Yesterday, my guinea pig Ted passed away after about a year of having him and we're not sure what to do with my other guinea pig Chester. We brought them on the 8th of August and Ted passed away on the 7th of July due to natural causes. We could either give Chester away yet that will make me really upset as I have developed a strong relationship with him. Or I could buy another companion to keep him company but I'm worrying if he won't get along. This is the best option so far as piggies need company, however, I don't want to experience the cycle of repetitively buying GPs when one dies as I'm moving on and I may not have a lot of time for my pets and I hate the experience of them passing away. If anyone has experienced this situation, please reply and tell me what you think is best for Chester.
- Jess
Hi!
I am very sorry for your loss. You are welcome to post a tribute to Ted in our Rainbow Bridge section if you'd like to and whenever it feels right for you.
Sadly, piggies can die out of the blue from a heart attack or stroke at any age. I have just lost my own Bedo like that last weekend; he must have suffered a massive heart attack or stroke that pretty much killed him instantly.
Here are our tips of what you can do for Chester right now and in the longer term.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
The best way of finding a new friend is to date him at a rescue under expert supervision; this does not necessarily have to be a young boar. But this means that you come home with a new companion only if acceptance has happened and do not end up with two boars that do not get on. Not every baby clicks with every boar.
Key to any successful boar bond is character compatibility and mutual liking, which is exactly where shops or breeders sadly fall short! You also adopt a fully quarantined/vet treated healthy and properly sexed piggy.
A few rescues offer residential/full boar dating where Chester would stay at the rescue and come home fully bonded. Boars of all ages can be bonded that way and the result bond is as stable as a sow bond. Because it is very time consuming, only a few rescues can offer this service and there is usually a waiting list - but if you can get to a rescue that offers this service, it is worth it! Please always contact all rescues that you can get to and do not be fazed by piggies on their adoption pages. Rescues have usually more guinea pigs in their rescues than advertised.
Recommended good standard UK rescues, many of which offer either speed or residential dating:
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended rescues in some other countries:
Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations
How old is he? Your other option (if you have access to a good vet) is neutering so he can live after the obligatory 6 weeks post-op wait with a sow or two of any age - again, dating at the rescue is the safest way forward as it is the sows that accept a boar; especially if you are rather looking for similar aged adults and not babies desperate for company.
Neutered / De-sexed Boars And Neutering Operations: Myths And Facts
I hope that this help you!
