what to do with my three baby boars

[lisajaneh]

OK, here come a couple of questions regarding what to do with my three baby boars;

1. they still seem so tiny but three weeks is nearly up and I want to check if they really have to leave mum at three weeks, because they still look like they are suckling AND, their little "bits" are soooooooooo tiny, that I cant imagine them managing to even find it, let alone do something reproductive with it! (if you know what I mean). Q: separate at three weeks, no exceptions?

2. Our cages are like long pens in the shed, in two layers. Each layer has wire mesh divides to separate groups, but so everyone can see their neighbour. Which I thought was great because Mum and Dad could then have their babies living either side of them and she wouldnt wonder where they had gone. But, here's the question, Q: will the boars fight if they can see the girls, or only if they were physically in with them?, so should I put all boys on one layer and girls on the other?

3. Pretty much decided to get an older rescue boar and put the third little boar with him. Sooooooo, bearing in mind what drama unfolded because a breeder put my little Taz in with three other boars, Q: how long can the 3 boars stay together? Do I separate at three weeks or six?

I think thats it so far.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Lisa.

3

[Hugs-Cavies (Doris)]

Weigh the boars, and give me an idea of how big they are.

If they are on the small side they can stay an extra week, but then they really need to come out, otherwise you will have more babies on your hands!! Are they pestering mum at all? (for the other, rather than milk?)

In our experience, it does not matter if pairs of boars can see/smell girls, but thats only our experience. I have heard other people having issues with this, so if possible its worth having them separate.

The three boars will probably be ok for couple of months or so, but once they get to the teenage phase, thats when you might start having problems.

[lisajaneh]

I havent seen them after any of the other

The sow started 4.75oz now 9.90oz
biggest boar started 3.60oz now 8.55oz
middle boar started 2.35oz now 3.90oz
Tiny boar started 2.10oz now 3.85oz

surprising the difference in sizes. I will probably keep the two tiny ones together and put the biggest boar in with another.
So do you think they are ok to stay for another week?

thanks Doris.

Lisa

[pamperedpiggycavie]

I know some people that keep them in til 5 weeks, i think this is risky. Four weeks is a maximum and you should keep a close eye on them and listen out for that purring noise. At least when you seperate there's 3 of them for company. I am assuming there are no sows in the litter, I would definately take them out if there were as this would be a risk for the baby sows.
So to sum it up, they will be fine taken away at 3 weeks but if you really want to an extra week, assuming no baby sisters and no rumbling noises from the boys. I have had to take a boar out at under three weeks before because of this!! Mum will appreciate the break when they are gone.

Amanda

[lisajaneh]

There is a baby sow in the litter. Now I'm panicking. Havent heard any purring yet though, they seem more interested in their food than anything else.
Its strange though. They all seem to have grown loads in the last couple of days, so I think to be on the safe side, I will split them up this evening. The last thing I need is more babies. I think you are right about Mum appreciating the rest when they are gone, she looks shattered.

When I take the boys out, do you think it would be better for them to be in the cage next to Mum and Dad and sister or to not be able to see them?

thanks
Lisa

[Hugs-Cavies (Doris)]

We didn't with Mary's boys. We just put them in a cage on their own for a little while, then Lupin-Buckmore came back and adopted them

[guineapigqueen]

I have left my boys in until they were 6weeks old but they live inside and I can see if their was any sexual activity that was going on.

You are lucky there is a little group of them, I hated seperating a single boar from his sisters. I usually found an uncle to adopt them.

Emma x