Should I neuter my guinea pig?
Unless for health reasons a female guinea pig should never be spayed!
Neutering a male guinea pig is less of a risk as the operation is shorter and less complicated, however it should not be done unless for good reason.
The main reasons people neuter male guinea pigs is so they can live with females the other reason can be a health issue.
Unlike some animals neutering a male guinea pig will not diminish his want to fight with other males that he isn’t bonded to.
Guinea pigs are social creatures and do need the company of another one, male guinea pigs are all too often left to live their life in solitary confinement, neutering so they can live with a female will increase their quality of life.
Another alternative to neutering an adult male guinea pig is to introduce him to a 5 to 6 week old baby male guinea pig on neutral territory. Some males will tolerate living side by side with another male so they can chat to each other but still have their own space. Males of course can live in bonded pairs and there is no need to neuter two males living together. Don’t keep male guinea pigs in more than pairs.
For more information on boar care visit www.barmy4boars.co.uk
For the health and safety of your guinea pig never house rabbits and guinea pigs together, even if they seem to get on well.
