Introducing new piggie.

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keiraeilbeck

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Hi, one of my guinea pigs sadly passed away last night and I am wanting to get another one to keep my other one company. I am scared that as one has passed away the other one will follow through the same and die as they have been together since I got them both on the same day. I have no room to get another cage to introduce them that way. Will it be safe to put them in the same cage together? Any tips are much appreciated, thanks in advance
 
I'm really sorry to hear that one of your guinea pigs died. How old were your piggies, and what age were they? And do you have a girl or a boy left? x
 
Thank you, they were both 3 month old when I got them and so 1 year and a half now, I have a boy left now x
 
You would have to introduce them on neutral ground with no smells from the present one.If there is a rescue near you that does piggy dating they would bond them for you then you could scrub his cage and put them both in the clean cage. How big is the cage
 
Oh no! 18 months is very young - do you know what the other pig died of? Thats so sad :( I would think (assuming that it was not something contagious) you would be very unlucky to loose your other piggy so young :( And since a piggy usually lives between 5 and 7 years it would be a shame for your pig to be alone all that time. x
 
So sorry to hear this.

If you are based in the UK, you may find our rescue locator (the tab at the top of the page) useful. A number of the rescues offer 'boar dating' where your boy will be able to pick a new friend himself. If possible, it would be advisable for you to contact a few local rescues who can offer further support and advice.
 
Sorry for your loss. It is always so hard to lose a piggie and I remember the fear we had when we lost one of our first girls and left her sister on her own.

Keep a close eye on your remaining piggie and give them lots of attention and cuddles, most importantly make sure they are eating. Piggies feel loss just like we do so they will be missing their friend.

I would suggest looking at a local rescue, some offer piggie dating but others can offer tips on bonding.

As recommended scrub the cage well and replace any houses etc... this will help. Introduce in a clean run area and see how the piggies get on. There are a few members of this site really experienced in bondings so people will be able to offer advice if needed.

Finally, Welcome to the forum, sorry it is during sad circumstances, if you would like to post a memorial for your piggie you can do in our Rainbow Bridge section http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?16-Rainbow-Bridge-Pets
 
We think it was a heart attack, we left the house at 6 and he was fine being his usual self came home at 7 and he had gone so must of been something instant, do you think its okay to get another one then? I think I would try get an older one x
 
keiraeilbeck said:
We think it was a heart attack, we left the house at 6 and he was fine being his usual self came home at 7 and he had gone so must of been something instant, do you think its okay to get another one then? I think I would try get an older one x
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Piggies are sociable animals and are usually happiest in pairs or groups. Boar dating will allow him to pick his own friend.
 
I would definitely try boar dating first. I don't know if you've got any rescues in Cumbria that do dating but depending on where you are you could consider Bunny Burrows in Richmond, North Yorkshire (http://bunnyburrows.btck.co.uk/) which isn't too far away if you're in East Cumbria (Bowes, Kirkby Stephen etc)If after a few months you have no success then you could consider getting him neutered & find a female for him unless you're really lucky & can find a spayed sow. Good Luck & sorry for your sudden loss.
 
I am very sorry for your loss; I have lost two of my own piggies at a similar age to sudden acute heart failure. It comes as such a shock and heart break! You are welcome to post a tribute your boy in our Rainbow section.
Here are our tutorials for posting pictures if you wish to:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/...ial-Posting-Pictures-In-Threads-(Photobucket)
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?89796-Posting-Photos-From-iPhone

The safest and easiest way for you of finding a new friend for your bereaved boy without the need of a second cage is by dating him at a rescue that offers a boar bonding service. He will meet suitable candidates under expert supervision and can make his own choice as to who he gels with. Character compatibility is key to a successful boar bond. Going to a rescue minimises all your risks (especially as he will meet only already quarantined, healthy piggies, you come home with a new mate only of there has been success and you will have he rescue to fall back on in case there are any problems).
Becklen Guinea Pig rescue have now got a fosterer in North Cumbria, so it may also be worth a try. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Becklen-Guinea-Pig-Rescue/399821413388569?ref=ts&fref=ts
 
Wherr in cumbria are you I am carlisle and have a 100 cm cage you could either borrpw or bou off me for 20 quid to use until they are bonded or to add to your old cage. Tjere is becklen rescue in gretna which has foster homes in carlisle but don't know if they do piggie dating
 
Helen at Becklen, doesn't advertise piggy dating, but often can do it if asked.
I think she might have some single boars at the moment.
I think animal concern only have 3 pairs of boars (workington based)
Bx
 
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