What’s the best pairing for an unneutered male now his partners fied

[Sortyourlife]

Hi all, new to posting here!

In June 2017, we got two male guinea pigs as babies and they’ve lived together with no issues since then. We never got them neutered or anything like that, and they’ve always been kept indoors.
Unfortunately, one of them passed away on Monday evening after not eating anything and a couple of trips to the vets with nothing helping.

I know it’s usually not a good thing to keep a solitary guinea pig, and with him only being 3.5 - 4 years old, we’re not sure what the best thing to do is. With him being an unneutered 4ish old male, is there any pairing that can work for him or any other advice anyone has?
Thank you in advance.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. You tried the very best for him which is sometimes all you can do.

With regards pairing, it comes down to character compatibility. As he is in neutered he can only be tried with a boar. The best way is to take him to a rescue for dating. Unfortunately they aren’t doing that at the moment due to COVID, and adopting may be restricted/on hold. I would contact them (both near and far) and let them know you’re looking to pair up your boy.

How is he doing?
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescue Locator

 

[Piggies&buns]

First, I’m sorry for your loss.

As he is unneutered, then he obviously needs to be bonded with another boar. Character compatibility comes first so dating at a rescue centre is the best way of ensuring he and his new friend really do like each other and will have compatibility. Age is much less of a consideration. Buying a piggy from a pet shop has its risks as they may not like each other and may not bond/problems occur when a younger piggy hits his teens. When buying on spec, it is always wise to have a plan b of separated side by side cages in case of failure to bond. The problem is at present dating is very difficult with lockdowns. You could get your name down on a waiting list for bonding as soon as restrictions are lifted though. However, it all depends on your piggy. If he is coping being alone then you have some time to think things through.

You could of course have him neutered and then find him a sow (character compatibility still applies, but boar/sow pairings tend to be more stable). The key to a neuter being as safe as it possibly can is the piggy’s general health and having an experienced vet.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[Sortyourlife]

I’m sorry for your loss. You tried the very best for him which is sometimes all you can do.

With regards pairing, it comes down to character compatibility. As he is in neutered he can only be tried with a boar. The best way is to take him to a rescue for dating. Unfortunately they aren’t doing that at the moment due to COVID, and adopting may be restricted/on hold. I would contact them (both near and far) and let them know you’re looking to pair up your boy.

How is he doing?
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescue Locator

Thank you. Yeah I’m trying to take peace in the fact it wasn’t because of anything we did and we did all we could for him in the end.
The survivor seems okay at the moment, he was always the dominant one anyway. We’re just trying to give him lots of cuddles and lots of love at the moment.
Thanks for your advice, I’ll try and get the word out there

 

[Sortyourlife]

First, I’m sorry for your loss.

As he is unneutered, then he obviously needs to be bonded with another boar. Character compatibility comes first so dating at a rescue centre is the best way of ensuring he and his new friend really do like each other and will have compatibility. Age is much less of a consideration. Buying a piggy from a pet shop has its risks as they may not like each other and may not bond/problems occur when a younger piggy hits his teens. When buying on spec, it is always wise to have a plan b of separated side by side cages in case of failure to bond. The problem is at present dating is very difficult with lockdowns. You could get your name down on a waiting list for bonding as soon as restrictions are lifted though. However, it all depends on your piggy. If he is coping being alone then you have some time to think things through.

You could of course have him neutered and then find him a sow (character compatibility still applies, but boar/sow pairings tend to be more stable). The key to a neuter being as safe as it possibly can is the piggy’s general health and having an experienced vet.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

Thank you and thanks for the advice!
The survivor was always the more dominant of the two, and seems to be doing okay so far. We’re just trying to give him as much love and cuddles and contact time as we can at the moment. Obviously going to keep an eye on him as time goes on and see what happens.