Loss of brother

[Melissa Prushan]

HI! We had two guinea brothers that were two years old. On Wednesday morning, I woke up to find one had passed unexpectedly. He was in an odd position, in the middle of the cage.. which is unusual for him (he loved his pouch in the guinea dad fleece) and cold. I am hoping he went quick. We watch our pigs closely and he really didn't show any signs of distress, eating issues or pooping issues.. I changed up the cage a little. I got rid of the old fleece liners and purchased new ones for our remaining love. His brother is sad. He comes out for attention occasionally, but often turns his back to us. We got him checked by the vet and he seems to be in good health. Should we introduce a new pig (separate cages at first.. then try bonding) or should we wait a while. There is a two year old pig at the rescue.. I was thinking he may be a good match. This is my concern. Our remaining pig would often try to express dominance over his brother. he would get on top of him. They never drew blood, but we would sometimes separate them at night with the divider (Midwest cage). I am afraid if we bring another pig in he could try that and either one could get hurt. Any advice would be so much appreciated.

 

[Robin_]

Very sorry for your loss

Does the shelter you talked about do piggy speed dating? It’s basically a quick introduction that can give you a good idea as to whether or not they are compatible.

Mounting is a completely normal dominance behavior for males. As long as there’s no blood drawn I wouldn’t separate.

Especially since the new male in question should be out of his teenage aggression, I would at least try it and see how it goes.

 

[Melissa Prushan]

Very sorry for your loss

Does the shelter you talked about do piggy speed dating? It’s basically a quick introduction that can give you a good idea as to whether or not they are compatible.

Mounting is a completely normal dominance behavior for males. As long as there’s no blood drawn I wouldn’t separate.

Especially since the new male in question should be out of his teenage aggression, I would at least try it and see how it goes.

I didn't think of the speed dating thing. I will have to ask. Ty. This is all new to us. We only had one pig before from a rescue..and he couldn't be with others so I want to make sure we do the right thing for our Watson.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you lost your piggie so suddenly x
Sleep tight little Angel x

 

[Wiebke]

HI! We had two guinea brothers that were two years old. On Wednesday morning, I woke up to find one had passed unexpectedly. He was in an odd position, in the middle of the cage.. which is unusual for him (he loved his pouch in the guinea dad fleece) and cold. I am hoping he went quick. We watch our pigs closely and he really didn't show any signs of distress, eating issues or pooping issues.. I changed up the cage a little. I got rid of the old fleece liners and purchased new ones for our remaining love. His brother is sad. He comes out for attention occasionally, but often turns his back to us. We got him checked by the vet and he seems to be in good health. Should we introduce a new pig (separate cages at first.. then try bonding) or should we wait a while. There is a two year old pig at the rescue.. I was thinking he may be a good match. This is my concern. Our remaining pig would often try to express dominance over his brother. he would get on top of him. They never drew blood, but we would sometimes separate them at night with the divider (Midwest cage). I am afraid if we bring another pig in he could try that and either one could get hurt. Any advice would be so much appreciated.

Hi! I am ever so sorry for your loss!

Unfortunately without being able to date for personality compatibility before bring home a new mate, you always have to have plan B (next door neighbourship with full time interaction/stimulation through the bars) at the ready.
You can find more information in this guide here; it contains a chapter on companionship for single/bereaved boars: A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars