Solo guinea pig. How to help

[Pastlast]

One of our lovely guinea pigs (six year old girls) died recently. Her sister is eating but very quiet and withdrawn. I’ve asked a rescue about adopting a companion but they were quite dismissive and said they don’t adopt out that age guinea pigs as they struggle with change. Interested in how other people have managed this dilemma. We don’t want her to be alone but we don’t want to give her up for adoption either.

Would you adopt a younger guinea pig? That might be an option.

One of ours recently had to be PTS and we were left with a 3.5yo sow who was very quiet and withdrawn.

I contacted about 6 different rescues and we ended up adopting a 1yo neutered boar. They've been together for almost 2 weeks and seem to be getting on well.

The rescue we adopted from offered a bonding session which they supervised and we observed. I think that was hugely beneficial in the relationship between the two pigs being successful.

I have had a lot of rescue guinea pigs for many years. When circumstances meant we couldn't anymore, we surrendered the last remaining piggie to the shelter we got all the others from. Hated to do it but they can't be kept alone as they are social animals, so it was best for our girl.

Other things we did to help our bereaved sow was to leave the radio on when we went out. I don't know if this was of any benefit to her but it made me feel less guilty.

We also got her out for lots of cuddles, and we talked to her a lot more.

Someone suggested putting a small mirror in her cage 🤷🏼‍♀️

I'd ask a different rescue. If that's their only response, they haven't even given you any advice. I'd be pissed off with that.

Agree with PPs that leaving her alone is not an option, poor girl.

If she's outside, could you bring her in (more)? So she's always in company when someone's home.

Thanks all for the advice. Very torn. We’d never want to give her up but I think it might be better for her then her living alone.

The email from the rescue did annoy me tbh. It signed off ‘none of my sows will ever be lonely’ which is great but kind of implied my current situation puts me in the wrong somehow when all I’m trying to do is resolve it. I’m still no further in knowing what to do but I’m wondering about getting a younger pair.

will ask a couple more rescues.

I would definitely get in touch with more rescues. They might be able to advise you better than what you have received so far.