Bonding a young pair to an older piggy

[Vj2010]

Hi. We recently lost one of our sows and are left with one. She is coping OK but ultimately we don't want her to be lonely. I am currently in contact with a local rescue but they don't know when they will be able to help. If I was to go down the route of buying a new pig instead I'm wondering if its best to buy one and work hard on the bonding process or but two and try to bond them with my existing lady. I'm aware that if the binding process fails with one plus our girl then we potentially have two lonely piggies.
Advice appreciated. Thank you

 

[Wiebke]

Hi. We recently lost one of our sows and are left with one. She is coping OK but ultimately we don't want her to be lonely. I am currently in contact with a local rescue but they don't know when they will be able to help. If I was to go down the route of buying a new pig instead I'm wondering if its best to buy one and work hard on the bonding process or but two and try to bond them with my existing lady. I'm aware that if the binding process fails with one plus our girl then we potentially have two lonely piggies.
Advice appreciated. Thank you

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss; it is a very difficult time right now for both rescues and owners. Not all rescues have the wherewithal to adopt out or to rescue date in a socially dinstanced safe way although they will have to work out a way sooner or later once the strict lockdown conditions are being gradually loosened up.

If your sow is coping OK on her own, then it is worth trying to hang in there and see whether you can rescue date her with either a neutered boar or a sow. Age is not as important as mutual liking with any piggy bond.

Concentrate on enrichment for the time being. I am also adding our guide for looking after single piggies (which includes bereaved piggies), so you can spot the signs when companionship is more important than dating.
Bereaved single piggies are generally more interactive and cuddly with their human, which is normal; this usually stops again as soon as they are happy in their new relationship. However, once this is turning into clinginess/attention seeking behaviour, you know that the line has been crossed.
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Rescue Locator