My guinea pig is grieving

[Julie Rose]

Hi there. I have just lost one of my two guinea pigs and the other is just not herself. I am not sure I could handle another guinea pig loss and I do not want to rehome my girl. She’s nearly four and had a hard life I rescued her two years ago. Am I being cruel to not give her a companion? How can I help her through her grief

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

Your piggy will be grieving. The guides i have linked in below detail how to look after her. Keep an eye on her weight and if she isnt eating properly then step in and syringe feed her.

Thinking of another piggy so soon isn’t easy and you must also give yourself time to grieve, but you also need to do what is right by her. At four years old, she could have up to another four years of life so she would benefit from having a friend going forward.

take some time to think things through though.

the guides ive linked in below will also help you in your loss.
Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[Julie Rose]

Thank you so much. I found her companion when she passed and it was traumatic for me as well as I had tried to help her with her heart issue.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Hope you and piggie are better today. . .

 

[Julie Rose]

She is panicking when I pick her up and then I put her down and she runs around and then hides. Not seen this behaviour before and I do not know whether it is because she is grieving?

 

[Siikibam]

It may be having a friend made her braver. Perhaps consider going back to basics with regards to contact.

 

[Freela]

Guinea pigs do take comfort/safety in being in a group. A guinea pig suddenly finding themselves alone may react fearfully. One of ours, Sundae, was terrified when her long-term companion died.. wouldn't come out of the cage into the room at all (something she did daily with a friend) and would wheek for us to come and get her whenever we left her alone in the cage. She did readjust to normal behavior when we did get a new companion. None of my other pigs reacted that badly upon losing a companion, but she was a really meek piggy and clearly was just not up to being on her own for very long. You may have to think of your pig's best interest and either look into a new companion (maybe a similar-aged pig from a rescue?) or into finding her a home with other pigs even if it's somewhere else. She may simply not do well on her own.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you have lost one of your piggies, sending hugs x
Don’t rule out completely getting her a little friend, loosing a much loved piggie is very traumatic but you may feel differently in a few weeks time. For now just support each other x