Hello, I'm new to posting though I've found this forum useful many times so thank you all... Sadly we lost one of our beautiful guinea pigs yesterday and she leaves behind her life companion (4.5 years). She appears to still be eating so not dangerously affected luckily, but we don't want her to be alone for long.
My question is: which is likely to be most successful, finding a suitable single match (take the time looking for a guinea pig that needs rehoming that gets on with her) or get a very young guinea pig (or even a pair of born together female youngsters) in hope their age difference will smooth any bonding/dominance issues?
I'm aware the second option would be quicker and might reduce problems with loneliness and grief, but I also know a personality match isn't guaranteed and haven't got the room to end up with a permanent two cage neighbouring arrangement. I have no reason to expect her to be difficult to get on with, she's a lovely sociable gp, but she's only ever spent time with her lost companion (and us!). Any advice/experience?
My question is: which is likely to be most successful, finding a suitable single match (take the time looking for a guinea pig that needs rehoming that gets on with her) or get a very young guinea pig (or even a pair of born together female youngsters) in hope their age difference will smooth any bonding/dominance issues?
I'm aware the second option would be quicker and might reduce problems with loneliness and grief, but I also know a personality match isn't guaranteed and haven't got the room to end up with a permanent two cage neighbouring arrangement. I have no reason to expect her to be difficult to get on with, she's a lovely sociable gp, but she's only ever spent time with her lost companion (and us!). Any advice/experience?