Hi there!
I have had my two guineas for ages. I adopted them when they were a few months old as they were sisters and a bonded pair. However, one of the two recently passed away a few months ago. She was well into old age at 6 and a half but, unfortunately, was ill enough that I just felt it was best for her to be euthanized.
The question then becomes my remaining guinea. She was super shy before her sister's death, but recently she has become more outgoing and personable. She doesn't shy away from people as much and seems as happy and go-lucky as she can be. Now, at seven years old, she shows no signs of slowing down.
I did my research before getting the girls and understand that guinea pigs should have at least one companion. Under normal circumstances, I would adopt another senior pig so she can have a friend. However, there are a few things holding me back. 1) She is old. Although it sounds a bit morbid, I don't want to be in a continual cycle of guinea pigs for the rest of my life. I don't want to get another pig only for my current girl to pass away and then I need a new companion. I am confident that I can provide a good home for my guinea for the rest of her life, but I can't be certain of my living situation in 10 years from now. 2) She seems happy. She still makes happy noises every day (I don't know how to describe them). She runs around a lot and still eats a ton. She doesn't look like she is desperate need of a friend but then again I'm not a cavy psychologist. 3) If she appears to be in a good place, I don't want to interrupt her routine and mojo to bring in another guinea. I almost wonder if going through the process and risk of introducing a new friend is worth the risk at her age.
Either way, if you have any suggestions, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I have had my two guineas for ages. I adopted them when they were a few months old as they were sisters and a bonded pair. However, one of the two recently passed away a few months ago. She was well into old age at 6 and a half but, unfortunately, was ill enough that I just felt it was best for her to be euthanized.
The question then becomes my remaining guinea. She was super shy before her sister's death, but recently she has become more outgoing and personable. She doesn't shy away from people as much and seems as happy and go-lucky as she can be. Now, at seven years old, she shows no signs of slowing down.
I did my research before getting the girls and understand that guinea pigs should have at least one companion. Under normal circumstances, I would adopt another senior pig so she can have a friend. However, there are a few things holding me back. 1) She is old. Although it sounds a bit morbid, I don't want to be in a continual cycle of guinea pigs for the rest of my life. I don't want to get another pig only for my current girl to pass away and then I need a new companion. I am confident that I can provide a good home for my guinea for the rest of her life, but I can't be certain of my living situation in 10 years from now. 2) She seems happy. She still makes happy noises every day (I don't know how to describe them). She runs around a lot and still eats a ton. She doesn't look like she is desperate need of a friend but then again I'm not a cavy psychologist. 3) If she appears to be in a good place, I don't want to interrupt her routine and mojo to bring in another guinea. I almost wonder if going through the process and risk of introducing a new friend is worth the risk at her age.
Either way, if you have any suggestions, that would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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