New cage mate after a loss?

[PiggieSushi]

Hello all, so I just lost one of my gp, Kiwi, yesterday, leaving her cagemate, Mayo, alone. I don't notice any signs of depression or changes in behaviour on Mayo. She still eats and drinks well. She even did zoomies yesterday in her cage.

I know piggies are supposed to be social animals that live in herd, but I'm just thinking if Mayo could be different? Kiwi and Mayo bonded fine, with a little bickering every now and then just like sisters would have. Mayo was the dominant pig. No blood ever drawn though. The worst Mayo ever did was nip Kiwi's fur, but thats only the first few weeks after their introduction. After that, they just gradually grew closer, but they never cuddled together. Most of the time they loved having their own space. It makes me wonder if Mayo just tolerated having Kiwi all this time and she may be just as happy being a lone pig. Or maybe the reality that Kiwi passed hasn't hit her yet? I allowed her to sniff and get around Kiwi after she passed for some time yesterday. That should be enough to let Mayo know that Kiwi isn't with us anymore, right?

Anyone ever experienced this? Or any insights on this matter? I'm still contemplating whether to keep Mayo alone or giving her a new cage mate, and what's best for her. If I should give her a new friend, when should I do so? Honestly, I'm not ready for a new pig, but if that's what Mayo needs, I'm ok with that too.

Pic is Mayo (silver) and Kiwi (brown) together.

 

[Freela]

You really can't judge the depth of guinea pig bonds through human eyes. Guinea pigs often don't cuddle up together and want their own space. They often don't mutually groom often or do things that we identify as closeness. This doesn't mean that there isn't a bond there or that the pig in question would rather be alone. So honestly, yes, I think Mayo will be happier in the long run with another guinea pig, even if she seems to be doing okay on her own at the moment. The good news is that if she is eating and drinking you have some time to settle into the idea. I know it's hard to get another pig after a loss (I know I have gotten pigs that I didn't feel emotionally ready for because it was better for the other pig.) Hang in there, and I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry for your loss and I agree with Freela. A piggy can appear to be ok but are actually grieving very deeply and feeling loneliness.
I also agree that generally piggies do not cuddle together but that doesn’t not mean they are only tolerating each other. They will in fact be very closely bonded.
She will be much better with a new friend.
You do a few weeks to come to terms with your loss though.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
As the others have said piggies need company but as long as Mayo is eating and not pining you have time to find another companion.
She will be ready before you are, but you will find that a new companion will very quickly make their own space in your heart.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve

 

[PiggieSushi]

Thank you for the kind replies. I will look into finding a new cage mate for her. Thankfully, so far Mayo has been doing fine. I hope she will continue to do so while I find the right companion for her. Please keep her in prayers.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you lost Kiwi, hope you can find a little friend for Mayo