One of my guinea pigs has died.

[Goawaycold]

There was no signs of illness, so it's come as a bit of a shock.

She's still in the cage as we've only just discovered that she's dead, so just wondering what we do next? Do we leave her there for our remaining guinea pig to accept she's dead, or take her out straight away?

What's the best way to help the remaining guinea pig now, as I realise she's going to be very lonely.

[Slartybartfast]

aw

[Slartybartfast]

what were/are their ages op?

[Goawaycold]

They're both 4

[SendYouUpInFlames]

Aww how sad. Sorry OP.

First thing first is take the surviving GP to the VET, to check for any underlying issues or diseases. Especially of the other GP had died without warning.

[SendYouUpInFlames]

If*

[PenApple]

I’ve always taken out when I’ve noticed, but none of my piggies seem to grieve so maybe they’re all cold hearted!

[Clairetree1]

take her out straight away..
I'm sorry for your loss

guinea pigs do tend to go this way, no warning. I've had many, and I have even been in the room and seen it once, running around as normal, lying down dead, no inbetween

Its a good thing in a way

[SendYouUpInFlames]

Can I ask what sex they are?

As you know they are meant to live in pairs, they are more social and happy when in a pair. You may find poor GP may find her self becoming depressed. She may hide herself, of start attacking herself- pulling hair out. Not eating.

Personally I would buy another GP. Baby or a local rescue, whichever suits yours and GP needs better. If GP does become depressed, which isn't always but it's possible, then a new friend is definitely what it needs.

Also one common cause of sudden death in GP (which generally dont get many problems) is overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria in the gut which release toxins which are rapidly fatal. The usual cause is a sudden drop in temperature (usually at night).

[Goawaycold]

They're both girls.

I just don't know what to do. I know they live best in pairs but it feels then like you're in a constant cycle of forever having guinea pigs.

I'm having a c-section on Monday, and due to circumstances will be in hospital for at least a few days. My mum was going to call in 2 or 3 times a day to feed them etc but now I'm worried the one left will be so lonely :(

[obviousNC101]

Definitely take her out and get the other one to the vet to check there's nothing wrong with her too.

Could your rescue an older one OP? Might prevent the cycle you mentioned

Sorry to hear this. Poor little thing.

[Slartybartfast]

You could decide this is your last one, otherwise they are a constant.

[Goawaycold]

That's interesting what you've said send, as last night me and dh both said to each other how it suddenly felt very cold, and I ended up under a blanket on the sofa whereas I'm normally boiling hot being so pregnant, so there definitely was a sudden drop in temperature last night.

[icannotthinkofauser]

I've always bought another one straight away, usually the same day otherwise I've found they get really depressed

[Goawaycold]

I've had a quick Google and can't find any gp rescue centres near me. The only things that come up are when you rescue older ones from pets at home.

We are absolutely skint at the moment too after buying the last of the baby things, so even if I wanted to go and buy another one today, I can't. And I don't want to rush into anything but I know I won't be able to get anything sorted once the baby is here either as I won't be driving etc.

My mum is going to take the one left to her house whilst I'm in hospital now as I know she can't be left alone, poor thing :(

[sirlee66]

So sorry for your loss, OP.

My piggies died aged 9 and 10!! So geriatric piggies. Piggies are prey animals so won't show they are suffering/ill so it's completely normal your little pig passed away suddenly without warning.

I think 4 is a fairly average lifespan for a guinea so I doubt there is anything wrong with the other. It was just your piggie's time :(

When my first pig passed, the vet told me to leave her in the cage for a few hours for the other to accept she'd gone. Otherwise it can be quite distressing for the one that's left.

Because my piggy was so old, the vet said it would be more stressful to introduce a new companion than to let her live alone.

However, you could have another few years with the other and they are much better in pairs. I'd recommend rescuing another piggy and Introducing them slowly (cages next to each other for a while etc)

[Deafdeafdeath]

I know it’s not ideal, but have a look on your local gumtree.

Sorry to hear she has died

[oftengrumpy]

Sorry for your loss. We had an elderly pair of piggies and when one died we felt it would be too stressful for the other to introduce babies but she was definitely lonely. We got a guinea pig "hot water bottle". It was a solid disc that you microwave and she sat on it at night. Before that she wouldn't even go into her bed area so it helped immensely.

[Balloondog]

So sorry for your loss @Goawaycold, I hope you work out what's best to do for your other piggy and yourself at such a busy time. All the best with the impending new arrival too!

[0h]

Im so sorry.

[Goawaycold]

Thanks everyone.

We've cleaned the cage out, and the remaining gp had been hiding in her house. She's come out, made some noises, had some food and some play time on the floor.

At the moment she doesn't seem too bad, so I'm hoping that's a good sign. We've decided not to rush into anything over the next week or two as there's just so much going on, but if she does show signs of being depressed over the coming weeks then we will consider getting another friend for her. But at the moment, we are just not in a place to make that decision as my head is all over the place with the up coming c section anyway.

Thanks for all your support.