My bereaved guinea pigs friend unfortunately passed away a day or two ago due to gut problems. My bereaved guinea pig has always been the more dominant female guinea pig out of the two and when I showed her the body, she sniffed it, then crawled over it and almost looked like she was about to hump it? (she isnt fixed). So I've been wondering if i should get her a friend because she is quite dominant. She has been eating fine, coming out, pop corning during floor time etc- in short no signs of extreme sadness and grief. its only been 2 days since the unfortunate death- but should I eventually get her a friend? I'm also quite worried because if i get a guinea pig and they dont end up matching, I don't have a plan of where to send that pig if things don't go to plan. To be honest, I also feel quite uneasy and I guess guilty, getting another pig after chaska's death.
Hi!
I am very sorry for your loss!
Here are out tips on what you can do for your girl; the guide also addresses your own emotional dilemma, which is not uncommon.
The best way is to contact any good rescues within your reach that offer dating at the rescue; that way, you come home only with a new mate (can be a sow or neutered boar of any age provided they click) if acceptance has happened. Lists of recommended good standard rescues in several countries are in the guide. These are the ones we can guarantee that you are in experienced and safe hands. All of these rescues have a mandatory quarantine/vet care and pregnancy watch, so only piggies that are healthy and guaranteed not pregnant are being put up for adoption. Any bonding happens under expert supervision at the rescue.
If you do not have access to a good rescue to find a character compatible mate, the best way forward with dominant sows is a couple of young sows. Your bereaved sow will remain unquestioned top lady and will be promoted to leading a larger group, and your two little ones have each other for the rest of their lives. Please carefully follow the tips in our bonding guide and brace for some hefty dominance in the first days.
And the third alternative is to find another single piggy as an alongside companion with their own cage but with round the clock interaction and stimulation through the bars. Please be aware that if you rehome pre-loved piggies privately or from some shops, they may have received no vet care and that some owners can lie through their teeth in order to get rid of unwanted guinea pigs, whether that is a pregnancy or medical issues. We see those cases on here fairly regularly.
No bereaved piggy is ever too old to to not enjoy the company of others. I have listed your option in the order of how you should ideally proceed.
Our own and our piggies' emotional needs are never as far apart as after the death of their companion. When you go and look for one, you are doing this not for yourself, but your piggy. You will inevitably come to love a new companion simply through seeing your reamining piggy happy, but that will happen in its own time and only when you are ready. It is also always going to be a very different (but no less valid) relationship. Just as long as you do not put yourself under pressure of having to love a new companion straight away before you have finished grieving for your lost piggy - we humans take much longer in that respect than guinea pigs. They do not feel less deeply, but their need for survival and companionship take over much sooner.
You should find our guide helpful.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
You can never replace one piggy with another; each bond is unique and different.
