Need a friend for Flash!

[DaniH]

We sadly lost Peanut on Monday, just as things were looking up after visiting Kim in Northampton.
He very quickly developed bloat overnight and nothing could be done .
His brother Flash seems lonely and quiet. He's not eating nearly as much as usual, but not in a worrying way, poops normal etc, I think it's from grieving not illness.
I need advice on how to introduce a new friend.
I've called a rescue but I think they are closed now until Monday and I'm not even sure if they have any single boars.
Should we get a baby or an older boy? Flash is nearly 4 years old.

 

[Merab]

So sorry about Peanut.
It’s good that you are thinking about Flash’s needs while you are still grieving.

Character compatibility is more important than age so if a rescue offers boar dating Flash will choose his own friend.

If that option isn’t possible then you could consider getting him neutered and then after 6 weeks he could live with sows.

Look after yourself as well as you grieve

 

[Wiebke]

We sadly lost Peanut on Monday, just as things were looking up after visiting Kim in Northampton.
He very quickly developed bloat overnight and nothing could be done .
His brother Flash seems lonely and quiet. He's not eating nearly as much as usual, but not in a worrying way, poops normal etc, I think it's from grieving not illness.
I need advice on how to introduce a new friend.
I've called a rescue but I think they are closed now until Monday and I'm not even sure if they have any single boars.
Should we get a baby or an older boy? Flash is nearly 4 years old.

Hi

I am very sorry for your loss! Sudden onset severe bloat so frightening and nasty, isn't it?

Unless Flash has stopped eating and drinking and is facing a corner (acute pining), he should ideally be allowed time to grieve (typical is around 4 days for deep mourning). Thankfully acute pining where immediate companionship can be a life saver is rare; so in most cases you have about 1-4 weeks' time to look around and set up suitable rescue dates. Contact any rescues you can get to in order to cast the net as widely as possible.
I usually search within a radius of two hours but have adopted piggies from much further afield where bonding hasn't been an issue.
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues

Character compatibility comes long before age - at any and in any combination.
As we have seen repeatedly with dating forum members, not every baby will be accepted by every boar. Older boars are much less hormone driven and generally much more mellow. But ultimately it all depends what is around and whether Flash likes any boys he meets or not...

More information in our bereavement guide: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Here is our grieving guide for humans, which you may also find very helpful: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

 

[DaniH]

Thank you @Merab's Slave and @Wiebke
I've just been reading these guides.
In the past we've had sows (and didn't know this site existed!) and just introduced a new companion, we were obviously just lucky they all got on!
It's good to know we've got some more time, my eyes keep welling up everytime I think of Peanut! Flash will be ready before I am!

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you @Merab's Slave and @Wiebke
I've just been reading these guides.
In the past we've had sows (and didn't know this site existed!) and just introduced a new companion, we were obviously just lucky they all got on!
It's good to know we've got some more time, my eyes keep welling up everytime I think of Peanut! Flash will be ready before I am!

Yes, the difference between human and piggies is never as large as after a loss. Be kind to yourself in the coming days and do not put yourself under pressure re. having to love or even accept any new companion of Flash's. And you do not have to be on the phone rigth now. Get the acute phase and the inevitable adrenaline blues out of the way first. By then, being able to do something contructive for Flash will hopefully give you a much needed perk and a new direction. You are still going to miss Peanut like mad, and will continue to miss him, but I find that being active and proactive usually helps me by that stage.