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Is My Guinea Pig Ok On Her Own?

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Aryank84

Aryank84

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Two of my three girl pigs have died this year and now I am left with Peanut, aged 5 and am unsure what to do with her. She doesn't really like to be handled so petting her more isn't really a comfort to her. I can't tell if she's doing ok on her own or if she's sad. I clean the cage twice a day and usually there's wee and droppings in multiple areas, but today it was only in one place so it doesn't look like she's been moving around much. She might just be having an off day, but I'm worried she's missing her sisters. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks, Aryan
 
Guinea pigs are herd animals so, really do need another guinea pig for company.

This is a good thread to give you ideas on how to help a bereaved guinea pig .

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Would you be willing to look for a companion for Peanut? Most of the rescues on our rescue locator offer a bonding service - to help you find a compatible companion.
 
I didn't really want to get anymore, but I will do whatever is best for her. I hate the thought of her being sad and lonely.

I will have a look at that thread. Thank you :-)
 
Aryank84 said:
I didn't really want to get anymore, but I will do whatever is best for her. I hate the thought of her being sad and lonely.

I will have a look at that thread. Thank you :-)
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I'm in the same boat with the loss of two pigs this year (one today) leaving my two year old by herself however I am going to talk to my dad and then contact a rescue close to me to see if I am able to adopt 1-2 more :).
 
My own piggie Oreo is a lone boar. He is 5 and a half and has been on his own since October 12th. I don't have any other pigs either.

It can be tough, to know what to do. I plan on rescuing another elderly boar for him, but I can't be accepted for the waiting list until I get a C and C cage.

Please daily weigh her and hand feed if she begins to lose weight. My piggie got very ill after losing his companion and he is still recovery.

She may find a guinea pig sized toy to snuggle up to a comfort. I got a cute puppy toy for £3 from Tesco. Make sure you cut all labels off and that if there is a squeaker, it isn't a sensitive one. Oreo enjoyed cuddling it at first, but isn't as bothered anymore but I keep it in case.

Try talking to your pig and feeding a few extra treats. Flaked peas go down very well with Oreo.

Switching up her routine will help distract her from the loss.

I'm very sorry for your loss :(. Losing a pig is hard but I found Oreo to be my biggest comfort.
 
Thank you for your replies and I'm sorry for your losses. I know it's inevitable that they'll die, but it doesn't stop it being heart breaking.

My main concern is that I don't want to get another piggie as I can see it being a never-ending cycle and I'd like to start a family in the next year or two and looking after her already takes up so much of my spare time. I want Peanut to be happy and I'm wondering whether I should look into getting her rehomed. I love her so much though, but I don't know if it's selfish to keep her if she's sad. But I can't tell if she's sad or not. She's never been the most friendly or sociable pig and I'm trying to keep her entertained when I'm around. She's eating fine and maintaining her weight, but she doesn't seem as active. It's a tough one :-/
 
Aryank84 said:
Thank you for your replies and I'm sorry for your losses. I know it's inevitable that they'll die, but it doesn't stop it being heart breaking.

My main concern is that I don't want to get another piggie as I can see it being a never-ending cycle and I'd like to start a family in the next year or two and looking after her already takes up so much of my spare time. I want Peanut to be happy and I'm wondering whether I should look into getting her rehomed. I love her so much though, but I don't know if it's selfish to keep her if she's sad. But I can't tell if she's sad or not. She's never been the most friendly or sociable pig and I'm trying to keep her entertained when I'm around. She's eating fine and maintaining her weight, but she doesn't seem as active. It's a tough one :-/
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Yeah it is a tough one sadly :( I am about to contact a rescue to look for a friend or two for my single girl however I see myself always needing to get more to keep a lone one company but there's really nothing else I can do apart from get more :(
 
Depending on details to do with the rescue, it may potentially be possible to come to an agreement with regards to homing company animals from them until your last one goes, and then returning the company. This is semi-frequently done with other sociable rodent species in the UK, when the owner wants to responsibly stop keeping said species. The company is usually a pair rather than one individual though, to minimise stress from their POV and keep consistency.
 
Did she just lose her sister? If so, then it is normal for them to heavily grieve for the first few days.

As others have said, you can look into long-term fostering or you could adopt another elderly sow for her.
 
I wanted to add that you sound like an amazing and very caring owner.
Pet ownership is always going to come to this point, and it is difficult when it is with a sociable animal like a guinea pig.
Like otehr have suggested I would consider contacting local rescues and asking to take on a long term foster pig, which you can return eventually.
Here in Switzerland it is actually a well know scheme - loan pigs - and many breeders support it by offering piggies as companions for older, lone pigs.
Hopefully you can find something similar near to you.
 
Aww thank you swissgreys, I love my babies so much. I always said I wouldn't get anymore after these ones passed, but never thought about the situation where I would be left with one. I've had a look around and found a rescue centre via this website and the lady there said she'll take her. It'll kill me giving her away, I'm crying just thinking about it, but I think it's the right thing to do.
 
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