General Scabbers buddy passed away, should we get another one?

[chewy]

We adopted Chewy and Scabbers from Best Friends Animal Sancutary 4 months ago. Chewy was the apple of my eye, though they are my daughters pets. Scabbers has always been really shy but Chewy was just the opposite. Chewy passed away on Tuesday morning at the vet, he was fine and then went down hill fast. Scabbers is eating fine but does look for his "brother" every now and then. I hate to have him be alone as I believe he never has been but I am not sure if he would enjoy some other piggie coming in. How do I know what is best? He is at least 3 years old but there is no way for us to know his exact age. I would not want to get a young one. Scabbers has been neutered so dominance shouldn't be too big of a deal but I'm not sure. I was told a female would be best? Does anyone have any suggestions? He has always been the lazy kid so he doesn't seem to bothered right now but I'm sure he is lonely.
Thanks so much for any advice you may have.

 

[Africa]

Oh no, thats heartbreaking! Sorry for your loss. I would definitely get him a buddy, without a doubt as Im sure you know that they are social animals so he would get so lonely and bored by himself.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

If he is fixed, you can get him a sow friend. They usually can work things out. Or a submissive adult boy.

 

[shypaw]

I'm so sorry you lost one of your pigs!

I've had most of mine for over a year now and have been lucky to not have lost any, but I have had to make a few trips to the Vet to keep that from happening though.

I can't imagine having just one pig myself. I would think he would be very lonely, as I spend 8-9 hours a day at work too. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.

Just remember to weigh your pig(s) once a week on a routine (same day and time of day), so you can catch any weight loss. I do it every Sunday night as I'm changing the cages fleece. That way I can catch if something is not right with one of them.

 

[akstrohm]

I'm sorry you lost Chewy!

Scabbers would definitely be happier with a friend. Neutering does not alter behavior, but he should get along with many other males or a female. Just make sure your cage is large, you have multiples of everything, and you know how to do introductions. Ask the shelter if they can help you find a good match. And don't forget to quarantine the new pig.

 

[chewy]

We weigh the pigs..Chewy didn't lose weight until Sunday and that was the first day he seemed sick and he was at the vet by Monday morning. X-rays didn't look good and I don't think there was anything we could do to help him, he had tons of white little spots all over in his intestines (just hope the poor baby didn't suffer much).
I have found two different females through our local paper, people that no longer want them or can take care of them. There is a 4 year old male at our local shelter that I am interested in also. Any suggestions on how I introduce Scabbers and see if he won't like them right away? And how long of a quarantine period would we need to have?
We built a c&c that should be big enough..was for the two of them before.
Thanks to all of you who have given advice and your kind words over our loss. I went to the vet and gave him a final hair cut (long hair) and we have made a shadow box memorial with all his stuff in it already. I can't look at his picture still but it's getting better.

 

[akstrohm]

I hope you feel better soon. You obviously tried hard to help him.

All you need to know about introductions is here: Guinea Pigs Social Life

You can expect a lot of normal dominance behavior. Only separate if there is blood. It may take a little while for them to settle down. You probably have a better chance with a female, but many males get along fine too. Just don't house multiple males in with females.

A quarantine should be a full 3 weeks behind closed doors.

 

[chewy]

Thanks for the link Akstrohm...very helpful. We will be going to the shelter to see Timmy, the little 4 year old male. The female is about 45 minutes but it's worth it if I can find a good match for Scabbers.

 

[RoarRoarRosie]

Late repy much,

But I do reccommend getting another buddy for Scabbers. About a year ago Chu-Chu died and I decided a few days after that I'd get a friend for Oli. They're good good they do sometimes fight..well stand off..