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Guinea Pig Died Today, Need Some Advice...

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pixie1987

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Hello all,

New here, please excuse me for jumping straight in with such a heavy question before introducing myself, but I need some urgent advice and felt there was no-one better to turn to than yourselves. I have had two male guinea pigs for about 4 years now, one of which was a runt. I knew the runt wouldn't last long and has today passed away :( My concern now (after crying for several hours), is how to help the remaining guinea pig cope. The two were very close and from the same litter. I know guinea pigs are social creatures and I'm wondering if I should get him a new friend. If so, when should I do it? Should I let him grief (if they do), or get him a buddy before he starts to feel lonely. There is after all only so much comfort and interaction humans can provide! social creatures need their own kind surely. Will he be okay by himself with just us petting him? or does he need a pal? can there be too soon a time to introduce a new pal? should I let him forget first? so confused? perhaps a little too upset to think clearly.

Any advice would be great, thanks.
 
can't help with advice but just wanted to say welcome and so sorry for your loss x
 
I'm so sorry to hear this . It is heartbreaking to lose a loved pet . Please be fair on yourself - only start looking for a new companion for your remaining guinea pig if you are ready yourself .

If you are ready, I strongly recommend you start looking for a companion straight away. Not all guinea pigs get on and I advise you to contact a reputable rescue to help you find a good match . There is a rescue locator on our top tool bar .

Are you happy to add your location to your profile ? We have members from all over the world and it is really helpful to know whether you are based in the UK/US – or elsewhere. Having an idea of your Country + location can sometimes help us tailor our advice .

Here is a link to help you do this …

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...cation-and-creating-an-avatar-picture.107444/
 
Thank you. I think I'd feel better getting a new buddy for him, I think I would feel awful in his place being without a single friend. At the moment I'm probably annoying him, I keep poking him when he's napping to make sure he's still alive!

The piggy who died was a runt and to be expected to pass by now, but he died really suddenly, should I leave it a while to make sure it wasn't an illness? he was literally fine and running about this morning, then curled up in the corner hiding away in the afternoon. I pulled him out (which wasn't normal cause he usually darts off), put him down and he lay on his side gasping and twitching until a few hours later he finally gave out. Just like that. Is that normal? he was in his play pen with nothing that could hurt him.
 
pixie1987 said:
Hello all,

New here, please excuse me for jumping straight in with such a heavy question before introducing myself, but I need some urgent advice and felt there was no-one better to turn to than yourselves. I have had two male guinea pigs for about 4 years now, one of which was a runt. I knew the runt wouldn't last long and has today passed away :( My concern now (after crying for several hours), is how to help the remaining guinea pig cope. The two were very close and from the same litter. I know guinea pigs are social creatures and I'm wondering if I should get him a new friend. If so, when should I do it? Should I let him grief (if they do), or get him a buddy before he starts to feel lonely. There is after all only so much comfort and interaction humans can provide! social creatures need their own kind surely. Will he be okay by himself with just us petting him? or does he need a pal? can there be too soon a time to introduce a new pal? should I let him forget first? so confused? perhaps a little too upset to think clearly.

Any advice would be great, thanks.
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome!

I am sorry that it is under such sad circumstances. Your small boy has lived to a good age, anyway! You are welcome to post a tribute to him in our Rainbow Bridge section if and whenever it feels right for you.

Here is a link that should answer all your current questions in detail: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

How soon you should look for a companion (ideally from a rescue that offers a bonding service - in your case, Honeybunnies, who are bursting with a load of recently rescued piggies) depends on whether your boy is pining acutely or just grieving. If the bereft boy is not eating at all, looking off and is just staring at the wall for longer than day 2, then he needs a new companion asap. If he is just withdrawn, but still eating, then he will come out of grieving in his own time, and you can look for new company in your own time.
I would recommend to start syringe feeding an acutely pining boar that is refusing to eat if necessary, but only if absolutely necessary. ;)
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator with contact details for Honeybunnies rescue.
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Please feel free to ask any questions you may have.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. I would echo the advice given above.
 
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