Advice needed please!

[Kellym]

Hi, I've just joined the forum today and am looking for some advice please!

Until 2 weeks ago we had 2 guineas which were my son's pets. Unfortunately one became very poorly a few weeks ago and after lots of treatment from the vet we had to take the decision to have her put to sleep

My question relates to our remaining guinea who is looking very lost and miserable at the moment! She is 2 1/2 years old and is kept in a large indoor cage. Out of the two guineas, the remaining one is the more timid, reclusive of the two, the guinea which has died was a very nosey guinea and helped the other one come out of her shell, since she is no longer there the other is just not interested in any interaction at all. Although she is eating and drinking as she should be.

So, I'm wondering if we need to find the remaining guinea a new cage mate? and if so, are we best to try and find one of a similar age from a rescue centre ? or get a young one ? and how do older guineas normally take to having new ones introduced to them - are they likely to fight ?

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to do what's best
Many thanks

 

[Clare]

Welcome to the forum.
So sorry you lost a piggy its so sad when that happens, and yes sounds like your remaining pig is sad and depressed and you should def look into getting her a little friend.
Guinea pigs are social and need company, obviously best place to go is a rescue and maybe they would have a nutered boar for her or another female, Females generally get along if introduced on nutral ground and u keep a keen eye for a while.
In dont think age really matters with sows, i know with boars its best to pair a adult with a baby but think sows are easier.
Where abouts are u we have piggys looking for homes here in the forum.
I'm sure others here will advise too.
Keep posting

 

[ksiusha237]

I am so sorry for you loss :'( I have the same situation actually, my guinea pig Shura had to be put to sleep recently which was very sad, I had him his whole life :'( The remaining guinea pig seems to be doing all right. They lived in different cages because they fought, but enjoyed laying next to each other through the fence.

Since your guinea pig was used to company, I would look into getting her a new friend. I would go to a rescue and bring her along so she can choose which pig she gets on with. Guinea pigs are social animals and do love company. Age is probably not as big an issue with a sow, a baby or an adult depending on the personality. Your pig will choose who she likes. Two adult sows can get on well. But I've only had boars so..

Go about the introduction carefuly. Somebody will more experience will share with you exactly what to do. Introduce them on neutral territory as Clare said and keep an eye on them.

For now I would give your other guinea pig lots of attention. It is very sad to lose a pig, it's been 2 weeks with Shura gone and it is still very sad :'( we miss him so much, but am glad he is not in discomfort anymore.

good luck to you with everything

:smitten: :smitten: :smitten:
Ksiusha & Hriusha