Bereaved Guinea Pig

[Gemm24]

Hello!

Sammy (neutered two year old boar) lost his companion on Friday and I am very upset but I know I need to focus on Sammy. Sammy is quiet, lonely and not himself, more scared than usual. I need to get him a friend regardless of my feelings of grief.

I have looked around rescues near me and adoption centres but unable to find a single sow for adoption. Should I get him a baby guinea friend? I can get one today or should I wait for a possible adoption one to come available. I don’t want Sammy to spend the next week or more on his own. But my worry is if I get just one baby I will be in this position in future where one will be left and then the cycle never ends. So I am thinking I could get two baby sows, but would they hang up on him then.

I have found that looking after guinea pigs brings me great joy but also incredible sadness when they leave.

Sorry for rambling on-I am very sad at my guinea pig passing, she was very special and it’s making me more upset to see Sammy lonely. Any advice is much appreciated. Xx

 

[Julie M]

2 sows could be an option. If there are no single ones available. They don't have to be babies. Most rescues are full to bursting with pairs of piggies needing homes. If they offer it you could even take Sammy dating.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Poor you and poor Sammy, you must be devastated. Do whatever feels best, if Sammy is pining then sooner rather than later. A pair of ladies would be lovely for him if you have the room x

So sorry you lost your little lady x

 

[Swissgreys]

Sorry to hear about the loss of Sammy's companion.
First and foremost be kind to yourself. Loss is hard on everyone in different ways and you are doing a great job putting Sammy's needs first.

Getting him a companion is a wonderful idea, and if possible I would try and contact rescues near you.
Sometimes they don't list all of their available guinea pigs on their websites, so just becasue you don't see a suitable companion for Sammy, doesn't mean that they don't have one. Plus rescues often have a waiting list of piggies waiting for a place in rescue so the perfect guinea pig may just be waiting for their chance.
Getting a rescue guinea pig also means you will know it is healthy, not pregnant (often a issue with pet store piggies) and will come with full back up and support.

A guide to caring for a bereaved guinea pig is here:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

A good guide to dealing with loss is here:
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping and support for guinea pig owners and their children

I hope you and Sammy manage to find a new friend, as it sounds like you have a lovely home to offer another guinea pig when you are ready.

 

[Gemm24]

Thank you for all your replies. I really appreciate it. This forum has made me feel like I am not alone in my grief. I have found a rescue sow in the adoption centre of a pets at home, however they have told me she isn’t ready yet as she is being treated for conjunctivitis. Do you think this is a risk? They won’t let her go until she is ready but I don’t want to risk passing anything onto Sammy. Xx

 

[Wiebke]

Hello!

Sammy (neutered two year old boar) lost his companion on Friday and I am very upset but I know I need to focus on Sammy. Sammy is quiet, lonely and not himself, more scared than usual. I need to get him a friend regardless of my feelings of grief.

I have looked around rescues near me and adoption centres but unable to find a single sow for adoption. Should I get him a baby guinea friend? I can get one today or should I wait for a possible adoption one to come available. I don’t want Sammy to spend the next week or more on his own. But my worry is if I get just one baby I will be in this position in future where one will be left and then the cycle never ends. So I am thinking I could get two baby sows, but would they hang up on him then.

I have found that looking after guinea pigs brings me great joy but also incredible sadness when they leave.

Sorry for rambling on-I am very sad at my guinea pig passing, she was very special and it’s making me more upset to see Sammy lonely. Any advice is much appreciated. Xx

As long as Sammy is eating, please wait until he is hopefully coming out of deep mourning.
Have you contacted our recommended rescues for sow pairs or baby boys? Keep in mind that rescues may have piggies in the pipeline that are not on the official adoption page yet.
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

If there aren't, then buying two shop sows is the next best option; acceptance is pretty much guaranteed if you are dealing with a badly affected piggy and babies that are looking for a mummy/daddy figure.
With youngsters you have to waive quarantine; which means that you have to treat all piggies if there is a ringworm or other problem. Please double-check the gender before intro and if necessary, ask for confirmation. There is a small risk of pregnancy if there has been a case of baby mis-sexing/not separating promptly enough at the commercial supply breeder, during transport or at the shop.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (also contains a chapter on baby intros with videos)