One of our two piggies died a few days ago, what should we do?

[Avior]

A few days ago, one of our pigs, buttons, died due to old age. A peaceful death in her sleep.
Our remaining pig, doughnuts, has been moved to another cage because we feared that if we put her back in the old one without her sister, she might give up. I know a lot of people say to get another guinea pig when one dies so the remaining one isn’t so lonely, but doughnuts is getting close to the end of her lifespan as well, and it seems counterproductive to get another pig only for doughnuts to pass on and leave another lonely pig in her place. Is there anything else we can do to lift her spirits till the end?
-Avior

 

[Big Sky Piggies]

A few days ago, one of our pigs, buttons, died due to old age. A peaceful death in her sleep.
Our remaining pig, doughnuts, has been moved to another cage because we feared that if we put her back in the old one without her sister, she might give up. I know a lot of people say to get another guinea pig when one dies so the remaining one isn’t so lonely, but doughnuts is getting close to the end of her lifespan as well, and it seems counterproductive to get another pig only for doughnuts to pass on and leave another lonely pig in her place. Is there anything else we can do to lift her spirits till the end?
-Avior

Terribly sorry to hear you have lost a piggie.

I've had this before, appart from it was with a 1yr old, that had her 4yr old friend pass. While we waited to get her a new piggie freind we just brought her cage inside so she was with us, gave her cuddles 3 times a day, lots of fussing and attention, piles of hay, and lots of forage and things to keep her busy. If your piggie is very old you might just have to wait it out till the end with them. Wishing you luck!

 

[Wiebke]

A few days ago, one of our pigs, buttons, died due to old age. A peaceful death in her sleep.
Our remaining pig, doughnuts, has been moved to another cage because we feared that if we put her back in the old one without her sister, she might give up. I know a lot of people say to get another guinea pig when one dies so the remaining one isn’t so lonely, but doughnuts is getting close to the end of her lifespan as well, and it seems counterproductive to get another pig only for doughnuts to pass on and leave another lonely pig in her place. Is there anything else we can do to lift her spirits till the end?
-Avior

Hi

I am ever so sorry for your loss!

Please move her back into her familiar surroundings asap; she will feel very lost being dumped into foreign territory immediately after the loss of her sister and will be even more stressed out!
Companionship can really give her a new lease of life, even if it is through the grids/bars while she keeps her own territory if she is not interested in sharing it with a stranger. Could you contact a rescue to enquire about fostering an older piggy for the remainder of Doughnut's life if you do not want to continue with piggies?

The oldest piggy I have ever adopted was a 7 year old last standing piggy from a friend's that had gradually become depressed in the wake of losing her last life-long companion. She and my own elderly widow Tegan vibed through the bars but it took about 10 months before they were willing to move in with each other; they became very much best of friends!
Calli lived to celebrate her 9th birthday which both my friend and I strongly feel was only because of having regained a new zest for life. Even when living side by side with my own peru diva, Calli definitely didn't suffer from depression from the moment she arrived here!
8 years old Calli with her new bestie 6 years old Tegan in 2018



Please take the time to read these guides here. You should find them very helpful.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes a chapter on how unhappiness in single piggies will manifest, as the signs can be somewhat subtle)
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children