Leaving my baby for 3 weeks?!

[Makaiobaby]

In October I am going on a 3 week holiday and I am so nervous about leaving my guinea pig Makaio. When we go he will be exactly 1 years old. I went for a week away in July and he was left with my grandad who did care for him but not as much cuddles I give him (because he is a single guinea) He is so attached to me and he thinks he is my baby haha! We are thinking of giving him to a family friend who has lots of pets! I know he will get attention there but I’m nervous about him feeling down (we have been told guinea pigs get depression? Unsure if this is true tho) and him missing me and possibly passing?
Any advice to try and calm my nerve would be much appreciated x

 

[GuineasForLife2488]

if there’s quite a long time until you go on holiday maybe invest in caring for another friendly piggie and give them time to get used to each other. I’m not an expert or anything but maybe it could make both of you feel more calm. of course it’s risky this way, as there’s a small percentage of them happening to getting along! maybe tag some main users on here to get their opinion! I’m sry for the bad advice

 

[Lady Kelly]

Guinea pigs can indeed suffer with depression but this is usually seen after the death of their cagemate and them being left to live alone rather than their connection with humans. Sadly they don't build the bond with us in the same way we see them so I don't think depression is something that is likely to happen while you are away. As said above, the best thing for him is a cagemate of his own species but this depends on finding a compatible personality in a boar and also having a big enough cage. A 120 x 60cm cage is still the minimum guidelines but it is widely accepted these days that a pair of boars need much more space than this offers for them to live harmoniously. You would need to look at minimum 140cm but ideally a 150cm upwards cage

 

[Makaiobaby]

Guinea pigs can indeed suffer with depression but this is usually seen after the death of their cagemate and them being left to live alone rather than their connection with humans. Sadly they don't build the bond with us in the same way we see them so I don't think depression is something that is likely to happen while you are away. As said above, the best thing for him is a cagemate of his own species but this depends on finding a compatible personality in a boar and also having a big enough cage. A 120 x 60cm cage is still the minimum guidelines but it is widely accepted these days that a pair of boars need much more space than this offers for them to live harmoniously. You would need to look at minimum 140cm but ideally a 150cm upwards cage

Yes thank you I just don’t think he would get along with another Guinea pig in there as he is spoilt to be honest and I just don’t think it’s fair on him. At least he probably won’t “miss me” I just worry that he thinks we have abandoned him and he will be confused in a different home ect.

 

[artcasper]

Yes thank you I just don’t think he would get along with another Guinea pig in there as he is spoilt to be honest and I just don’t think it’s fair on him. At least he probably won’t “miss me” I just worry that he thinks we have abandoned him and he will be confused in a different home ect.

I am sure if he was well cared for and looked after - he wouldn't miss you.. I think we feel more than they actually do in the emotion stakes... it's a shame he doesnt have a friend as they are THE best company x

 

[koolkathan]

If it helps, I'm going away for a two week holiday in America, so will be traveling abroad, my two guineas will be put into a pet hotel for 16ish days, until I return, They wont be in the same cage, due to them not being bonded, but they are next to each other still, Stan has already been once and thought it was heaven! He didn't miss me one bit, That was when he was a single piggy.

 

[Siikibam]

You can’t know he won’t get on with another piggy if you haven’t tried. If it failed before it was likely personality incompatibility rather than him being spoilt. I’d try and get him a friend. If there’s a rescue nearby you could maybe take him board dating.

They really come out of their shells when they have a cage mate. I’m afraid no amount of human interaction can make up for the lack of guinea pig interaction.

I’d say if your friend has time for him then take him there if they’re willing. What other pets do they have? As you have to be careful with piggies around dogs etc.

PS pigtures PLEASEEEE

 

[lilyandluna]

I went on a three week vacation and someone stayed at my house to watch my dog and them. All went well and they were okay, but I sure missed them a lot xx