Traveling with my two new guinea pigs?

[angie1774]

We got two female guinea pigs about a week ago. We are planning on going away for the weekend and weren't sure if we should travel with Peanut and Smokey or find a sitter for them, or what we should do. We live in North Dakota and have a cold climate this time of year. We are going about 4 hours away! Any suggestions?

 

[crittermom]

Well, they're settling into a new environment and are probably already stressed, so travel probably isn't a good idea - especially considering the cold. Is there any way you could delay your trip for awhile?

Failing that, I'd try to find a reliable and knowledgable sitter....not an easy task.

Your girls have cute names.

 

[pennick]

I would leave them home if at all possible. You said you are going away for the weekend? that is two nights. I think they would be fine at home. Just make sure you leave them plenty of pellets, their water is filled up, maybe an extra bottle and plenty of hay. Give them veggies before you leave. They should be fine.

 

[LiciaMommycott]

We don't have the cold weather so that's not an issue for us but we've taken ours with us several times. I used to have a 1x2 cage for traveling. It's small but we only used it for a weekend at a time. I also had a large purse to put them in when we stopped for meals etc. I'd take them with us into the restaurants because NEVER leave animals unattended in a car as even on a cool day, the interior of the car can overheat and kill them.

 

[pennick]

Thats really nice, traveling with your piggies and all. I am jealous.

I still think though since she only has them for one week, to leave them home. They are still getting use to their new cage and all, I think it would be cruel to make them adjust now to something else. They would start getting use to something now for 2 days and then wham, back home to once again readjust to their original home. LEAVE THEM HOME. Maybe you have someone you trust who can just look in on them.

 

[angie1774]

Thank you all for your quick responses. We just weren't sure what to do, especially with them being so new! Thanks again!

 

[angie1774]

After all of your advice: Unfortunately we can't reschedule the weekend, so we are going to leave them home! With plenty of food and water and have someone come and check in on them a couple of times. I guess I just don't feel comfortable yet having someone come in and give them floor time, and hold them and stuff, since they are just getting used to us, plus none of our friends have guinea pigs and I would be afraid of something happening to them. Even after a week, we are very, very attached to them.

 

[pennick]

That is a good decision. Enjoy your weekend.

 

[The Dumpling]

You guys sound like great parents - I'm sure they'll be fine. And I agree - moving them around right now when they're still getting acclimated to the new environment can be very stressful for them, which would probably be more detrimental than just letting them quietly adjust to their new surroundings. When Dumpling got sick (literally a couple days after I got her), I had to take her to the vet (and it's not very warm here). It definitely stressed her out, with all the moving around, the strange noises, the strange smells. She was scared before, but she was terrified afterwards. I was very anxious to get her back home.

 

[crittermom]

You could make it easy for your friends by prepping the veggies right before you leave - separate the feedings into ziplock bags in the fridge labeled Sat. am, Sat. pm, Sun. am, Sun. pm, etc. That way they'd be fresh. Make sure they keep the hayrack and water bottle filled (I might put another bottle in there anyway just for insurance).