Should I get a new guinea pig?

[TheBlackRaven]

I used to have 3 guinea pigs, but one just died. Now I have one who is 3 months and one who is 3 years old. I don´t want to get into the circel of having to get a new one when the old one dies. So I thought that the best would be to get a new one thats closer to age with the younger one. That way I don´t have to worry about that. Is it a good idea? And if so, how should I do it?

 

[Lady Kelly]

It depends how many pigs you want. Unfortunately you cannot predict health problems etc and it's not guaranteed that piggies will live to a set age. You could have two pigs born on the exact same day and still have them pass away years apart. If your space is most suited to two then I wouldn't add anymore and cross the bridge of the next steps when one passes. Some piggies cope better with grief than others and whilst some do go in to acute pining and need company immediately, others don't. This doesn't mean they don't need company but more that you have time to grieve yourself and plan what you want to do next.

 

[Wiebke]

I used to have 3 guinea pigs, but one just died. Now I have one who is 3 months and one who is 3 years old. I don´t want to get into the circel of having to get a new one when the old one dies. So I thought that the best would be to get a new one thats closer to age with the younger one. That way I don´t have to worry about that. Is it a good idea? And if so, how should I do it?

Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your loss.

Please keep in mind that there is always the problem what to do with the last remaining piggy; this dilemma won't change however many piggies you have. I would recommend that you give yourself time to grieve and to think things through. Don't put yourself under unnecessary pressure because your couple of piggies is currently fine as they are. Adding a third to a couple on spec can cause its own problems.

PS: Do you have boars or sows? Three boars with two that are still to go through teenage at the same time are very much a recipe for a fall-out.

You may find the guides via this link here very helpful:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?