Should I Get My Guinea Pig A Friend?

[oliviajayde]

Hi! My name is Olivia and I’m relatively new to owning guinea pigs. A while ago, my step brother had a guinea pig and he wasn’t cleaning his cage, giving him fresh food and water, etc, so I took on the responsibility of caring for him. He’s been alone for 2 years and I was wondering if I should get him another guinea pig. My stepmom thinks it’s a bad idea because he’s been alone for so long but I thought it might be worth a shot. I would introduce them in a neutral space and take all the precautions I need. What should I do?

 

[Siikibam]

Yes you should. Piggies aren’t wired to be alone and need the company of their own kind. If there are any rescues near you then that would be the best way to go - some offer boar dating where he can pick his own friend.

Explain to your stepmum that keeping him alone would be like humans living by themselves on a planet with just animals. We would get lonely with no one to talk to who understands.

 

[Sophie B]

You should definitely get him a friend, if you do all the things you’ve said above and adopt from a rescue (some rescues will do bonding for you) all should be well

Remember that character compatibility is the key

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! My name is Olivia and I’m relatively new to owning guinea pigs. A while ago, my step brother had a guinea pig and he wasn’t cleaning his cage, giving him fresh food and water, etc, so I took on the responsibility of caring for him. He’s been alone for 2 years and I was wondering if I should get him another guinea pig. My stepmom thinks it’s a bad idea because he’s been alone for so long but I thought it might be worth a shot. I would introduce them in a neutral space and take all the precautions I need. What should I do?View attachment 133770

Hi and welcome!

Single piggies can sometimes be more difficult to pair up if they have been separated too young but others haven't got any problems. I have adopted either variety.

The best way of working around this problem is rescue dating if you have a rescue that offers boar meets and greets within your reach that you can get to with your boy so he can decide for himself whether there is a friend out there for him. You would come home only if acceptance has happened and have the rescue to fall back on if things don't work out.

Please take the time to read these guides here; it deals with the particular issues that single guinea pigs in various circumstances face as well as boar specific issues and how you can best work around that. The guide also lists alternative options so you can hopefully find a solution that works for you.
The guides contain lists of good standard rescues in several countries that we can guarantee that you are in good hands (we can't guarantee for any others).
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

Unfortunately children should never be tasked with looking after pets unsupervised; any pet is first and foremost a family pet. Children don't learn responsibility from looking after pets if they are not mature enough and are being left unsupervised by their parents. They learn responsibility by their parents' example (or by their siblings' example) how to stick it out once the initial fun has gone. It is great that your brother's piggy has found such a wonderful and daring champion in you!
Children And Guinea Pigs - A Guide For Parents

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.

What a lovely piggy. I hope you can find him a friend. If you get a companion that he’s happy with you will see a big difference in him.
He’s a lucky boy to have you caring for him