The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Other => Topic started by: marie on May 02, 2011, 08:52:11 pm

Title: female guineapig on her own
Post by: marie on May 02, 2011, 08:52:11 pm
I have a 1year old femal guineapig who up till recently lived with another female. The older one died and she has been left on her own. I have had guineas for a number of years and always in nubers but she is my last as I no longer breed them. I know they can pine and die if left on there own so I try to talk to her regular and cuddle her. I'm a bit reluctant to get another as I don't want to keep going with more. Though I feel sorry for her in the cage on her own. Does anyone have any ideas of what the best course of action is. She does have sheep and lambs in the stable where the cage is kept, Would they be enough? :sheep: :wave:
Title: Re: female guineapig on her own
Post by: daddymatty82 on May 02, 2011, 09:29:17 pm
you may not want to carry on is it worth just to leave her to live her life you will soon notice pining. is she eating well ? healthy?  sheep wont be a good companion she will need one of her own so get another one. she should be ok as she is young atm my OH has got two of her friends sows atm as there preggers both in cage on there own in the shed as there rather large atm and her friend dont know what she is doing and my OH does so she took them in for a few weeks
Title: Re: female guineapig on her own
Post by: marie on May 02, 2011, 09:42:49 pm
She is eating well and looks realy healthy. She chatters to me when I go in to feed her. I nearly bought another to go with her at the weekend as I felt so sorry for her on her own. I might still do. Though I want to get one from a breeder and not the local pet shop. I am keeping a close eye on her. Iv had them on and off for 30 years and this is the first time I'v only got one.
Title: Re: female guineapig on her own
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 02, 2011, 10:02:27 pm
I wonder whether there might be someone local to you with a similar problem?  People loan out ponies as companions for other horses ....
Title: Re: female guineapig on her own
Post by: marie on May 02, 2011, 10:40:52 pm
I might ask around and see if anyone has one. I know a couple of people with guineas so will find out.
Title: Re: female guineapig on her own
Post by: Smiler on May 02, 2011, 11:25:49 pm
Aww, I'm sorry to hear about your older piggie  :(

Although they are, by nature, social animals, they can be quite happy on their own as long as they have a bit of human company and a small teddy.  If you make sure the teddy is the type that's safe for puppies (i.e. one that doesn't have plastic eyes, nose etc) then she'll cuddle in to that.  

Give her a kiss from me (and my 2 piggies!)