How to go about my lone piggy?

[Leb66]

Hi everyone, I’m beyond devastated that one of my beautiful girls had to be pts this morning.
I'm now left with my single sow, and I’m not sure how to go about her care, she does seem a bit subdued but is still eating etc they have been together since they were 10 weeks old (now 2.5 years old)
is this normal for her to be a bit quiet? And will she be ok on her own for a couple weeks maybe months? It seems difficult to find a single female pig (that’s also the same age)
hiw would I go about introducing a new piggy to her? Would it be best to introduce another girl or perhaps a neutuered boy? And how long should I let her be before introducing a new memebr? Also is it best to get something older or younger? She has always been a more dominant one and I worry that getting something older who is also dominant they may not get on, but at the same time I would rather someone older the same age as her or else I end up with a never ending cycle of guinea pigs. As much as I adore my girls, going through this heartache (my other girl has been ill for a couple months) has been really really painful for me, and I feel like they would be my last guinea pigs, as personally I dont want to go through this again

any advice much appreciated thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

She will be grieving so yes it is normal for her to be quiet. They normally come out of grieving after a few days.

They can usually manage alone for a couple of weeks.
However if she was to become depressed and potentially lose weight then it becomes more urgent and she could need a new friend immediately - this is rare though but still something to be aware of.

The best thing is to speak to any rescue centres near you. They can help with finding a compatible pig and with the bonding process.

The guides below will help you further

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/guinea-pig-forum-recommended-rescues.196734/

 

[Merab]

So very sorry for your loss.
I can only echo the advice that @Piggies&buns has given.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry you have lost one of your girls. I see you are Bristol, I can recommend Little Wheekers Guinea Pig Rescue. If you email them [email protected] and explain your situation, they are extremely helpful and I know they have neutered boys and some girls looking for new homes. They request that you put adoption as the title to your email. They have neutered boys and single girls looking for homes.

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS)) to you! It's normal for her to be subdued... keep a close eye on her for eating, drinking, and weight.

I see some other members have recommended a local rescue... that's probably the best avenue. I do want to say that there's no need for another pig to be the same age- compatibility is down to personality, not to age. I've had no problem matching up older pigs to younger companions... our current pair got matched up when the oldest was around 2. Hoep this helps!