I'm not really sure what section to put this in so sorry if this is wrong. I just needed some advice about something. Basically over the summer I may need to spend my weekends in another house which is about an hour and a half away. I would probably have to leave on a Friday evening and come back on a Sunday evening which is way too long to leave my guinea pigs alone and none of my neighbours are able to look after them. So my only real option would be to take them with me. They would have everything they needed whilst there including a large shed (equipt for all weather types) to live in, a run for exercise and grazing, food, hay, water, everything they need. But would the long journey in a small carrier and frequent change of environment be too stressful for them or bad for their health? What can I do to ensure that it is as un-stressful for them as possible? Thanks (:
Advice needed - is this too stressful for my guinea pigs?
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Rodentopia
Adult Guinea Pig
I know people who take piggies away every weekend to shows sometimes travelling further, they will get used to it. I used to take one of mine every weekend 100 miles to the coast with my parents and he was fine never had a problem 
First few times maybe put probiotics into their water to combat any stress but they will soon realise everytime they go out in a carrier they are off on an adventure
First few times maybe put probiotics into their water to combat any stress but they will soon realise everytime they go out in a carrier they are off on an adventure 
Dusty_bugs
Teenage Guinea Pig
All super caring pet owners try to minimise stressy events, and alot of the time repeated long journeys are judged on neccesity. A leisure journey would be considered inappropriate but the vets would be - despite the fact pig is ill when you make the journey! I would say at the end of the day 'Know Each Pig' and then make the choice. Whatever your reason you have two main choices. Bring them or board them. Personally I would board, pricey but better for pig. However...
When Leeland was at her worst health I used to have to take her on car trips to the vets sometimes twice a week every week for weeks on end. Her sister was more nervous and would sit hard as a rock.. but Leeland would relax, eat a load of hay, poop, fart, scratch and groom, sleep, purr and enjoy the ride. The radio made it easier for her to feel she was 'undetectable' in her nice dark little carry case full of hay! She even came over and chattered her teeth when I changed from classic fm to the heavily autotuned radio one! I turned back and she chit chitt'ed her way back to the bum groove she'd made. I got told. Over time Dt relaxed too and neither of them minded rides to the vets, or the ride from Wales when I changed houses, or the 7 hour roundtrip to newcastle to get leeland a companion. It was great, and as long as she got to stretch her legs regularly and got plenty of fluids and veggies, all was bon. I was 100% that she was comfortable with the day's changes. But she is a very outgoing and curious girl as long as new things are gradual and repetative.
Vincent on the other hand was NOT used to rides and NEVER got used to rides. He would turn the whole contents of the carry case upside down and rip all the newspaper up. Leeland would kick up a stink at him because he was ruining the karma so I ended up taking them seperately to the vets. He was too panicky to tell if she was there or not!
I suppose my point is that all pigs are different. Try them for a week and see if they mellow out over the course of the journey there, if they don't chill out over an hour and a half of wirlwind histeria you know you're pigs are better off at a boarding house for the weekend. If after half an hour you can see them pancaked out, chomping hay and grooming themselves then it might be worth seeing if you can borrow or buy a bargain BIG DOG all plastic carry case, and mod the bars on the door so no-one gets out. Put this across the footwell infront of the backseats and use the front seats as a wedge to keep the carrier in place (if this is possible) or the boot if you can fit it so it doesnt rock around and pump it full of soft hay! Use large pillows to cusion and secure! It will be a huge guinea pig hay barn. Throw in some cucumber half way through the journey for a refreshing juice break and keep your eye on how warm they get, especially in the boot! Put a thermometer on the roof of the internal carrier and check it at cucumber break time. Make sure it is secure and doesnt drop down on pigs during the journey. Make sure the car is airated before you start any journeys.
This said, I would avoid the motorway incase you get rear ended. I would advise putting a baby on board sign on the boot aswell.
This is a 'make best of' situation and you will likely hear alot of 'no way!' advice as well. Probably more valid! But I would say test the water and do the BEST for THEM after you know how they react. Can't ask for more.
edit: if you do buy a new large travel case or whether you stick with the smaller ones make sure to use the case during play time and give them cucumber or pepper in there. make it a place of security and familiarity outside of travel times. They will consider it a place of safety and treats!
When Leeland was at her worst health I used to have to take her on car trips to the vets sometimes twice a week every week for weeks on end. Her sister was more nervous and would sit hard as a rock.. but Leeland would relax, eat a load of hay, poop, fart, scratch and groom, sleep, purr and enjoy the ride. The radio made it easier for her to feel she was 'undetectable' in her nice dark little carry case full of hay! She even came over and chattered her teeth when I changed from classic fm to the heavily autotuned radio one! I turned back and she chit chitt'ed her way back to the bum groove she'd made. I got told. Over time Dt relaxed too and neither of them minded rides to the vets, or the ride from Wales when I changed houses, or the 7 hour roundtrip to newcastle to get leeland a companion. It was great, and as long as she got to stretch her legs regularly and got plenty of fluids and veggies, all was bon. I was 100% that she was comfortable with the day's changes. But she is a very outgoing and curious girl as long as new things are gradual and repetative.
Vincent on the other hand was NOT used to rides and NEVER got used to rides. He would turn the whole contents of the carry case upside down and rip all the newspaper up. Leeland would kick up a stink at him because he was ruining the karma so I ended up taking them seperately to the vets. He was too panicky to tell if she was there or not!
I suppose my point is that all pigs are different. Try them for a week and see if they mellow out over the course of the journey there, if they don't chill out over an hour and a half of wirlwind histeria you know you're pigs are better off at a boarding house for the weekend. If after half an hour you can see them pancaked out, chomping hay and grooming themselves then it might be worth seeing if you can borrow or buy a bargain BIG DOG all plastic carry case, and mod the bars on the door so no-one gets out. Put this across the footwell infront of the backseats and use the front seats as a wedge to keep the carrier in place (if this is possible) or the boot if you can fit it so it doesnt rock around and pump it full of soft hay! Use large pillows to cusion and secure! It will be a huge guinea pig hay barn. Throw in some cucumber half way through the journey for a refreshing juice break and keep your eye on how warm they get, especially in the boot! Put a thermometer on the roof of the internal carrier and check it at cucumber break time. Make sure it is secure and doesnt drop down on pigs during the journey. Make sure the car is airated before you start any journeys.
This said, I would avoid the motorway incase you get rear ended. I would advise putting a baby on board sign on the boot aswell.
This is a 'make best of' situation and you will likely hear alot of 'no way!' advice as well. Probably more valid! But I would say test the water and do the BEST for THEM after you know how they react. Can't ask for more.
edit: if you do buy a new large travel case or whether you stick with the smaller ones make sure to use the case during play time and give them cucumber or pepper in there. make it a place of security and familiarity outside of travel times. They will consider it a place of safety and treats!
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twiams
Adult Guinea Pig
One of my pigs travels regularly, every weekend in fact, i leave on a Thursday and return again on a Monday and if anything he loves it. The first time he was a bit unsure but by the second time he seemed to know what was happening and happily hopped into his crate.
I live between my house and my boyfriends house, i have two pigs at my boyfriends house that live permanently and then one single boar that lives with me, every thursday i get him in his collapsable crate and take him in the car for a 15 minute drive to my boyfriends where he stays for the weekend in a small c&c next to my other boys. When he’s in the car i sit on the back seat with him by my side and i just leave my hand in the cage or by the cage so he has the comfort of knowing i’m there but most of the time he just snuggles into his cosy sack and goes for a nap! Unless the windows open then he loves to stick his head in the air and sniff the world as it goes by haha. He loves travelling with me because a) theres other pigs to talk to and b) he’s the sort of pig that likes new things, he’s quite brave and so new smells and scenes get him all excited, plus theres always someone home at my boyfriends which equally means theres always treats at hand!
If your pigs are the right sort of temperament i’m sure they’d love it too.
As long as you make it a nice experience for them and stick to any routine i don’t think it’s a problem they hardly notice really. Theres nothing wrong with doing things to make your life easier. If i didn’t bring my pig with me, he would be at home alone, and i’d visit him to give him veg every evening and then leave again, so in my eyes, i’m being more of responsible owner by bringing him with me and allowing him to have company even if his cage at my boyfriends doesn’t meet the minimum requirements and even if he has to go through the ‘stress’ of travelling (which isn’t even stressful for him)
To make it less stressful when i travel with my pigs i try to cover the crate with a blanket to stop drafts and to make it a dark spot but my pigs try to peek through because they’re a bit nosey like that! When it comes to different environments, i find most pigs like a change of scenery as much as we humans do !
If it makes you feel better write a list of pros and cons. Weigh them up visually and see what you think.
I live between my house and my boyfriends house, i have two pigs at my boyfriends house that live permanently and then one single boar that lives with me, every thursday i get him in his collapsable crate and take him in the car for a 15 minute drive to my boyfriends where he stays for the weekend in a small c&c next to my other boys. When he’s in the car i sit on the back seat with him by my side and i just leave my hand in the cage or by the cage so he has the comfort of knowing i’m there but most of the time he just snuggles into his cosy sack and goes for a nap! Unless the windows open then he loves to stick his head in the air and sniff the world as it goes by haha. He loves travelling with me because a) theres other pigs to talk to and b) he’s the sort of pig that likes new things, he’s quite brave and so new smells and scenes get him all excited, plus theres always someone home at my boyfriends which equally means theres always treats at hand!
If your pigs are the right sort of temperament i’m sure they’d love it too.
As long as you make it a nice experience for them and stick to any routine i don’t think it’s a problem they hardly notice really. Theres nothing wrong with doing things to make your life easier. If i didn’t bring my pig with me, he would be at home alone, and i’d visit him to give him veg every evening and then leave again, so in my eyes, i’m being more of responsible owner by bringing him with me and allowing him to have company even if his cage at my boyfriends doesn’t meet the minimum requirements and even if he has to go through the ‘stress’ of travelling (which isn’t even stressful for him)
To make it less stressful when i travel with my pigs i try to cover the crate with a blanket to stop drafts and to make it a dark spot but my pigs try to peek through because they’re a bit nosey like that! When it comes to different environments, i find most pigs like a change of scenery as much as we humans do !
If it makes you feel better write a list of pros and cons. Weigh them up visually and see what you think.
Firstly thanks so much for these replies they are both really helpful!
I know the situation is far from ideal and I would rather not put my pigs under unnecessary
Stress but there isn't a lot I can do. The nearest boarding place is an hour away so I don't think boarding is any better. I would rather take them with me as at least they will be used to us and their usual routine and I can take lots of toys beds etc which have their own scent so I think they will be happier and calmer with us. When they have had to go to the boarding place we have to take them in separate carriers as they can fight when stuck in small spaces together but I will probably buy a big dog crate for this. One of my pigs Pepper usually travels ok but Brandi can get a bit agitated on long journeys but is ok with some veg and calming music on the radio! I know lots of people will think its a really bad idea but there isn't really any way I can get out of it so like you said dusty bugs it is a make best of situation and I need to try my best to minimise their stress. Luckily there's a vet just down the road from the house in case of any emergencies! Thanks again for all the suggestions I will definitely be using them x
I know the situation is far from ideal and I would rather not put my pigs under unnecessary
Stress but there isn't a lot I can do. The nearest boarding place is an hour away so I don't think boarding is any better. I would rather take them with me as at least they will be used to us and their usual routine and I can take lots of toys beds etc which have their own scent so I think they will be happier and calmer with us. When they have had to go to the boarding place we have to take them in separate carriers as they can fight when stuck in small spaces together but I will probably buy a big dog crate for this. One of my pigs Pepper usually travels ok but Brandi can get a bit agitated on long journeys but is ok with some veg and calming music on the radio! I know lots of people will think its a really bad idea but there isn't really any way I can get out of it so like you said dusty bugs it is a make best of situation and I need to try my best to minimise their stress. Luckily there's a vet just down the road from the house in case of any emergencies! Thanks again for all the suggestions I will definitely be using them x
Dusty_bugs
Teenage Guinea Pig
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twiams made me laugh.. I had mental images of the boy piggy with his head out of the window like a dog would, tongue flapping in the wind! hahaha.
ooh, I feel I should also mention with re: to the dog crate.. that if you have an accident and the car stops suddenly, the pigs will have further to ..um.. go before they meet the carrier sides.. and this can have its own problems. there is greater risk of injury. So unless the insides have lots of padding I would consider 2 carry cases for the motorway!
twiams made me laugh.. I had mental images of the boy piggy with his head out of the window like a dog would, tongue flapping in the wind! hahaha.
ooh, I feel I should also mention with re: to the dog crate.. that if you have an accident and the car stops suddenly, the pigs will have further to ..um.. go before they meet the carrier sides.. and this can have its own problems. there is greater risk of injury. So unless the insides have lots of padding I would consider 2 carry cases for the motorway!
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twiams
Adult Guinea Pig
If he could flop his tongue out he would !
His little head points right up sniffing away as the breeze tickles him. Crazy boy rolleyes
When i say crate i mean one of these by the way ....
https://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j329/Warequip-Ebay/claxcrate.jpg
I line with with a big fleece to give it sides and put a fleece on top too
Although i’ve used a small variety of cat carriers before and that works well i just find some can be difficult to get piggies out if they decide to spread legs and super man it as you try to get them out.
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Piggies travel surprisingly well and will simply sleep it out once they have got used to the procedure.
Feed them with fresh food (like grass or something juicy) shortly before you are off, then they are full, hydrated and will be drowsy for the duration of the trip. In my experience, piggies rarely eat and drink much while travelling. They may nibble on some hay, but only use it on cooler days or in climate controlled cars, otherwise they can overheat when sitting in hay. Cover the transport box with a towel when travelling in the dark. Sudden flashes of light can upset some piggies. Use a frozen bottle wrapped in a towel during heat waves.
We used to travel regularly the two hour journey to my elderly MIL with two piggies until the piggy "mess" (i.e. presence in her house) became too much. We had never any problems after the first 2-3 journeys once the piggies caught onto the routine and had become familiar with their home from home.
Feed them with fresh food (like grass or something juicy) shortly before you are off, then they are full, hydrated and will be drowsy for the duration of the trip. In my experience, piggies rarely eat and drink much while travelling. They may nibble on some hay, but only use it on cooler days or in climate controlled cars, otherwise they can overheat when sitting in hay. Cover the transport box with a towel when travelling in the dark. Sudden flashes of light can upset some piggies. Use a frozen bottle wrapped in a towel during heat waves.
We used to travel regularly the two hour journey to my elderly MIL with two piggies until the piggy "mess" (i.e. presence in her house) became too much. We had never any problems after the first 2-3 journeys once the piggies caught onto the routine and had become familiar with their home from home.
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