Company for bereaved piggy

[Cat906]

Hi there. Yesterday we made the difficult decision to put Coco to sleep. Butter is now left alone and while I look into the possibility of getting her a new friend, I want to make sure she is well cared for. At the moment she is indoors but in a spare room so not in a part of the house I’m frequently in. Has anyone considered playing a recording of guinea pig noises to their pig to keep them company/stimulated whilst you are out? I wonder if it would be similar to keeping pigs side by side in cages - they can still hear each other.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there. Yesterday we made the difficult decision to put Coco to sleep. Butter is now left alone and while I look into the possibility of getting her a new friend, I want to make sure she is well cared for. At the moment she is indoors but in a spare room so not in a part of the house I’m frequently in. Has anyone considered playing a recording of guinea pig noises to their pig to keep them company/stimulated whilst you are out? I wonder if it would be similar to keeping pigs side by side in cages - they can still hear each other.

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Coco if and at whatever point it feels right for you. The Rainbow Bridge section is there for those who would like to make use of it.
Here is help for your own grieving process: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Guinea pig noises may help her not feeling so alone. Please be aware that guinea pig communication is very complex - apart from the sounds, guinea pigs communicate by body language and by a sense that is much finer than ours - smell/pheromones.
If you could bring her into the part of the house were you are most in, then that may also help.

As long as she is eating/drinking, please give her a few days to grieve and ideally find her a rescue date within 1-4 weeks to allow her to choose her next mate and to be sure that acceptance has happened before bringing a new companion home. It will give you peace of mind and you generally get a good relationship out of it as mutual liking and character compatibility are the key to any successful piggy bond, long before age or gender (sow or neutered boar).
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

 

[Cat906]

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Coco if and at whatever point it feels right for you. The Rainbow Bridge section is there for those who would like to make use of it.
Here is help for your own grieving process: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Guinea pig noises may help her not feeling so alone. Please be aware that guinea pig communication is very complex - apart from the sounds, guinea pigs communicate by body language and by a sense that is much finer than ours - smell/pheromones.
If you could bring her into the part of the house were you are most in, then that may also help.

As long as she is eating/drinking, please give her a few days to grieve and ideally find her a rescue date within 1-4 weeks to allow her to choose her next mate and to be sure that acceptance has happened before bringing a new companion home. It will give you peace of mind and you generally get a good relationship out of it as mutual liking and character compatibility are the key to any successful piggy bond, long before age or gender (sow or neutered boar).
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

Thanks. I know there are two rescues near me so plan to contact them next week to get onto their waiting list. I’d love to get another two piggies as extra friendship for Butter but sadly although their outdoor hutch is plenty big enough for 3, their indoor cage for the winter months is only space enough for 2 so think I’m limited to one more pig only.