One of my 3 guinea pigs died - should I adopt another one
Hello,
Sadly my baby Marvin passed rainbow bridge a few days ago. I’m giving my other two babies some time to grieve but I was wondering if I should get another pig. What are your thoughts?
Marvin was a beta and my two remaining pigs are alphas. The one pig (Keith) is very independent and sassy and doesn’t let the other pig (Charlie) near here for meals or anything else. Keith was the same with Marvin. Charlie tolerated Marvin and would sleep with her but nipped her a lot.
So neither of them were super attached to Marvin (and they’re eating and drinking like normal thank goodness) so I’m wondering if I should get another piggy or just get Charlie a stuffed pig to snuggle at night.
They’re both around 4 and so is the pig I’m looking at (who is also an alpha) so I’m worried about their group dynamic and the cost benefit of getting them a piggy friend.
Thank you for your time and answers!
Sadly my baby Marvin passed rainbow bridge a few days ago. I’m giving my other two babies some time to grieve but I was wondering if I should get another pig. What are your thoughts?
Marvin was a beta and my two remaining pigs are alphas. The one pig (Keith) is very independent and sassy and doesn’t let the other pig (Charlie) near here for meals or anything else. Keith was the same with Marvin. Charlie tolerated Marvin and would sleep with her but nipped her a lot.
So neither of them were super attached to Marvin (and they’re eating and drinking like normal thank goodness) so I’m wondering if I should get another piggy or just get Charlie a stuffed pig to snuggle at night.
They’re both around 4 and so is the pig I’m looking at (who is also an alpha) so I’m worried about their group dynamic and the cost benefit of getting them a piggy friend.
Thank you for your time and answers!
- RavenShade
- Thanks for the Memories
Do you think they would get along any better with a neutered boar?
When a pig dies and the herd changes, it can cause a new pecking order. I'd revisit the introductions information on the GL references and see if any tips there will help you re-establish order with the sows. Sometimes a buddy bath and a clean pen is all they need. I wouldn't introduce a new bossy pig to two other bossy pigs. I'd see if I could find a more docile pig. I'd also put multiple food stations and water bottles and hideys all around the cage, one more than you have pigs, so they can't block everything.
When a pig dies and the herd changes, it can cause a new pecking order. I'd revisit the introductions information on the GL references and see if any tips there will help you re-establish order with the sows. Sometimes a buddy bath and a clean pen is all they need. I wouldn't introduce a new bossy pig to two other bossy pigs. I'd see if I could find a more docile pig. I'd also put multiple food stations and water bottles and hideys all around the cage, one more than you have pigs, so they can't block everything.
- daisymay
- Supporter 2016-2021
I am so sorry for your lost of Marvin. RIP little Miss! Run free, popcorn in paradise and eat the fresh grass. Sending big hugs. If you have a rescue near you perhaps take Charlie and Keith to a rescue and see if they like any pigs, you never know they might. Otherwise I would leave them as a twosome.