Lonely or not?

[minnie_moo]

I lost my beautiful boy Flapjack a couple of weeks ago, and now I'm unsure as to whether or not his cagemate Cracker needs a friend. I got them together as babies three years ago & they lived together quite happily, having the occasional grumble but nothing major.

Cracker is acting like his normal self, coming out for cuddles, wheeking and eating well- he had a bad UTI the same time I lost Flapjack, but thankfully he is over that now. He doesn't seem lonely, but having had a friend all his life and still being young, I don't want him to be miserable. There is a rescue not far from me- is it worth taking him along & seeing if he wants to pick a friend? I also really could do with getting a larger cage if I were to get another as his current home is a little on the small side- would it be easier to get the new home or the new friend first?

 

[CiaraPatricia]

I think if you have the new home ready, but don't move them in together til you get the new friend, then it'll be neutral territory?

I'm sorry you lost your pig, and I really hope you do get a new friend for Cracker. It'd help him and you to feel better after losing Flapjack.

 

[Wiebke]

Why not find a rescue within your reach where you can take Cracker and let him choose a new friend himself? As P C has said, you can then move the new couple into their neutral and new territory.

honeybunnies are in your area and can be recommended: http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/rescue.asp?Rescue=461

 

[lulu!]

Guinea pigs are naturally social animals; there are very few who are actually *happy* living alone, and I would say that due to the fact your pig has happily lived with a friend his whole life he will really benefit from you looking about getting him another pig to be his cage mate. Just because he's eating doesn't mean he doesn't miss his friend.