What to do about Coco?

[3babyangels]

My little princess Coco is a lone piggy. We adopted her over 2 years ago so we think she's coming up for 3 years old this year.
She has always lived on her own apart from when her and her rainbow bridge 'brother' had supervised playtime (neither neutered)

The question is do I try and get her bonded?

She seems happy enough. She loves snuggles with Mummy - especially on the duvet, she loves her food, she can take or leave floor time. She has been a bit grumpy when having supervised play dates with the boys and her little sister Millie the rabbit and i always thought this was because she just liked her own space. She is a bit of a princess and I have probably babied her too much which is why I thought she just likes to be queen of her castle. But i really don't want her to be unhappy.

Do you think there's someone out there for her or is she a happy lone pig? x

 

[Hermes]

Guinea pigs are sociable animals and do best in pairs or groups, I think she'd be very happy with another female or neutered male to keep her company. Even if you do give her lots of cuddles and she seems fine, at the end of the day you're not a piggy so can't really communicate with her and you can't be with her 24/7. If you say whereabouts you are people will be able to give you the names of some reputable rescues which can help you find her a friend.

You quite probably will also find that you'll get a load of responses saying don't free range her with the boys or with your bunny. It's all to easy for a pig to get pregnant if you're distracted for a moment and kicks from bunnies can kill piggies, just something to think about.

 

[piggyfan]

It would be a great idea to get Coco a friend. Guinea pigs really need company of their own kind. The best thing to do is to take her to a rescue where she can choose her own friend. There are so many guinea pigs out there in urgent need of a loving home so you will be helping to rehouse one.

I would advise you not to let Coco play with the boar even if you supervise. It can make the boar frustrated and change his behaviour not to mention an accident could occur.

 

[Wiebke]

Wh not arrange a piggy dating dating trip at a reputable rescue under expert supervision? That is the safest way to find out Coco's likings, as she can choose her own friend and you will come home with another piggy only if there has been success. Coco can be introduced to both sows or neutered boars of any age - the important bit is that they click! I have piggy dated several times myself, always with great success and will do so again in the future should the need arise again.

The best rescue in your region that I can warmly recommend is Wheak & Squeak near Southampton, who offer a pairing up service: http://wheekandsqueak.webs.com/pairinguppiggies.htm

 

[3babyangels]

Thanks for all your perspectives guys.

My boar died 2 weeks ago so there are no more play dates for them anyway and the girls dont play together now millie is grown up. They don't like each other.

I would like to see her happy with a little brother or sister. I can't imagine her accepting another piggy but i will give it a go!