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My guinea pig has just died, what do I do with his brother?

T

throwaway1241424

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Today was a good day, I went out saw a movie with my friends. I come home and my father tells me one of my guinea pigs looks very sick and I should hold him to keep him warm. I wrapped him in a blanket and tried to feed him water, but he wasn't interested at all. I went and laid down in my bed and kept him warm. I tried to comfort him as much as possible, petting and holding him close. He couldn't move at all before I held him but when I laid him on my chest he couldn't keep himself upright. It hurt very badly to know this was my final moment with him, I am having a bit of a time trying to write this all out, so bear with any mistakes.

I have two guinea pigs now I only have one, and I am not sure if he will be alright being alone. Their cage was a good size for both of them but there will be a lot of empty room with just one. Will getting a new guinea pig help him stay happy? He is very healthy and active right now, I didn't want to separate the pigs while john was dying but he sounded congested and I didn't want bob to possible get sick since I don't know what happened to john. He was very skinny when I was holding him compared to bob. I am not in the mood to right anymore but please let me know what my best game plan is. He is very nervous compared to john, but he still loves pets and hand feedings.
 
throwaway1241424 said:
Today was a good day, I went out saw a movie with my friends. I come home and my father tells me one of my guinea pigs looks very sick and I should hold him to keep him warm. I wrapped him in a blanket and tried to feed him water, but he wasn't interested at all. I went and laid down in my bed and kept him warm. I tried to comfort him as much as possible, petting and holding him close. He couldn't move at all before I held him but when I laid him on my chest he couldn't keep himself upright. It hurt very badly to know this was my final moment with him, I am having a bit of a time trying to write this all out, so bear with any mistakes.

I have two guinea pigs now I only have one, and I am not sure if he will be alright being alone. Their cage was a good size for both of them but there will be a lot of empty room with just one. Will getting a new guinea pig help him stay happy? He is very healthy and active right now, I didn't want to separate the pigs while john was dying but he sounded congested and I didn't want bob to possible get sick since I don't know what happened to john. He was very skinny when I was holding him compared to bob. I am not in the mood to right anymore but please let me know what my best game plan is. He is very nervous compared to john, but he still loves pets and hand feedings.
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Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your loss!

Company is important for all guinea pigs, at whatever age. but it is not quite as easy as buying a new one and sticking them in the cage. By far not all bondings work out as character compatibility is key to any successful bond. Piggies are also territorial, so any introduction has to happen outside the cage and you have to have a plan B at the ready in case your boys don't work out.
Please double-check the gender of both piggies before any intros. Ideally you adopt from a rescue that offers dating on adoption day so your boy can choose who he wants to live with and you can be assured that your new piggy is the right match, properly sexed and has been fully quarantined/vet cared.
Links to recommended rescues in several countries are included in the bereaved guinea pigs and in the boar guide below, which both deal with the issue of how best to go about finding a suitable new companion in detail.

Please also observe a quarantining period if the companion has died from a potentially infectious problem. While your bereaved piggy can carry the bug/parasite, they may not necessarily come down with it but can pass it onto a newcomer.

Please make sure that you are able to seek vet care for any of your guinea pigs promptly when they are ill/have had an accident and save up for a vet fund as an integral part of the weekly/monthly pet maintenance cost so you can treat for any curable illnesses. Illness and emergency never happen at a good time but vet care is a vital part of pet ownership and the largest budget post in any pet's life long cost.

Please take the time to read these guides. They contain practical advice and resources which you will find helpful.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

How Soon Should My Guinea Pig See A Vet? - A Quick Guide
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
So sorry you lost your lovely piggie. It is a horrible experience but you have made a positive step in sharing your grief. As time passes your piggie will need a friend and you've been given great advice above. Take your time to digest it all and I'm sure you'll be able to do whats best. Big hugs x
 
So sorry you lost John, sending you hugs at this time x
Sleep tight little man x
 
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