes and I didn't find the syringe got it out well. I like to use mineral oil and Qtips - it works great.

I agree that it's not something you HAVE to do weekly - some people do it every couple weeks or once a month or so. How long at a time would you be going away? You could assure your Mom that it would be ok to leave them without a cleaning for the time you are gone. The only time you wouldn't be able to hold off is if your boars developed impaction.

I also agree it's not quite as gross as it sounds. It's smelly, yes. But you get used to it.

[guineapigluver1]

Once a year for six days. I haven't ever really been on vacation but we are hoping to next summer for about a week. Thanks, I'll talk to my mom about it.

[Toadies]

I "clean their trunks" every two weeks when I trim their nails. I do it just to get them used to the idea in case it even becomes neccessary for real. I use grapeseed oil, which is okay for them to ingest, and cotton swabs. It is stinky but washing your hands with soap and them rubbing them down with table salt and rinsing gets rid of the odor on your hands. I didn't do it when they were younger, only after they were 3 yrs old, and there wasn't much to clean out even then. I think that a syringe could scratch the tissue and perhaps lead to more issues.
As for getting boars, they don't PMS on you. Love my boys, don't think I'd have girls, but it's a personal choice. I know that slaves adore their sows as well.