Lone Guinea pig

[Igglepiggleandhisboat]

We adopted two Guinea pigs four years ago. Sadly one of them died last night. Can the remaining one live on his own? We don’t want to get any more now so getting another isn’t an option. If he’s sad on his own we will need to give him away which we’d ideally like not to do. Can Guinea pigs be happy on their own? He is about 6 years old and has always lived with his brother until last night 😢

If you don’t want another don’t get one. At 6 years he is getting old, the oldest one I had was 8. Also introducing another would upset him.

They do get lonely. Where does he live -is he in the house? Can he be brought inside?

We had a revolving 2 guinea pigs over several years and then the final one seemed very happy living alone for the last year or so. She was in a hutch/run where we went past multiple times a day so had lots of passing company & chat. I think it depends on the temperament of the guinea pig, although they are generally happier in pairs.

Can he become an indoor piggy so he has you for company?

You can buy washable fleece cage liners and enclosed hay racks to keep hay under control better.

It's easier to remember to cuddle him if he's visible in a family area. You can also get washable pee pads so he can sit with/on you for longer while you watch tv.

We had one Guinea pig that survived the other for 4 years. She was happy on her own (squeaked, popcorned etc). We made sure that we spent lots of time with her. Unless you want a continuous cycle of guinea pigs I wouldn't get another

This said my friends had Guinea pigs and the 2nd one died two weeks later

My deal with DD is when one of her originals dies we will get a companion from a rescue, but when both originals have gone we will aim to rehome the final one.

We decided to keep him on his own but have moved him into the house. He is very happy and enjoying having time outside to play in the day and back inside to be fussed over when it gets colder. Thank you for your advice x