Visiting family overseas- what to do about the boys!

[lucifermp3]

Hi everyone!

In April, I’m travelling to the UK for a little over a week to visit family (I’m in the US). I’m trying to figure out what would be best for the boys in terms of care while I’m gone. Trevor is completely healthy, but Cyrus is our bladder stone piggy who also has been having some IC on top of that. So…

Option 1: I leave them at my house, with my roommate watching them. We’ve been friends since high school & I’ve had pigs since we were kids so she is familiar with them, BUT she’s had no experience taking care of them for more than a few days. I’m concerned that she won’t be able to effectively monitor them (ie poop output, know if Cyrus is in pain, know if/when to call us or the vet).

Option 2: I bring them to my parents’ house. My partner has a van, so we could bring their entire setup over there as to minimize/hopefully avoid any potential territorial squabbles. No concerns re: them watching the boys, as I have kept piggies since I was a little kid AND they’ve had pigs of their own.

Option 3: I board them at a local rescue. I would NOT be able to bring their cage there as it would take up too much space & they already have boarding cages/facilities there.

I’m leaning towards bringing them to my parents’ given the fact that they know what they’re doing with piggies, but I’ve never left them for this long before and am afraid that this will somehow screw things up & they’ll either fight or Cyrus will have an IC flareup! Anyone have input/relevant advice?

 

[lucifermp3]

Hi everyone!

In April, I’m travelling to the UK for a little over a week to visit family (I’m in the US). I’m trying to figure out what would be best for the boys in terms of care while I’m gone. Trevor is completely healthy, but Cyrus is our bladder stone piggy who also has been having some IC on top of that. So…

Option 1: I leave them at my house, with my roommate watching them. We’ve been friends since high school & I’ve had pigs since we were kids so she is familiar with them, BUT she’s had no experience taking care of them for more than a few days. I’m concerned that she won’t be able to effectively monitor them (ie poop output, know if Cyrus is in pain, know if/when to call us or the vet).

Option 2: I bring them to my parents’ house. My partner has a van, so we could bring their entire setup over there as to minimize/hopefully avoid any potential territorial squabbles. No concerns re: them watching the boys, as I have kept piggies since I was a little kid AND they’ve had pigs of their own.

Option 3: I board them at a local rescue. I would NOT be able to bring their cage there as it would take up too much space & they already have boarding cages/facilities there.

I’m leaning towards bringing them to my parents’ given the fact that they know what they’re doing with piggies, but I’ve never left them for this long before and am afraid that this will somehow screw things up & they’ll either fight or Cyrus will have an IC flareup! Anyone have input/relevant advice?

I should clarify— in the last paragraph I was trying to say that I’m concerned moving them (even if I bring their whole setup) will cause issues!

 

[Piggies&buns]

I think either of the last two options would make you feel more secure about them.
Your roommate sounds as if she would be fine but the fact you’re considering that she hadn’t had them for more than a few days would be on your mind. If she is able to pick them up and weigh them then that is the best way to monitor them (poop output being too far delayed to be useful in real time).

As long as your parents can get them to your vet if needed, then personally I think that’s the way I would go as I feel from reading your post that is the one you are more secure about.

 

[lucifermp3]

I think either of the last two options would make you feel more secure about them.
Your roommate sounds as if she would be fine but the fact you’re considering that she hadn’t had them for more than a few days would be on your mind. If she is able to pick them up and weigh them then that is the best way to monitor them (poop output being too far delayed to be useful in real time).

As long as your parents can get them to your vet if needed, then personally I think that’s the way I would go as I feel from reading your post that is the one you are more secure about.

Thanks for your input! My parents already said they’d love to have the boys stay for a week, so I think I’ll confirm that with them

 

[RedLoredAmazon]

I went on vacation over the summer and had to find someone to care for my piggies. I left them with my parents as we had guinea pigs growing up and I felt more confident with them caring for them. I just made sure they had some of their smelly laundry with them so they felt comfortable at my parents. They did get spoiled and got more treats than normal so they had to go on a bit of a diet once home.

I would recommend leaving your piggies with your parents as sounds like you are more comfortable with them caring for the pigs. I hope you have a lovely trip!