Going On Holiday And Leaving The Piggies

[Sian25]

Okay so I'm going away for 11 nights in September and did plan to have my sister come twice a day to see to the guinea pigs as she only worked part time. However now she had started to work full time hours I don't think it's fair to ask her to drive to sort the pigs out twice a day as well as going to work (she starts work at 8 so expecting her to see the pigs before then and then later on at night is a bit unreasonable to me).

Anyway, my nan and grandad have offered to have them at their house. They LOVE animals and would ensure they were always clean, fed and watered as well as talking to them. They did look after one of my pigs a few years ago and loved the company of him. There's only a few things that are worrying me. Firstly, one of my boys is quite timid around other people and will probably spend time hiding away when someone is in the room.. The only place there is space at my nan and grandads is in the lounge so obviously they will be spending a lot of time in the same room as the pigs. I'm just worried that Hugo won't come out of hiding to eat and drink? Should he get used to it over time or could he basically starve to death

My other worry is that although they would do anything for my piggies, they have never owned a guinea pig before and they don't know much about them. I'm just worried they would become ill eg. An URI and my nan and grandad don't notice? Because obviously they're not aware what to look out for. I feel a bit bad sitting them down before I go away and telling them about the possible illnesses- it's not something that I want to do. Would you say they would be okay for the 12 days? Currently considering cancelling my holiday haha

 

[artcasper]

we had to leave ours in October for 2 weeks when we went to Florida.. i was really worried as my folks had no experience of the piggies at all.. they had written instructions for everything lol ! Left the vets number on the notice board... i did face time them a lot and asked to speak to the guinea pigs lol ! I am sure your Nan and grandad will be ok.. Could your sister pop in there and do a double check for signs of any illness ? xx

 

[Sian25]

My sister could possible pop round once or twice but I'm not sure as my nan and grandad live a 35 min drive away plus I don't really want to patronise my nan and grandad by saying 'Connie will come around to check for illnesses' if you get what I mean? It's a tough one. I know they would do their best for my piggies but when you've not had experience with pigs it's so difficult to pick up on illnesses isn't it

 

[flintstones]

There's more chance of your nan and grand dad picking up on an illness. As they will be with the pig's more. You may also find your little piggy becomes more confident being in the 'hub' of the house.

 

[Sian25]

They won't necessarily be with the pigs more as although they have their own bedroom, my partner and I are constantly in and out of the room and work different shifts most of the time so there's normally always someone at home. We also have at least 45 mins of cuddles a day before bed. I'm not quite sure why one piggy is more timid, he always has been. He doesn't hide when we walk into the room but he does if it's someone other than my partner or I. I suppose my nan and grandad will be in the same room more than what we are but I still think it's difficult for inexperienced people to pick up on their illnesses, especially how well they hide illness. They are so different to other animals and for example if a dog is a bit off it's food it's not neccesarily time to rush to the vets but it's different with guinea pigs isn't it. I know it seems unlikely for a piggy to get a URI in a specific 12 days that I'm away but I'm just thinking if he's in a different house he's going to be more stressed and possibly more likely to become ill

 

[anna68]

Honestly, I think they will be absolutely fine. Surely this is a better solution than having someone come in and feed them just for 10mins a day or having them to go a boarder. Just enjoy your holiday

 

[Sian25]

I think I agree @anna. My sister knows more about health checking and what to look out for but they would definitely get more attention from my grandparents and they would be made up to look after them

 

[Wigwig]

I know this isnt a huge help, but when I worry, I think about the guinea pigs that were transported across the oceans in the 1600s, humans on those boats had a tough time so for a guinea pig it must have been hell, but obviously some made it, so if they can tough that out and manage to become pets across the world, then its a very high chance that your guinea pigs, who live the best life a guinea pig can, will be fine on your return

 

[AlbiePercy]

I'm leaving mine for a month next week when my partner and I head to America. My friend is pigsitting for me and will pop in twice a day to feed/poo pick/check in them etc. EVERYTHING is written down for her and she's under instruction to take them to the vet if they seem off at all. I am lucky in a way that I live in a rural town where everything is within 5 minutes drive. I'm nervous about leaving them, but they've never really been sick before, so I have no reason to expect them to be. I'm more worried that I won't leave her enough money and she'll have to pay out of her own pocket for food!