Guinea Pig Lost Cage Mate

[Nathguitarman]

HI all

I'm seeking a bit of advice on what is best to do for my remaining guinea pig, Twiglet.

I got Twiglet and Strudel almost 3 years ago, and they have both been very poorly over the years ( never getting any more from pets at home). Unfortunately at the weekend, Strudel was very ill and lost a lot of weight suddenly. I took him the vets and he had a tooth growing in his throat, preventing him from eating properly. Operation went well and i got him home, fed him etc and he was perfectly normal. However after checking on him before bed he was on his side and it turned out he had a seizure. Took him to the emergency vets but unfortunately he had to be put to sleep. £300 later and no guinea pig to show for it

My question is for Twiglet, on whether i should get him a new mate? Since Strudel passed, he is still eating well, running around his cage and seems like himself. In the past he always found Strudel more of a nuisance and used to get fed up of Strudel wanting to cuddle all the time.

I have moved him to a new location in the living room with me, and the cat still goes and see's him in his cage and licks him through the bars.

I don't particularly want another guinea pig because as much as i love having them, it's heartbreaking to see them go and i don't want to get stuck in an endless guinea pig cycle by getting a new one and having to replace his mate when one dies. I have checked a few threads and i know there are differing opinions on whether to keep one on their own, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

 

[Wiebke]

HI all

I'm seeking a bit of advice on what is best to do for my remaining guinea pig, Twiglet.

I got Twiglet and Strudel almost 3 years ago, and they have both been very poorly over the years ( never getting any more from pets at home). Unfortunately at the weekend, Strudel was very ill and lost a lot of weight suddenly. I took him the vets and he had a tooth growing in his throat, preventing him from eating properly. Operation went well and i got him home, fed him etc and he was perfectly normal. However after checking on him before bed he was on his side and it turned out he had a seizure. Took him to the emergency vets but unfortunately he had to be put to sleep. £300 later and no guinea pig to show for it

My question is for Twiglet, on whether i should get him a new mate? Since Strudel passed, he is still eating well, running around his cage and seems like himself. In the past he always found Strudel more of a nuisance and used to get fed up of Strudel wanting to cuddle all the time.

I have moved him to a new location in the living room with me, and the cat still goes and see's him in his cage and licks him through the bars.

I don't particularly want another guinea pig because as much as i love having them, it's heartbreaking to see them go and i don't want to get stuck in an endless guinea pig cycle by getting a new one and having to replace his mate when one dies. I have checked a few threads and i know there are differing opinions on whether to keep one on their own, so any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss! You are welcome to post a tribute to Strudel in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Even guinea pigs that do not pine are in most cases happy with company. I am currently having a friend's nearly 9 year old lady living with me who - while not acutely pining after losing the last of her mates a year ago - did nevertheless become withdrawn and clingy as time went on. After several months of living side by side, she and my 6 year old rebel Tegan are now happily living as a pair. No sign of depression since her arrival here!

You may find our bereavement guide helpful. It also contains links to good standard rescues in several countries that mostly offer dating with new mates under expert supervision at the rescue. This means that you come home with a healthy and quarantined new mate only if acceptance has happened. If you can get to one, please consider this option! A number of rescues will be understanding and will help you find a solution that does not prolong the cycle for you but still provides company.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Merab]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
So sorry for your loss.
On an earlier thread with a similar theme fostering was suggested as a way of providing company for a lone piggy without getting caught in an endless cycle of piggies.
Grief is the price we pay for loving and it does hurt to lose a beloved pet so remember that you are grieving too and be gentle with yourself.

 

[Flutterby]

I am so sorry for your loss xx