Piggy Grieving loss of mate

[Cuddles With Cavies]

My loving Pearl passed away this morning in my arms on the way to the vets. She was nearly six and I think it was just her time. She went off her food yesterday and deteriorated very quickly over night. She went peacefully and we’re all very upset that she’s gone.

Midnight Pearl 9 Aug 2015 - 26 May 2021​

She’s left behind not only a massive whole in our hearts and lives but also her cage mate Charlie.

Charlie is a neutered boar that I adopted early last year. He came from a neglect situation and even after a year he’s still not very comfortable around people. He absolutely adored Pearl and found a lot of confidence from being with her. Now she’s gone I’m really worried about him. He’s spent all day lying in her bed, reluctant to move. He’s very quiet and wide eyed when I approach.

What can I do to help him? Do I clean the cage out to get rid of her smell or leave him with the comfort of it for a while longer? I know he needs a new friend, but how soon is too soon? I know he’s my priority now but I feel like I’m replacing her. Any advice would be appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. Leave the bedding for now. If it’s due a change then only clean the bedding and put any hides that smell of your girl in there unwashed.

If he’s pining then you will have to think about getting him a friend sooner rather than later. Keep an eye on him. You may have to start weighing him once daily at the same time, depending on how he’s behaving.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, I’m so sorry you have lost Pearl, what a beauty she was.
I think you need to keep a keen eye on him to make sure Charlie is eating. Leave Pearls bedding if you can for now, it will give him some comfort, depending on how he copes you may have to consider finding him a new friend. You could start emailing local rescues to see if they have any single/couple of girls available, explain you have a bereaved neutered boar who is lonely, they may offer dating?


Sleep tight beautiful Pearl

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

The guide below will offer further in depth advice, but he will grieve for her.

How soon he needs a new friend depends on how he is coping. Some will be fine for a few weeks until a new friend can be found.
In rarer cases, piggies can go into acute grieving, and sadly stop eating requiring the owner to step in, syringe feed and find a new friend immediately for the sake of their piggy, even though they as owners don’t feel ready. You would not be replacing her though, all piggies will have a special place in our hearts.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

 

[Cuddles With Cavies]

Thank you all for your help. He’s had some food but not a lot. I’ll keep a close eye on him and email some rescues and see if we can find him a friend sooner.

 

[Hholmes]

So sorry for your loss of Pearl. Hope Charlie will be ok. Xx