Engel
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi all, a few days ago Jupiter passed away leaving Apollo alone. I have 5 other piggies (3 sows and 2 neutered boars). I don't know what would be the best way to go about in regards to housing him.
For a bit of background, they're in 6ft hutches in a 7x5 shed.
Top hutch: RB Jupiter and Apollo
Middle hutch: Basil (neutered), Eris and Mia
Bottom hutch: Cyril (neutered) and Blossom
I'm currently making a small c&c and bringing Po down to interact with the others during the day but at night he's back up in the hutch. I understand that a piggies mourning period is much shorter than ours so I want him to have interaction 24/7 preferably. Ideally I'd want him to choose who he wants as neighbours but having him next to the trio would be difficult and there'd be a space issue, so I guess having him next to the pair would make life easier.
Option 1: I'm thinking of an L shape hutch with a strong mesh divider so pigs can interact but I don't know if anyone has done that before or if it's even possible.
Option 2: I don't know how I feel about this, but I could split Blossom and Cyril up and have Blossom live with the trio and Cyril can live with Po. The only issue I can forsee is one of the boys passing leaving either Po in the same position he is now OR Cyril not bonding with one of the girls again.
Getting another guinea pig is not an option for health reasons.
Any input will be greatly appreciated
For a bit of background, they're in 6ft hutches in a 7x5 shed.
Top hutch: RB Jupiter and Apollo
Middle hutch: Basil (neutered), Eris and Mia
Bottom hutch: Cyril (neutered) and Blossom
I'm currently making a small c&c and bringing Po down to interact with the others during the day but at night he's back up in the hutch. I understand that a piggies mourning period is much shorter than ours so I want him to have interaction 24/7 preferably. Ideally I'd want him to choose who he wants as neighbours but having him next to the trio would be difficult and there'd be a space issue, so I guess having him next to the pair would make life easier.
Option 1: I'm thinking of an L shape hutch with a strong mesh divider so pigs can interact but I don't know if anyone has done that before or if it's even possible.
Option 2: I don't know how I feel about this, but I could split Blossom and Cyril up and have Blossom live with the trio and Cyril can live with Po. The only issue I can forsee is one of the boys passing leaving either Po in the same position he is now OR Cyril not bonding with one of the girls again.
Getting another guinea pig is not an option for health reasons.
Any input will be greatly appreciated