Machu lost his brother yesterday. They’d been together from birth until death never spending any time apart really. I know this question gets asked a lot but I want to know how soon I should find him a new brother based on how he is behaving.
He definitely seems sad. He’s just sitting under a little platform in the shed that he used to sit under while Picchu was on top of it. He has eaten some hay but left most of his night time veggies. Usually he goes for his veg like crazy straight away.
When do you think he should get a new companion based on his behaviour? He’s in the shed with our 3 sows in an opposite enclosure so I like to think he can still hear piggies and have a chat with them across the room so he’s not totally alone.
BIG HUGS
Please monitor Macchu's weight by weighing daily on the kitchen scales first thing in the morning and step in with a little syringe feed and water; this often helps to trigger the appetite/eating reflex in a piggy that is dealing with the shock/trauma of an unexpected death but that is
not actually what we call acute pining.
Ideally you allow Macchu his own time to grieve although it is going to be hard on you to seeing him so withdrawn. Guinea pigs don't have any less intense feelings as we humans but they can't afford to grieve openly for as long; their survival instinct takes usually over after a few days of being withdrawn (usually around 4 days).
With a piggy that is eating and drinking, you have about 1-4 weeks (longer for boar neutering or a special new companion if circumstances demand). Some piggies clearly cannot cope well on their own; for them you find a new friend ideally at the lower end within a week.
Only in the case that a piggy is stopping entirely to eat, drink and is facing away from the world (often in a corner) do we speak of acute pining where you need to move quickly - after a vet check to make sure that there is no underlying health issue that has been triggered by a lowering of the immune system.
Please put Picchu's cosy back in the cage and leave the cage as it is, allowing Macchu to snuggle into Picchu's gradually fading scent. Macchu knows that Picchu was fighting for his life and was likely dying. Piggies have a much finer sense of smell than us. Dying piggies will also remove themselves from the premises if they can.
Leave the cage, even if it is getting rather grotty for a week or at least until Macchu is picking up with his normal life, although without his usual sparkle.
Here is more practical information what you can do for a bereaved companion from the immediate aftermath to longer term considerations:
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Our singles guides contains chapters about the challenges specific to bereaved piggies, companionship considerations and how to spot when a single is being depressed or is transferring their social needs onto you:
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Our boar guide also has a chapter on companionship options and challenges:
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
I hope that this helps you. Please try not to fall into the trap of a knee-jerk reaction unless Macchu can really not cope on his own. Take the time to look after yourself as well and take the time do your search/research whenever you are fit to deal with it.
PS: This place is specifically here for all the practical questions and worries for your bereaved companions as well as your own pain and grieving issues. We are here to support you and help you as a community in this difficult time for as long as you need to.
