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Moving guinea pigs across the country
I am really struggling with this. I'm moving from NY to CA in a few weeks - I'm selling all my stuff here and just packing my clothes, etc into my SUV. I have four guinea pigs that I adopted through a rescue - they range in age from 6.5 years (ancient for a pigger) to 3.5 years.
I want to take them with me - I am coming out of a divorce, and as much as I was attached to them beforehand, I am even more so now. But, I am terrified that one or more of them won't make it through the trip; they stress out very easily and can be susceptible to infection. It will be a four day trip, approx 11 hours of driving a day, plus moving in and out of hotels, etc. Then the adjustment to the new home and new climate.
I have a long line of people I work with in the rescue who want to take them (even all four as a set) and say I shouldn't risk their health, especially the oldest. My vet says it's a gamble either way and it's up to me. I've had them their whole lives and rehoming them could also be a difficult transition, even if there's not a lot of actual travelling. I've done some research online and it seems like others have moved guinea pigs long distance with no problems.
If I move them and any of them don't make it I will feel horrible. If I give them up I will feel horrible. If I give them up and any of them don't make it I will feel even more horrible.
How do I decide what's best for them?
Re: Moving guinea pigs across the country
I suggest that you keep them in their cage, sit them in a flat surface in your car, and cover them with a light cloth so they cannot see their surroundings but air can still get through. Pre-emptively add OTC wet tail medication to their water.
I know many people who have moved long distances with guinea pigs and have been fine, just keep everything clean and as similar as possible to their normal habitat.
You can also schedule a vet appointment for the day you get to you new home, then cancel it if all goes well, in case stronger meds are needed for a sick pet. I'm sure if you make sure they are not sick when you leave they can safely make it to your new home.
If you really fear for the older or any sickly ones, I may suggest giving them to someone who will give them a good home. Otherwise, for the healthy ones, I'd do as the others suggested.
good luck! I'll be moving my furry babies from CT to CA soon too