What to do after the death of a cagemate

[Ziggy&Dusty]

Hello
Up until recently I had 4 guinea pigs, two I've had for years and 2 that I took in after a family member couldn't keep then. Unfortunately Ziggy, one of my original pair died. She was the dominant female and Dusty has been extra timid since she died. It's really sad and I don't know what to do for her. The other two are a lot bigger than Dusty and we've tried very slowly to introduce them to eachother but it's not gone well. One of them is okay but the other goes for Dusty every time and I'm not sure what to do.
Dusty is to timid, but she's also very clearly lonely. Does anyone have any advice? Would getting a younger guinea pig to be her new cage mate go smoother, cause she would be less intimidated, or is that a bad idea?
Any advice appreciated

 

[fluffysal]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you lost your little lady.
I've only had boars and am aware the sow dynamics are somewhat different so will leave the advice to someone more knowledgeable.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I am so lost you lost one of your girls. Have you contacted any local rescues to see if they do dating. A baby girl, a submissive sow or a neutered boar may make a wonderful new companion for Dusty.

have a look at your Rescue list, there are some in the North East

 

[Merab]

So sorry that you lost Ziggy.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve.
It’s good that you are looking for the best way of giving little Dusty companionship.

There are a few options.
A neutered boar could be a good option as @Bill & Ted has said.

Sows can be difficult but if Dusty is a timid girl then a young sow or another shy sow could also work.

From Newton le Willows you could possibly access The Potteries G P Rescue or Merrypigs, both in Staffordshire.

Hope all goes well

 

[Ziggy&Dusty]

Thank you all for the advice. I will have a look at some rescues. I'd like to find another piggy that wants a cage mate if I can. And thank you for your condolences for Ziggy. We really miss her, she was great