Contemplating another guinea pig ... opinions?

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youthnovels

youthnovels

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I know Gladys has only been gone for just under two days now and I know I said no more pets. However, I was talking to my OH and he made a valid point that I love my animals to bits, he doesn't know anyone who cares for their pets as much as me and I do have the space, money (and love) to give another guinea pig a home. Possibly two at a push.

Rita is now successfully bonded with Maisie and Peaches and although it breaks my heart to see them all curled up and Gladys never having a chance to do that, it also makes my heart swell that they all appear so content in my care.

I don't want to rush into anything as I'm still grieving for the little one but my brothers friend has had an accidental litter and is offering guineas "free to a good home". I don't know how many, what age or sex yet but I'm tempted to inquire.

If there are any bonding experts out there would introducing a sow or two to a newly bonded trio possibly cause an upset? Is it something to be avoided at all costs until their bond strengthens or with the right bonding process, side by side pens etc could it work? I know no-one can give a solid yes or no but any experiences would be welcomed.

I've never actually bonded before Rita was introduced and I surprised myself at how easy it went. All my pairs have always been litter mates so please excuse my ignorance :)
 
Guinea pigs in a group don't grieve any less for the loss of one of their friends, but they don't tend to pine the way a single piggy will. Survival of the whole group has priority and the consolation other piggies can give helps a lot.

I would recommend adding either two younger sows or a neutered boar (provided your girls will accept one). With four, piggies will start to develop proper group behaviour, so from them on in the outsider problem becomes less of a problem and new introductions become easier. I find that neutered boars cut down a lot on any bickering between the sows; it is also closer to how they would live in the wild, so you have all the instincts working for you. However, not every adult sow will accept one, so (neutered) boar dating is a good way to find out before you go to all the trouble of acquiring one that doesn't work out.

It would be great if you would consider rescue, especially one that allows you to bring all your girls for some piggy dating in order to find the ideal new member(s); acceptance in a group of girls happens quickly, within the first 5-20 minutes. A reputable rescue will only rehome healthy piggies.

PS: It is only three weeks to the day since my Telyn died from heart failure. Her mummy Taffy took it hard, but grew very close to Tegyd over the following days. As Tegyd wasn't happy with the Tribe, I took the two girls to my closest rescue to choose their own new neutered boar only ten days after Telyn's death. Taffy's life has changed a lot in a short time, but she has two new friends she is very happy and relaxed with. Terfel is great one to snuggle up to her!
 
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2 hours 2 days 2 weeks...no matter...you never forget them and its not replacing them you are just helping others that need you :)
 
Thankyou guys I appreciate your responses. I asked my brother about the guineas which are free to a good home and he seems to think that these people don't take the best care of their animals. Not sure whether that compels me to take an interest and potentially give the babies a home or stay well away due to potential health issues etc.

I am definitely considering a rescue as well, there's a brilliant rescue near me where Lois the bunny came from but they don't tend to get guineas in so it could be a long wait. 100's of rabbits, dogs, cats, hamsters etc but for some reason not many guineas.

Bless my family, they're taking me out for a meal to cheer me up over Gladys and my shingles, so we're going to have a family chat over the potential of a new guinea or two. Even though they're my pets ultimately I'd like to let my family have some say as well into if and where they littluns come from.
 
I know Alan & Clive are grieving over poor little William, but I am so glad they have eachother.

I'm of course keeping them under watchful eye and quarantine to make sure they don't pick anything up. They are however getting plenty of snuggles and love and they seem to be absolutely fine.

But if I only had one i.e. Alan OR Clive then I would be inclined to adopt another too. I genuinely believe piggies need their friends and when one goes it's not replacing, but re-loving and giving a piggie who may not have had a chance otherwise some love and giving another companion.

William will always be remembered as will Keithy and Gladys and all of the other poor piggies who have unfortunately gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

What you do is up to you hun and if you are able to give a piggie a loving home then :)

You did everything you could for Gladys and she will know that you aren't doing it to replace her, but to help another little fluffball and share more love.
 
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