introducing a new guinea pig

Question
We have had two females - sisters  for 2 1/2 years living happily together and unexpectedly and suddenly one died yesterday. We wondered what might be the best thing to do for the other one. Is it ok to introduce another female for company? We have read that introducing a rabbit is not recommended. We would appreciate your advice. Thanks

Answer
Robin,
In the past experts and people all over the place told me no rabbits!
but if you want a rabbit, go for it!
My rabbit was fine with the guinea pigs after a while - i will admit i takes time, you cannot put them together straight away and expect them to be best chums! However, if you let them run  around together for a few days, then put them back away into SEPARATE hutches they should soon get used to each other and be pals!

If you are going for another guinea pig, get one, and probably a younger one, I always tried rescuing mine, but once they are older they don't tend to submit and learn their place as easily!

Remember to completely clear out the hutch before you put them together for permanent if it smells of anything it will confuse the newbie and make him/her scared!

Also new baby guinea pigs are a great new companion as they almost immediately submit and let the older one act like usual!

My new one I got once, that was a youngish one from a pet store (supposedly too aggressive for other piggies) went in with Mike straight away and they are best buds!!

If you really want to be certain you can get a perfect match of a new guinea pig, try contacting a rescue centre they often allow you to bring in your guinea pig and put her in a special dating cage that allows them to see a different guinea pig and sort of chose who they like. For instance if you put your girl in one side they put one of theirs in the other, if they hiss you try a different one if they seem to purrr and squeal 'hi' then its a match made in heaven!!

Megan