What do you do when you have to go away?

[shigatsu]

I've found myself often wondering that if we should have to go away for some reason (on a trip), or we wanted to have a vacation, what would we do about our little guys...? I've thought that we could move their cage to my brother's place for him and his gf to watch over while we're gone, but that could be quite stressful for them. Having someone come into our place once or twice a day may not be giving them enough attention, and thus also be stressful (lonely). So I was just wondering what other's have done or would do....

We recently took a short trip, leaving them alone for a total of 23 and a half hours. (I was really concerned about them so I totally tracked the time! ). We made sure they had tons of food and water and everything else they might need. It was alright, although Mario was slow on taking a treat when we got back which I took as being upset that we were gone for longer then we ever have been before. He got over it quickly though.

We have no trips or anything planned or that we have to do for probably a LONG while now, but am just wondering for the future.

Thanks! ^_^

[Anna]

humm.. I'm not really sure but I think as long as you have more than one and have someone come there once a day it should be fine.

[diet otaku]

yeah, as long as you're not gone for like 2 weeks, if someone can come over once a day, make sure they're well-supplied, and just kinda hang out, they should be okay. they do still have each other for company, after all. if it was a lone degu, it would be a whole different story...

[Aimeelou]

I get my parents to check on them in the evening if we go away for the weekend. I leave a timer light on which i set to go on during the day at intervals at night so they still know what time of day it is. I havent had a proper holiday this year so i dont know how i would go on.
But like Diet says, as long as they have plenty of food and water, they do have each other.

[tigerlily]

I can took my degus to local pet store, or to my friends. If I am away only 1-3 days (weekend) they survive with them selves.

~Finnish-English-Something-Try-To-Understand~

[Sunshinemeg]

I am going away for a few days tomorrow. With four degus, I tend not to worry about them getting lonely. They will have a fresh supply of food and water, and a big cuddle before I leave, and they will be fine. If its for more than a couple of days I take them to my parents, its only a 20 minute journey, they go in their cage, just remove drink bottles and food, and they travel fine.
As wonderful as pets are, they shouldnt rule you, so if you want to go away, then go. If its for a few days, they will be fine, if they would likely run out of food, then arrange for someone to come and see them. If you have more than one degu, you dont have anything to worry about!

meg ;D

[swebb]

I'm glad I read this! I was feeling guilty about leaving my 2 Degus along over the weekend, but couldn't find anyone to come in. I decided to leave a supply of food, and extra water bottle, and the lights on a timer. Now I don't feel guilty!

[Willow]

I've thought that we could move their cage to my brother's place for him and his gf to watch over while we're gone, but that could be quite stressful for them.

Mine regularly travel from place to place and it isn't a problem, just make sure their travelling cage is well stocked with bedding to snuggle into, a snack or two (I usually give them something fresh) and something to chew (otherwise they'll chew the travelling cage). Be sensible about length of travelling time and conditions eg if its very hot/cold. Also if its not already the darker the cage the better, this helps reduce any stress.

[shigatsu]

Thanks for the replies!

I've heard so much about this and that being stressful to them I was scared that leaving them for more then 2 or 3 days would be terribly detrimental. Regardless though I'd still be nervous leaving them for longer period of times... Even the one day made me a little nervous, when we were gone for a whole day.... but at least I won't get TOO wrapped up in worry now should we have to leave again.

Thanks so much for the info and replies! ^_^