What do you do when you lose one of a pair?

[moreshitandnofuckingredemption]

Just noticed that we have lost one of piggles this afternoon, no warning so must assume he went painlessly. I'm now very worried about his brother. They are/were 5yo and have always been together. I am very reluctant to get another guinea pig but I don't think they like to be alone. What do you do in this situation?

I haven't told the kids yet and they've got pals round

[EastMidsGPs]

So sorry to hear this. It is difficult when a somewhat elderly piggie is left alone, especially if the pair we very close. Normally I'd advocate getting a new friend but as this isn't as an option. I would have remaining pig as an indoor pig with lots of attention from the family and go from there.
I am sure more experienced owners will be along to offer advice.

[moreshitandnofuckingredemption]

Thanks East, they're indoor pigs anyway (lots of foxes round here!) so will just have to up the cuddles I think

[FernieB]

Sorry about your poor piggie . They're very good at hiding illness and can slip away quite fast.

Given the age of your remaining pig, I wouldn't try to find a friend. As it's an indoor pig, I'd just make sure it is in a busy spot where activity is seen/heard so it's not too lonely. And lots and lots of cuddles. Experience has taught me that pigs love watching TV whilst sitting on laps.

[OurBlanche]

When we had ratties I used to introduce newbies after about a year, get a good overlap. But we decided not to get newbies when we moved. Our 2 old girls chose to stick around for a looooooooooooooong time, then at just short of 3 years old the littley'un just went flat, overnight

That left us with 1 very old lady, no lumps and bumps but dodgy eye sight and no one to snuggle up with. So I started carrying her round more when I was at home, kept her with me and snuggled... she lasted 3 months until, the day before she was due to see the vet, she too went flat overnight.

I think that's all you can do, to be honest.

[moreshitandnofuckingredemption]

Thanks everyone. Any tips on telling the kids? This is the longest blinkin' play date ever...

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Aww news
I think tell the DC pretty much the way it was - he was old , he went peacefully because it was his 'time'
Keep a check on his piggie brother like you said.
Make sure he's eating enough, (check his input and output [TMI] )
Keep a check on his teeth- when they are in a pair, they are noisy and compete for food. Alone they don't need to, so they don't chew bars etc.

that anothe rodenty one has crossed The Bridge but 5yo is a pretty good guinea pig life

[moreshitandnofuckingredemption]

Thanks for the tips. We had a little burial in the garden this evening, and the kids made a fuss of his brother, will keep an eye on him

[GRW]

I was told by a lady who runs a guinea pig rescue to give my sole pig a cuddly toy. She does seem to enjoy snuggling up to it. I keep her indoors overnight all year round now.

[FernieB]

Cuddly toy is a good idea. Our lone bun has a cuddly blue frog that he likes to throw about and a cuddly bun he regularly fights. When Scruffypig was alone for about four weeks after his friend died, he had a balled up pair of fluffy socks to snuggle and seemed to like it.