When is it the right time to add a new piggy?

[adussiaQ]

Hi everyone,
Earlier today I made a post about my piggy Jelly who I decided to let go over the rainbow bridge.
This now means that my piggy Fluff is the last piggy left and he’s alone. He seems to be a bit depressed already, maiming hiding in one hidey and not really interested in me or anything else in his cage. He’s still eating and drinking which is a lot better than when he lost his first friend.

I have been searching around for another boar to adopt but all I kept finding was already bonded pairs. I then found one lady who is thinking about giving up one of her baby boars. If she decides to give one up I will be able to take him in in just over 2 weeks as he still needs his mother’s milk.

Is This the right amount of time before introducing new piggy?
I heard that piggies need some time to grieve but I don’t want to wait too long as I worry Fluff might get depressed. Is 2-3 weeks a good time for the new piggy to meet my Fluff or should I wait longer ?

 

[Julie M]

So sorry for your loss.

There is no right or wrong time. Everyone grieves differently, and well done for thinking of your remaining boy during this sad time.

 

[adussiaQ]

Thank you, in that case I will most likely take the baby boar once he’s weaned in 2-3 weeks and start introducing him slowly to my Fluff hopefully he will love his new friend just as much as he loved the others

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone,
Earlier today I made a post about my piggy Jelly who I decided to let go over the rainbow bridge.
This now means that my piggy Fluff is the last piggy left and he’s alone. He seems to be a bit depressed already, maiming hiding in one hidey and not really interested in me or anything else in his cage. He’s still eating and drinking which is a lot better than when he lost his first friend.

I have been searching around for another boar to adopt but all I kept finding was already bonded pairs. I then found one lady who is thinking about giving up one of her baby boars. If she decides to give one up I will be able to take him in in just over 2 weeks as he still needs his mother’s milk.

Is This the right amount of time before introducing new piggy?
I heard that piggies need some time to grieve but I don’t want to wait too long as I worry Fluff might get depressed. Is 2-3 weeks a good time for the new piggy to meet my Fluff or should I wait longer ?

Hi!

Unless your bereaved boy is acutely pining (not eating and drinking and turning his head to the wall), the best time for finding a new friend is about 1-4 weeks. Most piggies come out of deep morning after a few days and are then ready for a new relationship.
You can find more practical information on what you can do for your remaining boy in this guide here: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Rescues often don't advertise any single piggies for bonding with bereaved companions, so it is always worth contacting any rescues within reach. They also do usually have more piggies in the pipeline that are still going through quarantine/vet care and may be available within a reasonable time frame.

Please be aware that taking on a baby boy is not a sure-fire option. As in all other piggy bonds, mutual liking and personality compatibility
are key; we have seen quite a few cases where one baby was rejected but the next one a great hit.
Since companionship is paramount for any piggies under 4 months and they need to be introduced as quickly as possible, you have to treat both piggies for any issues that come up in any piggies not from a good welfare standard rescue with a mandatory quarantine and vet care. You will also need to double check the gender of any new piggy that is not from a recommended rescue before putting them together.

Please take the time to carefully read the following guides. You will find them very informative and helpful:
Rescue Locator
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss.

It sounds like the woman may have had an accidental pregnancy. I would strongly advise you to double check the sex of the pup before you take him home.

Good luck and let us know how it goes. Many have started ‘live bonding threads’ on here so you’re more than welcome to do the same.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you, in that case I will most likely take the baby boar once he’s weaned in 2-3 weeks and start introducing him slowly to my Fluff hopefully he will love his new friend just as much as he loved the others

i hope their bond is successful.
please do read the bonding guides that have been linked in. You cannot introduce slowly with such a young baby. They need to be bonded on neutral territory and left together permanently as soon as you get him home, as at that age the baby is too young to ever be on his own.

 

[adussiaQ]

Ah I see! I’ve only introduced similar (“teenage”) aged piggies before, which was successful but never a baby to adult so I’ll look into it a little more!
The lady I’m getting the piggy from takes in rescues including pregnant does and the boy ill be taking was from a a rescued pregnant piggy. The lady sent pics of the mum and all the babies which look healthy from all the pictures and we also exchanged pictures of enclosures etc so we were both happy with where he’s coming from and where he’s going to.

 

[adussiaQ]

Sadly the rescues I phoned around me only had pregnant sows or were closed down/not answering phone calls and emails hence I looked for other options. I don’t want to buy from a pet shop as I don’t want to support their practices and I’m against buying from pet shops and third party sellers.