Travel Tips

[Deleted member 158922]

Hello, my bonded 2-year old sows are going into a Guinea Pig Hotel for week. There is no way around it. The hotel near Dereham in Norfolk looks very nice. But I am worried about the upheaval, is there anything I can do to limit this? Also I wondered if they would forget me and my smell, I thought to leave an old running shirt in their cage? Thanks Rob

 

[AidaB]

We always take a familiar bed each or stinky/used (but not wet) small fleece pad with our boys, when they go boarding. Also we pack a few familiar treats & the piggies usual pellets.

No piggie has forgotten us when they go away, they just seem to get the hump/grumps, for the first 24hrs after we all get home. Which seems to get shorter after the first time of going away and coming back.

Hope you and your piggies have a lovely holiday

 

[Wiebke]

Hello, my bonded 2-year old sows are going into a Guinea Pig Hotel for week. There is no way around it. The hotel near Dereham in Norfolk looks very nice. But I am worried about the upheaval, is there anything I can do to limit this? Also I wondered if they would forget me and my smell, I thought to leave an old running shirt in their cage? Thanks Rob

Hi

If if your piggies can travel and come with some soft furnishings or their favourite huts that hold their scent, then the new place tells them that this is 'their' territory and makes settling in easier. The first round is always a bit scary, of course - guinea pigs are territorial prey animals.

Guinea pigs have actually a very good long term memory, both in terms of navigating their environment as well as socially, so they won't forget you or their cage at home.

They may give you the cold shoulder for abandoning them initially when you bring them home but that never lasts long and the more regularly they do it, the less upset they are. The first time is always the most difficult.

You may find these guides here interesting and helpful:
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Travelling with guinea pigs
Tips For Organising Your Holiday Absence

 

[weepweeps]

Have a wonderful holiday. I’m sure they will be alright. I’ve left my boys with a friend a few times and they have always been fine. When I’ve collected them they usually run to the bars when they hear my voice.

 

[Deleted member 158922]

We always take a familiar bed each or stinky/used (but not wet) small fleece pad with our boys, when they go boarding. Also we pack a few familiar treats & the piggies usual pellets.

No piggie has forgotten us when they go away, they just seem to get the hump/grumps, for the first 24hrs after we all get home. Which seems to get shorter after the first time of going away and coming back.

Hope you and your piggies have a lovely holiday

Thank you - yes I was going to take some of their "smelly stuff" I also thought I might put the travel carrier in their cage for a few days before we go? Its an hour in the car. Thanks for the tips!