One guinea pig left - what do I do?

[LordCavy]

Hey! Today, my guinea pig Muffin passed away, he was in a pair with my other pig, Cookie. Now I only have Cookie left and I'm really worrying as to what I should do with him. Rehoming is an option however I simply don't have the heart to give away one of my pigs. Adopting another pig is an option but I don't know whether I want to continue owning guinea pigs, plus, I doubt my parents would let me get more! Cookie is a very dominant guinea pig who enjoys chasing pigs and jumping on them; would he even be suitable for a companion? Does he strive off interaction? I really am torn as to what I should do! I've added another level to his cage to keep him entertained, if I give him enough human interaction, will that be suitable to keep him solitary? He has been popcorning and exploring but he will quickly grow bored. I don't want to put his health at risk. If that means I have to get him a friend, I hope I can provide him that. Here are factors to consider:

• Cookie is 2 years old.
• I often struggle cleaning the cage on time, would another guinea pig deserve the wait?
• I'm not too keen on continuing to own guinea pigs.
• My parents don't want more guinea pigs.
• I'm not giving Cookie away.
• If I keep him alone, with good human interaction and entertainment, is that enough?
• Would he be too violent with a new guinea pig?
• My parents aren't the most reliable when taking pigs to the vet on time.

Would love some advice from someone who has experienced something similar. All help is appreciated! Thank you.

 

[LordCavy]

Hey! Today, my guinea pig Muffin passed away, he was in a pair with my other pig, Cookie. Now I only have Cookie left and I'm really worrying as to what I should do with him. Rehoming is an option however I simply don't have the heart to give away one of my pigs. Adopting another pig is an option but I don't know whether I want to continue owning guinea pigs, plus, I doubt my parents would let me get more! Cookie is a very dominant guinea pig who enjoys chasing pigs and jumping on them; would he even be suitable for a companion? Does he strive off interaction? I really am torn as to what I should do! I've added another level to his cage to keep him entertained, if I give him enough human interaction, will that be suitable to keep him solitary? He has been popcorning and exploring but he will quickly grow bored. I don't want to put his health at risk. If that means I have to get him a friend, I hope I can provide him that. Here are factors to consider:

• Cookie is 2 years old.
• I often struggle cleaning the cage on time, would another guinea pig deserve the wait?
• I'm not too keen on continuing to own guinea pigs.
• My parents don't want more guinea pigs.
• I'm not giving Cookie away.
• If I keep him alone, with good human interaction and entertainment, is that enough?
• Would he be too violent with a new guinea pig?
• My parents aren't the most reliable when taking pigs to the vet on time.

Would love some advice from someone who has experienced something similar. All help is appreciated! Thank you.

Apologies if this is in the wrong category! This seemed closest to the topic, considering health is a factor.

 

[avafaghani]

Hey! Today, my guinea pig Muffin passed away, he was in a pair with my other pig, Cookie. Now I only have Cookie left and I'm really worrying as to what I should do with him. Rehoming is an option however I simply don't have the heart to give away one of my pigs. Adopting another pig is an option but I don't know whether I want to continue owning guinea pigs, plus, I doubt my parents would let me get more! Cookie is a very dominant guinea pig who enjoys chasing pigs and jumping on them; would he even be suitable for a companion? Does he strive off interaction? I really am torn as to what I should do! I've added another level to his cage to keep him entertained, if I give him enough human interaction, will that be suitable to keep him solitary? He has been popcorning and exploring but he will quickly grow bored. I don't want to put his health at risk. If that means I have to get him a friend, I hope I can provide him that. Here are factors to consider:

• Cookie is 2 years old.
• I often struggle cleaning the cage on time, would another guinea pig deserve the wait?
• I'm not too keen on continuing to own guinea pigs.
• My parents don't want more guinea pigs.
• I'm not giving Cookie away.
• If I keep him alone, with good human interaction and entertainment, is that enough?
• Would he be too violent with a new guinea pig?
• My parents aren't the most reliable when taking pigs to the vet on time.

Would love some advice from someone who has experienced something similar. All help is appreciated! Thank you.

I'm so sorry about the passing of Muffin! I've been through something somewhat similar, my guinea pig had a sister who suddenly died very young at around a year old. I recommend since Cookie is only two years old to adopt another guinea around the same age. Also when you say dominant has he ever had issues that indicate that he likes to be alone? Sometimes jumping on them for dominance can mean the opposite of liking their cage mate. But yeah I would look at your local shelters for a guinea around the same age, and if you can take Cookie to spend some floor time with the piggie before hand to make sure there's no ear nipping, etc. Then, you'd have to go through the standard bonding process. I used a C&C grid as a divider in my cage for a couple weeks/a month to make sure my new guinea would be comfortable, and that my old one would be ready for the new addition. However if you simply can't adopt a new guinea and can't take care of another, you'd have to really make sure cookie has lots of floor time, cuddles, toys, interesting veggies, etc. Guineas also do mourn I believe, when my guineas sister passed she would hug a sock filled with bedding like she would hug her sister before. Good luck and wishing you and Cookie the best!

 

[avafaghani]

Hey! Today, my guinea pig Muffin passed away, he was in a pair with my other pig, Cookie. Now I only have Cookie left and I'm really worrying as to what I should do with him. Rehoming is an option however I simply don't have the heart to give away one of my pigs. Adopting another pig is an option but I don't know whether I want to continue owning guinea pigs, plus, I doubt my parents would let me get more! Cookie is a very dominant guinea pig who enjoys chasing pigs and jumping on them; would he even be suitable for a companion? Does he strive off interaction? I really am torn as to what I should do! I've added another level to his cage to keep him entertained, if I give him enough human interaction, will that be suitable to keep him solitary? He has been popcorning and exploring but he will quickly grow bored. I don't want to put his health at risk. If that means I have to get him a friend, I hope I can provide him that. Here are factors to consider:

• Cookie is 2 years old.
• I often struggle cleaning the cage on time, would another guinea pig deserve the wait?
• I'm not too keen on continuing to own guinea pigs.
• My parents don't want more guinea pigs.
• I'm not giving Cookie away.
• If I keep him alone, with good human interaction and entertainment, is that enough?
• Would he be too violent with a new guinea pig?
• My parents aren't the most reliable when taking pigs to the vet on time.

Would love some advice from someone who has experienced something similar. All help is appreciated! Thank you.

Also i've never owned boars but I've heard that the bonding process can be a little more difficult with boars so if someone else could touch on that then that would be great. <3

 

[Winniepeg]

I am so sorry that Muffin has passed away. Unfortunately no amount of human interaction will compensate for Cookie not having a piggie companion . She could live another 4 years or so and would be a very lonely girl. I suggest that you have a good think about what you want to do and have a discussion with your parents. If you really feel that you don’t want another piggie then it may be kinder to surrender cookie to a GP rescue so she may be bonded and go to a new home. I know this would be very upsetting for you but it would be in her best interest rather than live without a companion. Also piggies cages need to be kept clean with spot cleans at least once a day and a thorough clean out once a week. The other consideration is that piggie vet care can be very expensive as they are classed as exotic pets. An out of hours hay poke recently cost £250 at an emergency vet.

You obviously care for Cookie very much by seeking advice here. It must be very difficult to think about what to do during this time of grieving. I wish you and Cookie well in whatever you decide.

Sleep tight little Muffin

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. I’m afraid adding another level and Gina interaction aren’t enough. Guinea pigs are highly social and need constant companionship of their own kind. No amount of interaction with you, toys, more space or floor time could replace that. He’s also still quite young. It wouldn’t be nice to have him live alone another 4 years, or even more.

I think you have three options. To take him boar dating so he can pick his own friend. Have him neutered and find him a (rescue) sow or two once he’s 6 weeks post neuter. Or surrender him to a rescue.

Having said all that, I would recommend surrendering him to a rescue. If your parents don’t want another and they’re also not reliable when it comes to taking them to the vet, then unfortunately it sounds like it’s not a suitable pet for your household. And they do need to be cleaned out regularly. If you struggle with the one then it would be worse with two. Would you be able to take them to the vet if it was needed? Could/do you earn some money that you can put in a vet fund?

I know that may not be what you want to hear. You have to consider your boy’s welfare rather than what you may want. I’ll link to rescues below. Unfortunately given your parent’s view and your struggling to clean them out, I feel that the best thing to do is surrender your boy to a rescue. They would be able to bond him. Good luck.

Rescue Locator

PS chasing and mounting is normal dominance behaviour. It doesn’t mean he didn’t not like his companion.
Rescue Locator

 

[LordCavy]

@Siikibam @Winniepeg @avafaghani
Thank you all for your responses! My mother and I can't take Cookie to a rescue, we're simply too fond of him. We're going to get him a companion, preferable 4-5, so if one passes away, the plan is Cookie or the older pig will be able to live in solitary due to old age. He's just far too young to keep him singular. I hope this doesn't sound unreasonable or cruel to him. Whilst my parents aren't the most reliable for vet care, they've been getting better at it. When Muffin was ill he was taken to a vet straight away, luckily! And I'd be willing to look after another pig. They're truly fur balls of joy. Cookie a very dominant guinea pig who likes to get his way (he's on my profile photo). When I had a herd of 4 last year, all fights were centred around him. But I've noticed he's been so quiet after Muffin's passing, I'm not sure if he's aware Muffin's not coming back. He's usually extremely active and making lots of noise but he has barely squeaked! I'll improve my cage cleaning, this dude needs a friend. I guess the question is, what kind of guinea pig would be suitable for such a dominant fool? Again, thanks for your replies, it's greatly appreciated!

PS: Enjoy this photo of Cookie in the sun))

 

[BossHogg]

My old dear Delilah is on her own, the difference being, she is over 7. She lived with my other pensioner piggy Luna who died last year. I'm stepping away from piggy ownership after Delilah passes. She loves her cuddles with us and gets plenty of lawn time. She has a guinea pig toy as a hutch mate and is forever throwing it around the hutch!

 

[Piggies&buns]

@Siikibam @Winniepeg @avafaghani
Thank you all for your responses! My mother and I can't take Cookie to a rescue, we're simply too fond of him. We're going to get him a companion, preferable 4-5, so if one passes away, the plan is Cookie or the older pig will be able to live in solitary due to old age. He's just far too young to keep him singular. I hope this doesn't sound unreasonable or cruel to him. Whilst my parents aren't the most reliable for vet care, they've been getting better at it. When Muffin was ill he was taken to a vet straight away, luckily! And I'd be willing to look after another pig. They're truly fur balls of joy. Cookie a very dominant guinea pig who likes to get his way (he's on my profile photo). When I had a herd of 4 last year, all fights were centred around him. But I've noticed he's been so quiet after Muffin's passing, I'm not sure if he's aware Muffin's not coming back. He's usually extremely active and making lots of noise but he has barely squeaked! I'll improve my cage cleaning, this dude needs a friend. I guess the question is, what kind of guinea pig would be suitable for such a dominant fool? Again, thanks for your replies, it's greatly appreciated!

PS: Enjoy this photo of Cookie in the sun))

if he is dominant, then he needs a submissive friend. The best thing is to go to a rescue centre and have them help you find a piggy with the right character so the bond is successful.

 

[Deleted member 114675]

@Siikibam @Winniepeg @avafaghani
Thank you all for your responses! My mother and I can't take Cookie to a rescue, we're simply too fond of him. We're going to get him a companion, preferable 4-5, so if one passes away, the plan is Cookie or the older pig will be able to live in solitary due to old age. He's just far too young to keep him singular. I hope this doesn't sound unreasonable or cruel to him. Whilst my parents aren't the most reliable for vet care, they've been getting better at it. When Muffin was ill he was taken to a vet straight away, luckily! And I'd be willing to look after another pig. They're truly fur balls of joy. Cookie a very dominant guinea pig who likes to get his way (he's on my profile photo). When I had a herd of 4 last year, all fights were centred around him. But I've noticed he's been so quiet after Muffin's passing, I'm not sure if he's aware Muffin's not coming back. He's usually extremely active and making lots of noise but he has barely squeaked! I'll improve my cage cleaning, this dude needs a friend. I guess the question is, what kind of guinea pig would be suitable for such a dominant fool? Again, thanks for your replies, it's greatly appreciated!

PS: Enjoy this photo of Cookie in the sun))

I agree with Winnipeg, Piggies&Buns and Siikibam’s advice and am pleased to hear you are going to look for a companion for Cookie .

As you are aware yourself, not all guinea pigs get along and I also recommend you follow Siikibam’s advice of contacting rescues that offer a dating / introduction service.

 

[LordCavy]

I agree with Winnipeg, Piggies&Buns and Siikibam’s advice and am pleased to hear you are going to look for a companion for Cookie .

As you are aware yourself, not all guinea pigs get along and I also recommend you follow Siikibam’s advice of contacting rescues that offer a dating / introduction service.

Sounds fun to see who he picks! Only issue right now is that looking for a 3-5 year old boar who is okay with a dominant pig in London is really difficult! There's not a great deal of rescues. Did find a sweet piggy called Pepper who is his age, though. Fingers crossed that he'll be a match!

 

[Deleted member 114675]

Sounds fun to see who he picks! Only issue right now is that looking for a 3-5 year old boar who is okay with a dominant pig in London is really difficult! There's not a great deal of rescues. Did find a sweet piggy called Pepper who is his age, though. Fingers crossed that he'll be a match!

Age is not an issue for guinea pigs ... for Guineas it’s more about finding a compatible companion.

I understand why age is an issue for humans and rescues understand that adoptees don’t want to get stuck in a cycle of readadopting .

Neville’s Nest explain in the last paragraph of this blog

https://www.nevillesnest.org.uk/info/losing-a-piggie/