5 year old solo pig, having trouble finding friend

Nassala

Nassala

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 21, 2019
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Location
Glasgow, Scotland
I have a 5 year old piggie, who has just lost his cage mate. They were bonded very closely so I'm worried Nibbles will be lonely. I've had guineas for almost 20 years now and whenever an older one died I bonded the remaining one with a baby or pair of babies. However I don't feel I have the time anymore to keep looking after them so I was hoping the last two would go close to each other because I'm not getting any more young piggies. This leaves me with a problem. Nibbles seems very healthy and may potentially go on another 3 years. He is eating fine after a day of being alone. I am having trouble finding another pig of the same age for him. Any advice? What have others in this situation done?
 
Are there any good rescues that offer boar dating? He is probably a little too old for neutering at five, otherwise he could have had a wife. Are you in the UK there is a rescue locator at the top of the page with recommended rescues. Good luck hope you find him a friend x
 
Nassala said:
I have a 5 year old piggie, who has just lost his cage mate. They were bonded very closely so I'm worried Nibbles will be lonely. I've had guineas for almost 20 years now and whenever an older one died I bonded the remaining one with a baby or pair of babies. However I don't feel I have the time anymore to keep looking after them so I was hoping the last two would go close to each other because I'm not getting any more young piggies. This leaves me with a problem. Nibbles seems very healthy and may potentially go on another 3 years. He is eating fine after a day of being alone. I am having trouble finding another pig of the same age for him. Any advice? What have others in this situation done?
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Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss and for your problems.

Your options depend very much on what is available in your area. In view of our international membership, we find it extremelt helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your account details (via clicking on your username on the top bar) so we can tailor any advice to what is available and relevant where you are. Access to good rescues or vets varies widely, as do climate, brand names etc.

The best place is a good standard rescue with mandatory quarantine/vet care that offers boar dating at the rescue so your boy can choose for himself who he wants to get on with and you come home with a new friend only if acceptance has happened. Some rescues will consent to take their adoptee back if he survives your piggy.
You can find links to recommended rescues in several countries we can vouch for in our bereavement guide: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

If that is not possible, then you could consider looking for another older single piggy as a live-alongside neighbour with round the clock interaction through the bars for mutual stimulation and company. You can consider either gender that way, as long as they never meet as guinea pigs retain the ability to reproduce all their lives.
 
Thanks for your advice - my nearest 'boar dating' place is an hour or so away and would be difficult for me to get to. I'm going to keep trying the sspca, hopefully if I can widen my search to sows I can find someone soon!
 
Nassala said:
Thanks for your advice - my nearest 'boar dating' place is an hour or so away and would be difficult for me to get to. I'm going to keep trying the sspca, hopefully if I can widen my search to sows I can find someone soon!
Click to expand...

If you can travel, please consider it! piggies travel surprisingly well. I have successfully dated piggies as far as 2 hours' train travel with changes.
Travelling with guinea pigs

All the best!
 
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