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Momma passed and could use a friend

H

Howard1776

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Aug 27, 2018
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Hi,

I posted once before back in September 2018; our Mommas baby was sick. She recovered and is now 10 months old. The sad news is that her momma passed away two nights ago. She was adopted a year ago and we had no way of knowing how old she was. Toffee, the momma had two babies in her litter; one a stillborn. Nittany, the surviving baby, is now all alone ☹️ She looks healthy and is eating well. We have an appointment with our vet on Monday to give Nittany a checkup. My question is, should we get Nittany a friend or two now that she is alone? Are there anyone rules; only one, better breeds than others? Thanks for your help.

Howard
 
Yes, your remaining girlie should have at least one friend, it’s up to you, and breeds don’t matter, but personality will
You may want to consider getting from a rescue, we have a rescue locator on here if you don’t know of any
Very brief explanation, sorry!
 
Howard1776 said:
Hi,

I posted once before back in September 2018; our Mommas baby was sick. She recovered and is now 10 months old. The sad news is that her momma passed away two nights ago. She was adopted a year ago and we had no way of knowing how old she was. Toffee, the momma had two babies in her litter; one a stillborn. Nittany, the surviving baby, is now all alone ☹ She looks healthy and is eating well. We have an appointment with our vet on Monday to give Nittany a checkup. My question is, should we get Nittany a friend or two now that she is alone? Are there anyone rules; only one, better breeds than others? Thanks for your help.

Howard
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome back!

I am ever so sorry for your loss. You are welcome to post a tribute to Momma in our Rainbow Bridge section if you would like to. It is there for anybody who wants to make use of it whenever it feels right for them.

Please find Nittany a friend or two if possible; ideally at a good rescue where you can take Nittany to choose for herself who she wants to be with. that makes for a happy and stable relationship. Mutual liking and character compatibility come long before age and gender (sows or a neutered boar); the breed doesn't matter, there isn't really anything like a consistent 'breed personality'.

You can find helpful information and links to good standard rescues that mostly offer a dating service in several countries in both guides here:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities (includes bereaved guinea pigs and detailed advice on what to look for in companions)
 
I'm so sorry for your loss! As others have said, Nittany will be happier with other guinea pigs and finding her a friend is the best course of action for her. Personality compatibility is more important than age or breed. If you are able to allow her to meet other pigs at a rescue that would be great, although it's not always available depending on your area. Otherwise, I've generally had good luck matching up pigs who have lost companions, trying to keep an eye out for a compatible personality myself (i.e. for my bossy pig, I made sure that the companion we chose was not the top pig in her group to reduce the chance of her challenging our existing pig's leadership!)
 
Thank you to everyone who responded with advice. Nittany has been eating well but no one to play with. I did notice her droppings are Sam size as always but they have a Hershey kiss end to them. I don’t know what that means. On a good note, I found a 3-4 month old female up for adoption and we are going to bring her home. See attached photo. Any advise on how to make the introduction? The new cavy has been quarantined for 5 days and looks and healthy and is eating well; no worries there.

All the best!
 

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Also just realized the new cavy is 3-4 months old; does this mean young piggy food and hay? Special veggies and fruits for the young one?
 
I think she will be fine with a normal diet. Good luck with the bonding, let us all know how you get along x
 
So at four months I can switch her of alfalfa and young pellet food? Move on to fruits and vegetables?
 
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