New Companion for Senior Sow?

Tinka

Tinka

Junior Guinea Pig
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I lost my sweet Tove a few weeks ago, and am still struggling with it. (She was nearly 7 years old.) Her companion she left behind, Tuulikki, is even older.

After a couple days of grieving, Tuulikki is back to eating and drinking normally and is her chatty self. However, she does lounge quite a bit and seems unmotivated.

My question is, is she too old and frail to introduce a new friend? Tove’s passing was extremely sudden, and now I fret over every little thing because I’m terrified my days with Tuulikki are numbered. I’m afraid a new pig might stress her out, and being extremely old, that might push her to the edge. I’ve considered splitting the cage in half so she could still have some things to herself, but I don’t think a 2x2 c&c is enough space? Has anyone ever had luck with introducing a new friend to a piggy who is 7+?
 
I’m sorry for your loss.
Piggies can be bonded an rebonded at any age. It’s character compatibility which is the important factor.
If you are happy to continue owning piggies, then perhaps getting two sows to bond with her is an option. That way, when your older one makes her journey to the rainbow bridge, you aren’t left in a situation where you are left with one piggy again.
The other thing which some rescue centres allow, is if you wish to end your piggy cycle, that you foster a friend for your remaining piggy and then when your piggy passes, you hand the foster piggy back.

A 2x2 is not big enough p. A single piggy still needs a 2x4 ideally.
 
Piggies&buns said:
I’m sorry for your loss.
Piggies can be bonded an rebonded at any age. It’s character compatibility which is the important factor.
If you are happy to continue owning piggies, then perhaps getting two sows to bond with her is an option. That way, when your older one makes her journey to the rainbow bridge, you aren’t left in a situation where you are left with one piggy again.
The other thing which some rescue centres allow, is if you wish to end your piggy cycle, that you foster a friend for your remaining piggy and then when your piggy passes, you hand the foster piggy back.

A 2x2 is not big enough p. A single piggy still needs a 2x4 ideally.
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I know this was a while ago, but I thought I’d give an update! After the holiday, I will be trying out a new companion for Tuulikki. The one rescue near me never responded to my application to foster, but I did find someone online that is giving away a guinea pig their child tired of. So fingers crossed it goes well!
 
Glad to hear you found a potential companion. Please double check the sex and also remember to quarantine your new piggy (if 4 months or older). And book a vet check for a week after she's been with you. All the best and I hope it works out :)
 
Siikibam said:
Glad to hear you found a potential companion. Please double check the sex and also remember to quarantine your new piggy (if 4 months or older). And book a vet check for a week after she's been with you. All the best and I hope it works out :)
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You read my mind! I’m really worried about dental issues since I don’t think she’s had a proper diet, and she’s over a year old.
 
Hopefully it will be okay. As long as you go in with your eyes open. Do you know what she was fed and whether she was fed hay?
 
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