Hi, i had two Guinea pigs. Unfortunately one died today. I was wondering what to do with the one i had left? I heard Guinea pigs are social animals.

The one i have left is 2 and a half years old. Will he alright living his days out on his own? Should i be thinking about getting another?

Any feedback from someone who knows something about Guinea pigs would be much appreciated.

i can`t advise you what you should do , i have siblings who i were advised to seperate through fighting , they seem really happy apart , sorry i can`t be more help sorry for your loss

I personally think they are better off in a pair or more so I would suggest you get another one. If you already have a boy then you would be best to get a baby boy to pair it with, that will be the best chance of them getting on together

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Hey creative. The issue is that he is 2 and a half. Would they really get on? Also I don't want Guinea pigs forever. Wouldn't this start an endless loop. The survivor dies and leaves his friend at 2ish... enter new Guinea pig and it goes round again?

guinea pigs are very social animals and should never be housed alone (if you have males who have to be split due to fighting, they should be neutered and introduced to a female friend each)

at only 2 and a half he is still very young, and it wouldnt be fair to expect him to spend the next 4+ years in solitary confinement
i would suggest finding a baby and introducing them (its easier to bond an adult to a baby)

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did both , they both then starting attacking the girls [ who both now live together happily ] so it does not always work out , well not in my case.

I have two males that live alone but they are inside piggies. If you had him inside and he got lots of attention I couldn't see any problem with keeping one as like you say you could go on for ever getting another when one died and if that's not what you want to do then I would bring the remaining one inside and get an inside cage if you haven't already. I've had males in the past that were brothers and all ended up fighting so had to be separated.

two brothers were neutered carried on fighting so were seperated , introduced a lady each to each brother , they then started to attack the girls resulting in ripped , feathered ears , deep puncture wounds , several visits to the vets. girls were introduced together get along fine , were advised to keep the boys seperate , result , happy guinea pigs. oh , edited to add , mine live in to jazzy so get loads of attention

The way to avoid the "endless loop" is to get an older piggie from rescue. You can take your piggie boar dating where he picks his own cagemate, either another male or a female, once he has been neutered, which is easier. Most rescues offer this service.

i have 7 at the mo and have had a few fallings out, over the years but its all about getting the best match. I agree about going to a rescue. You can then do boar dating. Dont rule out another boar. A 6 week old would be best, but thats not to say an older boar could be bonded. Ive successfully done both, and if you go down the rescue route they would match a suitable candidate.

If you decide to get him neutered then depending on size of cage/hutch a female or group of females would be best. Neutering doesnt affect temperament, only takes away the breeding.

Tbh its best to have a mate, I have a lone atm and he isnt as happy since his cagemate died, and they are social animals. Even with lots of human interaction we cant communicate like another piggie does.

I also worried about the endless needing of a mate which is why I have decided to get my boys neutered so that if the worst happens I can just get girls to bond and be left with 1 group in the end.

Good luck

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