Advice please

VanessaC

VanessaC

Junior Guinea Pig
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Unfortunately my beautiful Amos passed away on the 3rd Jan (2026) he was only 2 years old, he had pneumonia, I had brought him to 2 vet’s. He died on my chest as I was trying to syringe feed him. He leaves behind his brother Arthur who is 13 and a half months. I am an experienced guinea pig owner. I just have a couple of questions, is it best to get a baby guinea pig? A private breeder has told me I need to get a youngster. Obviously I know that I need a seperate area and wait a few days before attempting bonding. I can’t remember what my other questions were (I’m still in a lot of shock and grieving myself). How long should I wait before even looking for another one? If anyone knows of any breeders near me (I’m near the Croydon area, I’d be very grateful. Thanks in advance
 
I’m so sorry for your loss

It can be best to get a baby as a baby won’t challenge Arthur for dominance. A successful bond still comes down to character compatibility though and while most will accept a baby there isn’t a guarantee, and also not a guarantee that a baby wouldn’t challenge as he becomes a teenager.
If you get a baby piggy then binding needs to be done quicker as a bay shouldn’t be kept alone - you would want them side by side for no longer than a night before attempting to bond them.

As long as Arthur is eating, maintaining his weight and is otherwise ok, then he will need some time to grieve. Generally speaking you have between 1 and 4 weeks for this to happen before he needs a new friend.

We would encourage rescue where at all possible but understand that isn’t an option for everyone. As a pro rescue forum though we don’t have any information on breeders.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
Thank you both for your replies. Arthur seems to be doing ok, he’s eating but I’m checking his weight daily. Amos had pneumonia so it’s best I wait a little while anyway just in case Arthur has caught that. I’ve had guinea pigs going on 10 years now and have done the bonding a few times now. It’s just such a worrying time. I want what’s best for Arthur. There isn’t a rescue near me unfortunately. I’ve been looking on the pets4homes site but there isn’t any but maybe that’s a sign. I’m grieving myself obviously as it was so sudden and Amos was only 2. He was the quiet, calm one and Arthur the lively one! Arthur will be 14 months on the 26th Jan, so maybe I should wait until then. It’s just so awful when your beloved guinea pig passes isn’t it. I suppose the only tiny thing is that he passed away on my chest while trying to syringe feed him. He was brought twice to the vet’s, one the emergency on New Year’s Day and then the next day to an exotic specialist. I’m giving Arthur extra cuddles but I know he’s grieving obviously. I put Amos in the cage a few minutes after he died and Arthur licked his eye and ear for a few seconds. I love having guinea pigs, they’re like my babies but I just can’t bear it when they’re sick and die.
 
Very sorry to hear that your piggy has passed 😔 Graze sweetly over the bridge little Amos 🌈. You could neuter Arthur and pair him with one or two sows as a potential solution.
 
Thanks for your reply. Yes, that’s an idea. How long does it take for him to recover from neutering. I don’t really want to put him through anything especially when he’s on his own. But it’s an idea and thank you for your suggestion x
 
It takes six weeks post op for the neutering to be effective.
 
VanessaC said:
Thank you both for your replies. Arthur seems to be doing ok, he’s eating but I’m checking his weight daily. Amos had pneumonia so it’s best I wait a little while anyway just in case Arthur has caught that. I’ve had guinea pigs going on 10 years now and have done the bonding a few times now. It’s just such a worrying time. I want what’s best for Arthur. There isn’t a rescue near me unfortunately. I’ve been looking on the pets4homes site but there isn’t any but maybe that’s a sign. I’m grieving myself obviously as it was so sudden and Amos was only 2. He was the quiet, calm one and Arthur the lively one! Arthur will be 14 months on the 26th Jan, so maybe I should wait until then. It’s just so awful when your beloved guinea pig passes isn’t it. I suppose the only tiny thing is that he passed away on my chest while trying to syringe feed him. He was brought twice to the vet’s, one the emergency on New Year’s Day and then the next day to an exotic specialist. I’m giving Arthur extra cuddles but I know he’s grieving obviously. I put Amos in the cage a few minutes after he died and Arthur licked his eye and ear for a few seconds. I love having guinea pigs, they’re like my babies but I just can’t bear it when they’re sick and die.
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I’m so sad to read about Amos - it must have been such a shock for you and Arthur
Amos was living his best life with you and Arthur and that’s all a piggy wants.
We’re here to support you and we understand
I had a piggy( Bobby) that died after unsuccessful bladder stone removal and it is so hard.
You are grieving so I wouldn’t rush to do anything just yet …..think it over
I noticed after about 2 weeks that Geoff (always the gentle quiet one) was not rushing to eat his veggies and seemed to be extra quiet. That was unusual. . That changed when he was bonded with Freddy
So the future would be a friend for Arthur and altho I was still very sad about Bobby it helped me to accept things, having a new piggy to look after .
Keep posting as most of us have experienced what you’re going thru
Sending much love to you all
Popcorn freely lovely Amos at RB
 
I’m so sorry Amos had his call to the rainbow bridge. Popcorn high over there. ☺️
 
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