hi,
We had 2 rescue pigs and we kept them outside for a while and they seemed fine. They were roughly the same age which was around 18 months old and they got on really really well. Unfortunately, this weekend one of them died and we are not 100% sure why but there has been a fox around the house at night so we think so it could of scared her. If it was a fox it didn't attack or damage the cage. We called up the pet shop and asked for advice as was worried the other one would die being alone but they said if you give them lots of attention, interaction etc she should be fine. We took her out of the outside hutch and set her up in the warm in the house as the outside temperature is dropping, gave her plenty of hay, some nuggets and some toys. The problem is, since we did that at lunchtime 4hrs ago, she has dived straight into the house thats in the cage and not come out. I am worried now that we have done the wrong thing or is it just a waiting game to give her time?
Hi and welcome
I am very sorry for your loss!
Guinea pigs should not be kept outside over winter as they cannot deal well with extremes of weather or big temperature swings and should be brought indoors or at least under cover well out of frosts, winds and dampness. They have envolved in taking over abandoned deep burrows that are temperature controlled and in feeding mainly during dawn and dusk when temperatures are at their most moderate. The cold weather this winter is making things even harder; it can weaken their immune system and allow opportunistic bugs to come in. Predators like cats, dogs, foxes, rats, weasels etc. can badly frighten small prey animals like guinea pigs as well or kill through fright. Heart failure and strokes can happen at any age.
Since guinea pigs are group animals that are no wired to live on their own, they should not be kept as singles. Sadly pet shop personnel is failing yet another poor guinea pig by not having the first idea about elementary needs of the pets they sell!
Your girl is currently alone, grieving and potentially traumatised (depending on what caused the death of her mate) and in a place that is completely strange to her. So of course she is staying put. Please place a blanket over the top of her cage to give her a feeling a safety and allow her to explore her new surroundings in time and when it is quiet and 'safe' for her to come out. It is going to take some time for her to get her bearings and come out of grieving, so be patient.
Please take the time you read these guides here. You will find them very helpful in settling your girl into her new surroundings, help her with the grieving and getting her a new friend, ideally from a reputable rescue that allows her to choose a new mate (neutered boar or sow of any age) of her own choice for a happy new bond. Please be aware that in the English speaking world, anybody can call themselves a rescue or breeder without any licensing or control and the results can be accordingly.
We have listed the rescues we can guarantee for that you are in safe hands for several countries; you can find the links in our bereavement care guide. All our listed rescues practise a mandatory quarantine/vet care as well as pregnancy watch for any incoming sows, so you are guaranteed to only adopt healthy, properly sexed and not pregnant piggies. Most of these rescues also offer guinea pig dating under expert supervision at the rescue to ensure that acceptance has happened. A few rescues offer full residential bonding, so you come home with a fully bonded new companion. That is a lot more service than any pet shop or breeder can ever provide and well worth the extra effort!
It would be advisable to have your survivor vet checked to make sure that she OK as you do not know what her companion has died of.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig (including rescue link)
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Companionship
Cold Weather Care For Guinea Pigs
New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection
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