Introducing a new pig

[gpigs12]

My guinea pig Fritz sadly passed away unexpectedly 2 days ago. I still have my other guinea pig Gus, so we obviously need to get him a friend so he doesn’t get lonely. Does anyone have any tips on getting the right companion for Gus? He is a very gentle and calm pig and I do not want him to be getting bullied or anything by a new pig coming into the cage...
Should I go for a baby guinea pig or one that is around Gus’s age? (3 years old) Thank you!

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss.

When it comes to a good bond, character match is the most important thing. If possible I would go via a rescue where he can go on dates to find himself a friend. Babies become teens, and being the same age won’t guarantee they get on.

Please add your location to your profile -county/state or country will do.

 

[Wiebke]

My guinea pig Fritz sadly passed away unexpectedly 2 days ago. I still have my other guinea pig Gus, so we obviously need to get him a friend so he doesn’t get lonely. Does anyone have any tips on getting the right companion for Gus? He is a very gentle and calm pig and I do not want him to be getting bullied or anything by a new pig coming into the cage...
Should I go for a baby guinea pig or one that is around Gus’s age? (3 years old) Thank you!

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss!

Which country are you in? Ideally you take Gus rescue dating so he can have a say who he gets on with and you come home with a new friend only after acceptance has happened. Character compatibility and mutual liking come a long way before age or gender (while there are a few US rescues and one New Zealand one with spayed sows, more rescues prefer to neuter their single boars. There are no rescues with spayed sows in the UK).

Please take the time to read the links below. They discuss what you can do for a bereaved companion in the immediate term, your various companionship options with their pros and cons, time frames, neutering, recommended and vetted good welfare standard rescue links for several countries etc. in order to work out the best way forward for you where you are. A lot depends on your rescue or vet access so there is not one solution that fits all. If you bring a piggy home, please always make sure that you have a plan B in case the bonding doesn't work out because you cannot test for a personality match beforehand.

Unfortunately, finding new companionship is even more difficult this year. Unless Gus is stopping to eat and drink and facing the wall (acute pining), you do have time to do your research and don't have to rush into something.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes chapters on bereaved guinea pigs and companionship options)
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths, Facts and Post-op Care

A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

 

[gpigs12]

Thank you for your suggestions! We live in New Jersey. We called a local pet store that we got Gus from and they said we can take Gus to meet some of the male guinea pigs. Hopefully there is one that he gets along with there! Luckily he does not seem too upset and is eating and drinking like normal, so we are not in too much of a rush to find the perfect pig. Thank you again!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for your suggestions! We live in New Jersey. We called a local pet store that we got Gus from and they said we can take Gus to meet some of the male guinea pigs. Hopefully there is one that he gets along with there! Luckily he does not seem too upset and is eating and drinking like normal, so we are not in too much of a rush to find the perfect pig. Thank you again!

Could you please click on your username on the top bar, then on account details and add 'New Jersey, USA' to location. This makes it appear with every post together with your avatar picture and allows us to tailor any recommendations to the US standard/customs/vet access and medical brand names etc. so we can help you as efficiently as possible. thank you!

All the best for Gus!

Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations