Recent loss.

[notthemilkcowelsie]

Two days ago my male guinea pig Tiberius died rather suddenly. His bonded mate(I had him neutered so no babies), my female Elsie was very attached to him. I haven't gotten around to getting them more companions, so she is now alone. How do I know when to get another pig for my diminished herd? I'm not sure how to balance my need for some time, (Tiberius was my first ever pet and I was very attached to him.) and her need for companionship. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Lady Kelly]

I'm sorry for your loss. If Elsie is otherwise doing ok so she is eating, drinking and pooping normally then there is not a rush to get her a cagemate and you can give yourself some time to grieve. Just bear in mind that she may be more subdued or, as in my experience, more chatty with us when we were home mostly due to being lonely the rest of the time. She will greatly benefit from a new friend.

However it's worth adding that no pig will ever replace Tiberius. All piggies have different personalities and the kindest thing you can do to yourself is to accept that by taking in a new piggy it's because a.) It's what's best for Elsie and b.) Because you have more love in your heart to give to another piggy. No piggy is every replaced and you will always remember each piggy for the wonderful character they were

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Here is our guide to looking after Elsie as she grieves the loss of her partner :

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

If she is not acutely pining then you can take a little time to plan a new companion for her. You won’t be replacing Tiberius in your lives - that’s not possible - but you will be providing he with a different companion who eventually you will bond with, too. Please remember that personality and liking each other is the most important thing when finding a companion for Elsie. If possible, see if a rescue will let you date her with a neutered boar or a single sow so you can be sure she will like her new cage mate.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry that you lost Tiberius, give yourself time the grieve if she is doing ok and extra cuddles for both of you x
Sleep tight little man x

 

[Wiebke]

Two days ago my male guinea pig Tiberius died rather suddenly. His bonded mate(I had him neutered so no babies), my female Elsie was very attached to him. I haven't gotten around to getting them more companions, so she is now alone. How do I know when to get another pig for my diminished herd? I'm not sure how to balance my need for some time, (Tiberius was my first ever pet and I was very attached to him.) and her need for companionship. Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss!

If Elsie is still eating and drinking normally, then she can cope with being on her own for ideally 1-4 weeks. She still has to do her own grieving and will be subdued for some days but generally come out to pick up her old life again, if not with her normal sparkle.

You may find the detailed tips in these two guides here helpful in the coming days and weeks:
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Sadly there are no recommended good standard rescues listed for your state (the US Midlands are sadly a desert in this respect).