Grieving Guinea Pig

[bella style]

My guinea pig is from pets at home. She has been with her sister her whole life with us and in store. Her sister has died and now our guinea pig is miserable. She's not the confident one never has been she's the shy follower with no one to follow now. I'm worried she won't bond with anothe guinea pig and we may end up with 2 equally miserable guinea pigs, or end up with babies (I haven't checked just was told they were both female) or that a fight might break out and our guinea pig or new member guinea pig would get hurt so not sure a new friend is an option. Really stuck on what to do for the best and would appreciate any tips or ideas

 

[klee]

I'm sorry for your loss, hopefully you can find 'her' a friend soon.
Have you considered contacting a rescue to see if they have any single guinea pigs for adoption for 'sow' dating? This can overcome the problem that the pigs won't get along, as often rescues offer either bonding over a single day or residential bonding where your pig goes away for a few days to find their perfect match. Like us humans, pigs have different personalities and different likes/dislikes and they also like to choose their own friend.

If you can post a clear picture of your remaining piggies private parts we can help you sex them.

It would be great if you added your location to your details and we can advise about local rescues etc, we do usually have a rescue locator at the top of the page but it is currently being updated.

 

[VickiA]

How sad for you. Sorry for your loss. I'd recommend contacting a reputable local rescue and seeing if they have any potentially suitable companions who you could try "dating" your piggy with. Where abouts are you?

 

[bella style]

I've found one local to me north shields guinea pig rescue. I'm just over worrying the situation its such a tough situation as I'm fairly sure chocolate (our guinea pig) is under a year old so she will need a friend I'm just not sure on the process. My other half is vehemently sticking to "no more pets" because our daughter has aspergers and was absolutely heartbroken when she lost her bunnies recently and one of her guinea pigs a month ago were all quite raw and emotional and I don't think that's helps chocolate at all , our daughter sings to her and tries to bond with her but chocolate was never the confident outgoing one she followed her sister all the time

 

[bella style]

I have even contemplated rehoming her because the heart ache is just so much for my little girl and my other half refuses to listen that chocolate needs a friend and I feel like in all of this we are letting chocolate down everywhere I have searched says they need company of their own kind and aslong as my other half is diggin his heels in were not offering chocolate the best life she can have :'(

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! I am sorry for your loss.

Please get Chocolate a new friend; you will be amazed at the change in her! Guinea pigs are group animals and not wired to live on their own. Chocolate is still young and obviously submissive, so she should bond quite easily; the age and gender of her new friend is of less importance than mutual liking and character compatibility. The safest way is by dating under expert supervision at a good rescue with either another sow or a neutered boar. That way, you only come home with a companion who Chocolate has chosen herself and you don't have to worry about bonding, health, mis-sexing or pregnancy issues.
North East Guinea Pig Rescue is one of our recommended good standard rescues and run by a very experienced lady; you will be in very safe hands there! http://www.northeastguineapigrescue.co.uk/

We also have tips for how to best look after bereaved piggies: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forums/behaviour-and-bonding.21/

 

[bella style]

Thank you I feel a little better knowing the rescue is a good one I just hope I can turn my partners mind so he sees this is in the best interests of chocolate