Seraphim Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 One of our guinea pigs died a few days ago. I am guessing it was a heart attack or age because he was fine and then all of a sudden dead. The trouble is now we only have one. I believe they do better in groups or pairs. i REALLY REALLY do not want to get another one, because I am at my capacity of looking after small rodents. I have had 3 guinea pigs, a hamster and a rabbit in the past 10 years. I also have 2 cats and about 15 fish. My son is getting older and in 5 years or so will be leaving for college or university and I do not want to be stuck with all these pets. What to do, what to do. I want to give this piggy the best life I can, BUT, do I REALLY have to get another friend for it.
Sunny1607307996 Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 I feel like you have two very good options: 1.) Don't get another guinea pig, and just give the one you have now lots of extra attention. You're right they do like to be with other piggies, but I have kept them alone in the past with no issues. 2.) You could google small animal rescues or comb the animal shelter for a same-sex piggie that is roughly the same age as your surviving one. That way you still have a pair to keep each other company, but you're not raising one from a baby that will outlive your son's interest in them. You could also always offer to foster for an animal rescue, that way you have less commitment and still the benefit of a new guinea pig. Also, if your surviving piggie was with the other for a long time, it will also need time to adjust to the loss of a friend and in a month or two you can revisit the issue with how your surviving piggie responds to being along.
Melting Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Your Guinea pig needs a little mate, since it is not in your best interest to get another one. Can you not just give it away to a kind home?
Seraphim Posted June 25, 2011 Author Posted June 25, 2011 Your Guinea pig needs a little mate, since it is not in your best interest to get another one. Can you not just give it away to a kind home? I am not sure because my son is really attached to his pets and he might have a meltdown. I just lost a baby 3 weeks ago and then his other piggy died not a week ago. He might have a meltdown to lose the other one.
Seraphim Posted June 25, 2011 Author Posted June 25, 2011 Yes, they were together for a long time, almost 3 years. They were both unfixed males but they got along well. Right now the surviving one is really dejected.
Oneironaut Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 I've had several guinea pigs, and and I never noticed a problem with having just one. If it were me, I'd not worry about getting a second one, just give the remaining one extra attention for a while. He's understandably grieving at the loss of his playmate, but with some extra TLC, he'll be fine.
Melting Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 Ok, I understand the situation... Tough one As Guinea Pigs are social creatures and you really don't want to get another one, perhaps more attention can be given to this one, so he doesn't get lonely?
Weeb Posted June 25, 2011 Posted June 25, 2011 I had one lone guinea pig before, and he did fine. He got lots of attention from me! Yours might miss his buddy but just try to take care of him the best you can without taking on any more pets that you may not be able to handle later.
Seraphim Posted June 25, 2011 Author Posted June 25, 2011 Yeah, who knows it might be best to give the surviving one extra cuddles and petting.
Sunny1607307996 Posted June 26, 2011 Posted June 26, 2011 Since your surviving guinea pig is an unfixed male, I doubt you'll be able to introduce a new friend anyway. If you introduce a female, you'll have lots of little piggies, and if you introduce an unfixed male to a 3 year old unfixed male you'll most likely have to separate them due to fighting anyway. Even if you managed to procure a neutered male, with your surviving piggie being unfixed it will still cause problems. And while you *might* be able to find a vet willing to neuter a 3 year old piggie, most likely your male will be better off living the single life. Just give him a little extra TLC. He'll be fine!
Seraphim Posted June 26, 2011 Author Posted June 26, 2011 Yeah, it is a little harder to introduce them as adults. My two males were introduced as adults and they had squabbles the first 2 days and then they were good buddies. Thank you everyone for the help.
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