My guinea pig is really antisocial...

[LittleLily]

My guinea pig Honey recently died of cancer at the age of 3. I wanted to get a new sister for Jasmine (age 4) as soon as possible, but then Coronavirus struck and I couldn't. She has been alone for about 3 months now, and I don't really know what to do. Jasmine was very much the meeker guinea pig, but now she seems far more outgoing: popcorning, squeaking, eating loads. She isn't really keen on other guinea pigs, but I see her looking at me sometimes in a really sad way, so I don't know whether she's just good at hiding loneliness. Could you guys give me some advice? Jasi is usually very shy (she was a rescue and suffers from anxiety) and I don't know how well she'll bond with another piggie.

 

[Piggies&buns]

A successful bond comes down to character compatibility, so it is a case of finding the right friend for her. It’s not possible to say she isn’t keen on other piggies, it happens, but if a piggy won’t bond with one particular other piggy, it’s because they aren’t compatible, not because the piggy is happier alone. There will be a suitable piggy friend for her out there, so please do look to find one for her. She will be happier to have a friend than spend the rest of her life alone.

If she is fearful or has fear aggression issues, then she will still be able to find a friend, but it might take a bit longer to find the right piggy.

Do ask a rescue centre to help you find a suitable friend. It may be that she finds a friend in a neutered boar rather than another sow.

 

[Wiebke]

My guinea pig Honey recently died of cancer at the age of 3. I wanted to get a new sister for Jasmine (age 4) as soon as possible, but then Coronavirus struck and I couldn't. She has been alone for about 3 months now, and I don't really know what to do. Jasmine was very much the meeker guinea pig, but now she seems far more outgoing: popcorning, squeaking, eating loads. She isn't really keen on other guinea pigs, but I see her looking at me sometimes in a really sad way, so I don't know whether she's just good at hiding loneliness. Could you guys give me some advice? Jasi is usually very shy (she was a rescue and suffers from anxiety) and I don't know how well she'll bond with another piggie.

Hi!

Rescues are starting to cautiously reopen, so you may want to contact them as to their plans and see whether you can get on a waiting list.

Please take the time to read this guide here. You should find them very helpful. The singles guide contains the links to our lists of recommended rescues and discusses in detail the issues you face with single piggies in a variety of situations, how to best go about companionship and what social expectations your single guinea pig is transferring onto you as well as how this can manifest. The guide is non-judgmental.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

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