Depressed Piggy Bonding?

TulipAndButtercup

New Born Pup
Joined
Jun 7, 2021
Messages
14
Reaction score
15
Points
70
Location
USA
My sweet ginger piggy Buttercup passed away on Memorial day, and her sister/companion Tulip seems a bit depressed. I'm not sure she realizes that her sister has passed on, she keeps wheeking REALLY LOUDLY randomly, like she wants her sister to be put back in their cage, like she did when her sister was alive. Buttercup passed on laying down right next to the food bowl, and the hut happened to be right next to the other side of the food bowl. Tulip either ignored the body or didn't notice it. Should I bond Tulip with another pig? She gets very territorial sometimes, and she's 3 years old.
 
I’m sorry for your loss. The wheeking may be her wondering where her friend is. She likely did say goodbye to her.

Please do get your girl a friend. The best route is through dating at a rescue. If you decide to go down another route - pet shop, breeder, private piggy - please double check their sex before bonding with your girl. And also have a backup plan in case it doesn’t work out - living as neighbours.
 
My sweet ginger piggy Buttercup passed away on Memorial day, and her sister/companion Tulip seems a bit depressed. I'm not sure she realizes that her sister has passed on, she keeps wheeking REALLY LOUDLY randomly, like she wants her sister to be put back in their cage, like she did when her sister was alive. Buttercup passed on laying down right next to the food bowl, and the hut happened to be right next to the other side of the food bowl. Tulip either ignored the body or didn't notice it. Should I bond Tulip with another pig? She gets very territorial sometimes, and she's 3 years old.

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss!
Here is some helpful and sensitive but practical information for yourself to help you as you go through the grieving process: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

Tulip knows that her companion is dead; she had already taken her leave before you found Buttercup. That is why you didn't see any interaction.
If Tulip has bonding issues, please check whether you have access to a rescue that offers dating at the rescue to allow Tulip a say in whether and who she wants to live with or you can consider a living alongside with interaction through the bars set-up for ongoing stimulation and socialisation.

Please take the time to read these helpful guide links here:
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (single piggies in a variety of situations, including bereavement; companionship options and how single piggies transfer their social needs onto humans)
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Recommended good welfare standard guinea pig rescues in the USA: Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations
Rescues, shops, breeders or online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs
 
Thank you very much! I will definatly look into the links and piggy dating. I will definatly find Tulip a friend, thank you both for your help!
 
Back
Top