Could she live alone?

[pbrock123]

I had two female guinea pigs. One about 4, the other about 5. The 4 year old recently passed. I know they need to be in pairs. The thing is is the older one seems to be fine since the other one passed. I remember when I got the second one, the person said how older guinea pigs tend to get territorial as they get older and the thing is is the older one is a complete bully lol. Like she was always bullying the other one and all and like I said she doesn't seem to be too affected by the other one gone. She even bullies me lol. She is older now as well and doing fine. I was planning on seeing how she is for a month or two and then deciding. Was just wondering if it is possible though?

 

[Betsy]

3 years I adopted a 6-7 year old lonely sow and she lived a very happy 11 months with new friends. Your girl will be much happier with a friend. Saying that I have a 7 year old who refuses to be bonded with anypig since her best friend toddled off to the Rainbow Bridge 9 months ago. She does have 2 friends she lives side by side with for interaction and it's all very friendly as neighbours and they enjoy having a gossip over the garden fence. So your girl could potentially have another 2+ years yet and that is a long time to be alone.

 

[pbrock123]

3 years I adopted a 6-7 year old lonely sow and she lived a very happy 11 months with new friends. Your girl will be much happier with a friend. Saying that I have a 7 year old who refuses to be bonded with anypig since her best friend toddled off to the Rainbow Bridge 9 months ago. She does have 2 friends she lives side by side with for interaction and it's all very friendly as neighbours and they enjoy having a gossip over the garden fence. So your girl could potentially have another 2+ years yet and that is a long time to be alone.

I see. Would it be okay if the guinea pig is young(under a year)? Like she is older like I said and a bully. Much more now than when I got the other one. Most stores only sell young ones. I know you can get older ones(at least adult like 1-2 years) from rescues though. She seems to be very strong though, so I could see her living another 3 years at least maybe even more.

 

[Piggies&buns]

A piggy is not necessarily going to show their grief. They will be feeling it though.
They are usually ok on their own for around 1-4 weeks and then are ready for a new friend.

You can get her a friend of any age but be aware that a successful bond comes down to character compatibility.
The safest way to get a new friend for her is by rescuing as they can ensure it is a successful bond.
If you buy a new piggy from a pet shop and attempt a bond yourself, then do be aware that if it does fail you will be left with needing them to live in separate but side by side cages.

Bullying is a specific set of behaviours and must not be confused with being dominant. Dominance is fine, bullying isn’t. Bullying will be bond breaking and can result in the bullied pig becoming withdrawn and depressed.