We left Candace on her own to see how she'd be without Stacy before rushing to replace her, although we were tempted to do so. Guinea pigs are generally very sociable creatures and should not be kept without a friend/cellmate. The guinea pig hotel where she spent her summer holiday kept an eye on Candace to see if she was interested in and agreeable to other guinea pigs around her, and as she was happy to chat and sniff other girls through her cage and through their respective runs (they don't chuck them in together) we decided that a replacement would be a good idea.
Candace seemed noticeably sad and lonely after her holiday ended. I know to some people it seems silly to project emotions on an animal, but even Mr London (who is not as sentimental about animals as I can be) agreed that she did look sad. Her home is in our dining room so she does have company, but it's not the same as someone from the same species. Candace was also the more passive and sociable of our two guinea pigs, and while Stacy would probably have been happier as a solitary pig, we agreed it wasn't satisfactory for Candace.
We looked, quite hard, for a replacement from a rescue home. Unfortunately, they all prefer to re-home in bonded pairs and we couldn't find any solitary female guinea pigs looking for a friend. I completely understand this - if you do let someone take a single guinea pig and you are left with a single she or he can't be re-homed on their own, and they do honestly get quite fond of each other (or learn tolerate the other one, in Stacy's case).
We finally bought a new guinea pig from a pet store. I still struggle with my conscience over this; I really wish we hadn't had to do it, but Candace was looking increasingly sad and listless. She has perked up noticeably since we brought Isabella (we're sticking with names from Phineas and Ferb) home. Isabella is tiny compared to Candace; I really don't like to think how she'd have gotten on if she'd gone from being in the big container inside the pet shop to being in an outdoor hutch as they're more typically kept.
If you are considering getting guinea pigs, I'd urge you to look for rescue pigs rather than buy from a pet shop. Our biggest worry was that Isabella would be a) not a girl or b) already pregnant. As guinea pigs gestate for 72 days, we still don't know for sure that she isn't (we're booking a visit to our vet to check). Guinea pig 'bits' (to put it delicately) don't look that different in the girls and boys, and though we've had a quick look and are pretty sure she is a girl, I'm not a guinea pig expert.
Here's the video of their first meeting. For some reason it isn't full screen (we took it on the iphone) sorry!
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Precious! Isabella and Candace are so adorable!
ReplyDeleteWe got engaged to a new Kitteh this weekend - we're taking one of MIL's Burmese because she has too many cats now (she's a breeder).
This is gorgeous! I'm so glad Candace has a little friend! :)
ReplyDeleteHow sweet. I'm sure that little Miss London loves have a new baby at your house. Enjoy your new addition.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard to know what to do for the best when one of a pig pair dies.
ReplyDeleteWe have two sinlge boars who were both adopted after the previous owners were unable/unwilling to keep them. They live in neighbouring cages and will socialise quite happily but not share a cage.
You obviously put a lot of care into this decision, and I hope it works out.
ReplyDeleteBut, for all that, the highlight for me was Mr. London's remark that Candace's ass is bigger than the whole of Isabella. I like it that whenever women's emotions are running high, we can count on men to break the tension by saying something ass-related. Keeps the whole system in check.
Aww, how sweet! Glad Candace has a little friend now!
ReplyDeleteK - you can always count on Mr London to relate it to arses :D (Poor Candace - she'll get a complex!)
ReplyDeleteHi Mopsy - sometimes that is the best way, especially for boars I have read. Being able to smell/chat to another is better than actually having to share a room with one.
Thanks to everyone for the comments. x
Oh Jamilla - how adorable. Hope to see photos!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Isabella is so dinky. Loved the arse comment :D
ReplyDeleteHow lovely! I'd never known many guinea pigs until recently, and they've completely stolen my heart with their little squeaks and chirps when they see me. Well done for doing the best for your lonely little one, I'm sure they'll be very happy together!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theblossomshed.blogspot.com
Your guinea pigs are adorable! You are honestly making me feel like I want some and I highly doubt that's a good idea with a playful (occasionally manic!) cat around!
ReplyDeleteHope the new addition to your family is settling in well. =)
Pigs make great pets, I got mine after having them as a child because I was working long hours and living in a flat- it would have been unkind to have a cat or dog. They really have different personalities and interact with each other and their human staff. You do become their staff though- wee furry tyrants.
ReplyDeleteHi Mopsy - oh yes. I'm not sure if we've trained them to wheek when we open the fridge, or they've trained us to bring them veggies each time they do it. Thinking about it, I probably am sure which it is!
ReplyDeleteHello The Blossom Shed - the noises they make are utterly charming. That's one of the things that we missed when Candace was alone - she was much less vocal. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHello Nazia - she's doing well and settling in fine, thank you :)