To Friend or Not to Friend?

Ellizzy

Ellizzy

New Born Pup
Joined
Sep 12, 2020
Messages
19
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17
Points
80
Location
Montreal, Quebec
Hi everyone. I had 2 piggies up until recently. Coco my neutered male and Ginger my little female. Both under a year of age. Ginger started getting a cloudy eye and losing weight. I though maybe a Hay Poke but it didn't explain the listlessness and weight loss. I took her to the vet who checked her eye and said it was not a hay poke. We started her on antibiotics but she didn't improve at all and 3 days later she died. I have no idea what she died of. Coco the male is in perfect health. I was so saddened by the loss of Ginger that I decided not to get Coco a new friend. But I don't know if it's my imagination or if he is feeling lonely. I want Coco to be happy and I'm wondering what you guys think about this. Do you think a Guinea Pig can be happy living alone? If not...I'm worried about introducing a male in case they don't get along and since he's neutered if you think getting a female is a better idea. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
 
I’m so sorry you lost Ginger x
If Coco is neutered then your best bet is a sow. A bonded mixed sex combination is great, as you know. Your little male will have definitely miss Ginger his partner very much, they can suffer bereavement and become very depressed so finding him a new friend should be a must x
 
I am so sorry for your loss.

I'm afraid he is likely to be feeling lonely. They aren’t wired to be by themselves so getting him a friend is so very important for his lifelong happiness.
As he is neutered and has lived with a sow previously then definitely look to get him a new sow friend.
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
 
In anticipation of doing just that, I did a search in my area for Guinea Pig rescues and I can't find any. I also checked the local SPCA and they have no Piggies to be adopted. There is a local "petshop" that is ethical and noticed that their Piggies are in very large cages and are well-treated. Guess I'm going to continue searching and eventually make a decision.
 
Rescue is the best route for you.though if this is not available to you.Then you have to use what is suitable for you.I hope you find a friend for your guinea pig.🙂
 
Of course, as a rescue friendly forum we will encourage to adopt from a rescue rather than buy but Coco’s needs are more important here. If he is struggling being alone and there aren’t any piggies in rescues that will be available soon, finding him a friend is the most important thing, it doesn’t matter how that friend is brought into his life.
Good luck
 
I’m sorry you lost Ginger. Good luck finding coco a new friend.
 
If you have the space you can even look at a pair of girls - if you see a pair in a shop it's a shame to split them. He will be feeling alone and it's a long life ahead with no piggie company. My male was alone in lockdown for weeks before I could get him female friends but the difference in him when they arrived was wonderful x
 
Ellizzy said:
In anticipation of doing just that, I did a search in my area for Guinea Pig rescues and I can't find any. I also checked the local SPCA and they have no Piggies to be adopted. There is a local "petshop" that is ethical and noticed that their Piggies are in very large cages and are well-treated. Guess I'm going to continue searching and eventually make a decision.
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Hi!

Sadly the only (good welfare standard) guinea pig rescue in your area has closed down a few years back. Guinea pig rescues in Canada are far and few in between. :(

If there is an ethical pet shop, then that is likely your best place to source guinea pigs from and avoid all the pitfalls that can come with privately rehomed piggies from the free-ads, which can quickly become a very steep and expensive learning curve. Too many owners keen to get rid of problem piggies (fall-outs, illness, pregnancy etc.) will lie through their teeth. We have certainly seen a number of these cases on here. :(

If you are new to guinea pigs, it is better to start with a place where you shouldn't have any nasty surprises (see whether their recommendations re. cage size and their piggy savviness is up to minimal welfare standards by talking to staff before committing) - a nice shop front is not always all it is cracked up to be so better do your research before making any decisions.

Take your time and do not rush into anything. You will love any guinea pigs you bring home!
 
Thank you to all of you for your help and encouragement. The shop in question is where I purchase all of Coco's food and supplies and I feel like they are as ethical as any shop gets. I will be asking questions, and will keep Coco's and any future Piggie's well-being front and center. Thanks again 😊
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Sadly the only (good welfare standard) guinea pig rescue in your area has closed down a few years back. Guinea pig rescues in Canada are far and few in between. :(

If there is an ethical pet shop, then that is likely your best place to source guinea pigs from and avoid all the pitfalls that can come with privately rehomed piggies from the free-ads, which can quickly become a very steep and expensive learning curve. Too many owners keen to get rid of problem piggies (fall-outs, illness, pregnancy etc.) will lie through their teeth. We have certainly seen a number of these cases on here. :(

If you are new to guinea pigs, it is better to start with a place where you shouldn't have any nasty surprises (see whether their recommendations re. cage size and their piggy savviness is up to minimal welfare standards by talking to staff before committing) - a nice shop front is not always all it is cracked up to be so better do your research before making any decisions.

Take your time and do not rush into anything. You will love any guinea pigs you bring home!
Click to expand...
I agree about those "free ads". People trying to give away their Guinea Pigs often include the cage it was kept in and that alone shows me that often minimum standards of care are not being met and just breaks my heart. I wish I could save each and every one but unfortunately I can't. Just have to make sure that the friend or friends I get for Coco are healthy. I would prefer all of them to have long healthy happy lives. Thanks for the info
 
Free Ranger said:
If you have the space you can even look at a pair of girls - if you see a pair in a shop it's a shame to split them. He will be feeling alone and it's a long life ahead with no piggie company. My male was alone in lockdown for weeks before I could get him female friends but the difference in him when they arrived was wonderful x
Click to expand...
That is definitely an option. I don't want to break up a pair that is already bonded
 
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