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Guinea Pig's Cage Mate Has Died, Need Advice Please.

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Kitkat137

Kitkat137

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So unfortunately yesterday morning we woke up to discover that one of our pair of guinea pigs, Toffee, had died.
Now my other girl Ginger has been left all alone. This was my first time owning guineas and I'm not sure what I should do as we are unable to get another guinea pig as a companion for Ginger, as is the advice many people give. They were very close having never before spent a day apart, they were from the same bunch in the pet shop we bought them at so I'm concerned this will hit her hard.
Does anyone have any advice how I can help my loney guinea pig through this tough time, any help would be much appreciated.
 
I am so sorry to hear you lost your guinea pig.
It is always such a difficult time.

Here is some wonderful advice on helping your remaining pig deal with the loss of her companion:

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

But ultimately she will really need a new companion.
Nothing can replace the friendship of another piggie - is there a reason you don't feel able to get her a friend?
 
I'm so sorry for your loss, how old is your piggy? It's a shame you can't look for a friend, but I'm sure extra cuddles won't go amiss. Is she indoors with you? :)
 
Cavy Kung-Fu said:
I'm so sorry for your loss, how old is your piggy? It's a shame you can't look for a friend, but I'm sure extra cuddles won't go amiss. Is she indoors with you? :)
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She is 4 years old. She lives in an insulated outdoor hutch but I have been bringing her inside as much as possible the last few days to keep her company.
 
Ah okay, well you could bring her to live indoors to help her with the grieving and lonely time. That will make her feel a bit better :)
 
Kitkat137 said:
So unfortunately yesterday morning we woke up to discover that one of our pair of guinea pigs, Toffee, had died.
Now my other girl Ginger has been left all alone. This was my first time owning guineas and I'm not sure what I should do as we are unable to get another guinea pig as a companion for Ginger, as is the advice many people give. They were very close having never before spent a day apart, they were from the same bunch in the pet shop we bought them at so I'm concerned this will hit her hard.
Does anyone have any advice how I can help my loney guinea pig through this tough time, any help would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi! Please do not leave your girl pining in a hutch!

The best thing you can do is find Ginger a new friend, either a sow or a neutered boar. Age is much less important than mutual liking, so if you can get to a good rescue, please do! Guinea pigs are social animal; they really need the company of others.
I have bonded a number of bereaved piggies of all ages. The oldest was 7 years old (with a 3 year old neutered boar), just to say that is never too late! Tomorrow, I am going to try and bond a bereaved dumped 3 year old neutered boar with my newly bereaved group of 4-5 year old sows.

You may find our tips for looking after a bereaved companion helpful. Your closest rescue is either the Blue Cross in Burford (which doesn't offer dating at the rescue) or you could try and contact The Littlest Rescue in Bristol. The latter may be able to help you with a companion that could return to the rescue after Ginger's passing, so her needs are respected, but your family is not going to continue with guinea pigs after her death. Guinea pig live 5-7 years on average, but they can live longer. If you are a pet friendly family, you would not like her to live out all those years without company and stimulation, forgotten in a hutch!

Please show these guides to your parents:
Companionship
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Here is our recommended good standard rescues locator: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
 
Wiebke said:
Hi! Please do not leave your girl pining in a hutch!

The best thing you can do is find Ginger a new friend, either a sow or a neutered boar. Age is much less important than mutual liking, so if you can get to a good rescue, please do! Guinea pigs are social animal; they really need the company of others.
I have bonded a number of bereaved piggies of all ages. The oldest was 7 years old (with a 3 year old neutered boar), just to say that is never too late! Tomorrow, I am going to try and bond a bereaved dumped 3 year old neutered boar with my newly bereaved group of 4-5 year old sows.

You may find our tips for looking after a bereaved companion helpful. Your closest rescue is either the Blue Cross in Burford (which doesn't offer dating at the rescue) or you could try and contact The Littlest Rescue in Bristol. The latter may be able to help you with a companion that could return to the rescue after Ginger's passing, so her needs are respected, but your family is not going to continue with guinea pigs after her death.
Please show these guides to your parents:
Companionship
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Here is our recommended good standard rescues locator: Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Click to expand...
Thank you for the advice, I did not consider adopting a piggy but will now. I will show my parents these in the morning.
 
I am very sorry for your loss. My Toffee died last year at age 5.

If they were so close, she may go into acute pining, so I would daily weigh her, to make sure she doesn't lose any weight. Also check the bereaved piggies sticky on the forum for symptoms.

Bonding her would be the best way forward because it isn't fair to keep a social animal on its own. Bring her indoors and give her extra cuddles and treats.
 
Kitkat137 said:
Thank you for the advice, I did not consider adopting a piggy but will now. I will show my parents these in the morning.
Click to expand...

I hope that you can work out a compromise as a family and in conjunction with a rescue!
 
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