New cage mate : Need advice

[Bebimbars]

Hello everyone,

I need a little help in deciding what would be the best fit for my single guinea pig Grumpy.

His cage mate recently passed away. He is doing great overall considering they were very attached to one another. Nevertheless, I can see that he is not being as active as he used to be when Harvey was there, even if we give him lots of attention as well as having increased his floor time. As a result, we are looking for a new cage mate for Grumpy.

It is the first time we are having to introduce a new guinea pig since Grumpy, who is a 5 year old neutered male, has lived all his life with Harvey who was a boar (we adopted them at the same time). He is a pretty laid back guinea pig and I am wondering what would be the best fit for him. Do you think introducing a young sow could be a good fit ? Do any of you has any advice on what could be a good fit for an old neutered guinea pig ? I really want to take the best decision for him and his future little friend !

 

[Bill & Ted]

A younger sow will keep him on his toes and should be an easier bond, or a baby boar perhaps?
So sorry you lost Harvey x

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone,

I need a little help in deciding what would be the best fit for my single guinea pig Grumpy.

His cage mate recently passed away. He is doing great overall considering they were very attached to one another. Nevertheless, I can see that he is not being as active as he used to be when Harvey was there, even if we give him lots of attention as well as having increased his floor time. As a result, we are looking for a new cage mate for Grumpy.

It is the first time we are having to introduce a new guinea pig since Grumpy, who is a 5 year old neutered male, has lived all his life with Harvey who was a boar (we adopted them at the same time). He is a pretty laid back guinea pig and I am wondering what would be the best fit for him. Do you think introducing a young sow could be a good fit ? Do any of you has any advice on what could be a good fit for an old neutered guinea pig ? I really want to take the best decision for him and his future little friend !

Hi!

If he is a neutered boar, then introducing a sub-adult sow or two would be best. You have all the instincts working for you in this case. Older sows can be tricky in terms of accepting a new companion. If you want a baby boar, then looking for a submissive one is best in view of him having to go through the teenage months.
Here is our very detailed bonding guide: Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics

My own huge five year old Pioden who is down to his last frail wife turning 8 years old in two weeks' time has been introduced to a little baby girl; both are very happy with each other!
You can see their thread here: Dryw/Wren's updates thread

Sadly there are not many rescues in France but perhaps you have got one within your reach?

 

[Bebimbars]

Thank you for your help and advice. We will definitely be looking for a young sow, it seems like a good fit ! There is a rescue about one hour from us so we will start there.

 

[Fantasimo]

I got two sisters for my previous-previous boy Napoleon, so there were still two pigs left when the older one went. He loved his piggie harem