Caring for young lone guinea-pig

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Alicia

Alicia

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Spicy died earlier this evening and she was living with a small, 3 month old sow. I've only had Amber for about 3 weeks and she also has sight problems so I'm particularly worried about her being alone as she used to follow Spicy around the run and hutch. As Amber is quite small and young I was worried about her getting cold so I filled part of her hutch up with hay and I put in a fleece bed I'd made her. She's got a cat food bowl (one of those bowls with 2 sections) and normally I fill both sections up but tonight I filled one up with food and the other with water (she used to drink out of a bowl) and I thought this way I can monitor more easily what she's eating. She's also got a fungal infection, which is another reason why I'm being extra careful with her. What other ways can I keep her warm? She has tarpaulin over her hutch. I'm worried because I go back to school next week so I won't be around to keep checking on her and especially since Spicy's now gone I really wish I could do that. How best can I care for her now she's got no hutchmate? Are there any signs that a guinea-pig is grieving for their friend, or do they not grieve?
Sorry, originally this thread was about keeping her warm but now I've added more bits it's probably in the wrong section.
 
Sounds like you're doing the right things for Amber. Some people put a soft toy or teddy in for their pigs to snuggle up to. Just need to make sure it doesn't have any parts she can hurt herself on, like plastic eyes, and check it regularly for signs of chewing.
Are you thinking about getting her a new friend? I'm sorry to raise this so soon after you losing Spicy but it might be the best thing for Amber.
Sending you both hugs. x
 
I have to say I agree with flips, however hard it is too think about a new friend so soon, it would be beneficial for amber and I have read previously a grieving pig is more willing to accept a new friend. Maybe take her to a rescue and let her pick her friend.

Pigs have been known to grieve some more than others.

It does sound like you are doing the best you can, as Flips suggested a teddy bear can be good some pigs like to cuddle them.
 
Ok thank you. I will ask my Mum and see if I can get her a new friend soon.
 
You are doing the right thing in caring for her; she will mourn (and may be listless and not very hungry for a few days). For the night, Amber may profit from somehing soft to snuggle up with.

I also recommend finding her a new friend quickly; young guinea pigs usually have big problems with dealing with loneliness.

In view of Ambers sight problems, you might prefer to contact rescues for a quiet, good natured and not dominant sow to take Amber under her wing.
http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk/gp/centres.asp#Surrey

I found that it helped me with my grief and the shock of the loss of a beloved piggy if I could counter it with the excitement of finding a new companion for my lonely survivor.
 
I was exactly the same as wiebke when we lost our piggie. Within a couple of days we had made the decision we were going to get a friend for our remaining sow and now we have rehomed a total of 4. Losing Cleo was absolutely devasting but piggies really are very sociable so it wouldn't have been fair on her to leave her by herself when she'd had a companion for almost 3 years and now she is so happy, as are we :)

For the week she was alone she was very quiet and only came out to eat then would go back in her house so yes I do think pigs grieve as she was just so quiet and seemed depressed.
 
Thank you for the link. There is an RSPCA branch near me that has guinea-pigs looking for homes, I'm going to ask Mum if I can send an email to them and see if I can adopt one from them.
 
I am so sorry that you have lost Spicy as I know how excited you were putting Amber in with her.

It is possible that Amber may be grieving. You will know the signs as she will act out of character such as becoming a bit withdrawn.

The teddy idea is a good one. I did this with Eliza when Connie died and I was waiting for her friend to arrive. I just brought a small teddy from Ikea and pulled the eyes off so that she couldn't chew them.

Good luck in finding Amber a new friend. As Amber is so young, I would defiantly recommend this :)
 
I've just sent an email to the RSPCA branch :) Fingers crossed Amber won't be alone for long
 
Not sure on the answer but wanted to ask a question

What about quarantine due to the fungal infection? surely you would not take a poorly pig to a rescue to avoid cross contamination?
 
Of course I wouldn't, I only just emailed the rescue today and I think it might take a couple of weeks to be able to go and let Amber meet a guinea-pig and I treated her for fungal on Friday, if I repeat it again this Friday I think it will clear up in a few days. If it doesn't I'll just email the rescue to let them know and see if we could visit at a later date. Don't worry, I'd make sure Amber was 100% healthy before taking her into a rescue to pick a new friend :)
 
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