We lost one of our piggies yesterday leaving one on her own, both where 8 years old. Will the one left be OK by herself or would introducing another piggy be a comfort and company for her and how will she react to a new one. Any advise please
Hi and welcome!
I am very sorry for your loss. You are welcome to post a tribute to your lost piggy in our Rainbow Bridge section if you and your family would like that.
Eight years is a great age; but it is also very sad to lose her after such a long time! But it is heart-warming to see a post that is asking whether re-bonding is possible and not just one that goes along the lines of "Is it OK to keep our remaining piggy single?" Most old piggies appreciate company, whether it is as live-in companions or as next door company. I have just given a space to another 8 year old survivor who became depressed being single and who is much livelier living next door with some other crotchety ladies of my own as each wants to be top of her little queendom!
If you have got access to a good rescue, it is worth contacting them to see whether they are willing to date your remaining sow with one of their residential elderlies, either another sow or neutered boar.
If you would like to continue with guinea pigs, then it may be worth trying her with a bonded couple or considering adopting a couple of younger piggies as next door neighbours for stimulation and interaction if she prefers to stay on her own.
The rescues we recommend are all run to a good standard with a mandatory quarantine, medical care and a pregnancy watch, as well as good care while in rescue. The majority offers dating at the rescue under expert supervision, so the bereaved piggy has the ultimate choice as to who or whether she likes new live-in company and you come home with a new friend only if acceptance has happened.
Since your options depend to a large extent on what is available and doable where you and we have members from all over the world, we find it very helpful in giving you more specific recommendations if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details. Click on your username on the top, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. This makes it appear underneath your username in every post your make and allows us to tailor any advice to what is relevant for you straight away. Thank you!
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
