Advice for leaving guinea-pigs while going away

[littleloaf]

Hi, everyone!

I'll be going away for 1 week and my parents have very kindly agreed to take care of my two girls. I'll be bringing everything to their house.
Due to covid and lockdowns this will be the first time I have been away from my piggies and while I trust my parents who have owned guinea-pigs most of their lives, I am slightly worried my two will be so afraid of their new environment they may not eat.

Basically, I'm looking for any advice for leaving guinea-pigs with people while going away; ways to help them feel more comfortable and ease their nerves while being place in a new environment. I understand it'll be near to impossible for them not to be scared, but I want to ensure they won't be too afraid to come out and eat a little hay to look after themselves!
For reference, I have read the "Tips for organising your holiday absence" thread.

Thanks, everyone! x

 

[Betsy]

Take something that smells of them like a tunnel or a pee pad. When you've set up their cage/put them in their cage at your parents, rub the pee pad or tunnel (turn the tunnel inside out) all over the cage this will make it smell of them and will be a familiar scent. Leave the tunnel/pee pad in the cage with them. Whenever I take my piggies to the Boarders this is what I do. I also write an "Idiot's Guide" detailing the times I feed them, how much, medication etc. I know my boarder is very experienced with guinea pigs but it never hurts to give info on your piggies in case the person who is looking after them forgets then they have something to look at to remind them. Oh and I take the water bottles with me too.

 

[piggl]

Hello

I’m not sure what type of bedding you are on but i usually change fleece in their normal living arrangements one day before they have to go, so they can make it ‘their own’ and then take that with me and it’s worked quite well for me and my boys!

Forgot to add if you are really worried about them not eating, putting hay in less open areas like hides they are very comfortable in is always a great option

 

[Swissgreys]

Guinea pigs are basically hard wired to survive.
Unless they are very ill or in an extremely traumatic situation, they will eat and be just fine at your parents house.
Make sure they have their usual pellets, and if you have a routine at home then ask if your parents can follow that too.
Cover part of their cage with a sheet or blanket, and set the cage up like they would usually have it.

Honestly I understand what a worry this can be, but they really will be fine.
It might take them a day or two to settle and get used to the new noises and smells, but they will definitely not stop eating.