Vacations

[inkling]

I'm a college student and just, somewhat unexpectedly, got accepted to a research program this summer (whoo!).

The problem with this, as excited as I am, is that I'll be gone for 10 weeks during the summer...

Will 10 weeks away from my chinchilla negatively affect our relationship/will he forget me/normal worry questions that you can predict/etc.? Should I look into driving down to North Carolina (from Pennsylvania up here) with him, see if they'll let me bring him, etc.?

Obviously, I have someone who he is currently familiar with on at least a weekly basis who will take care of him while I'm gone (and possibly my boyfriend, if he isn't going to Europe). I'm just afraid of what affects it may or may not have on my relationship with my chinchilla.

 

[Godofgods]

If you had him only for a day or two, then he might not remember. But in general, chins have a very good memory. I took a chin in from my brother. and many months later, maybe even a year i don't no, when he came over that chin recognized him immediately.

I would just make sure he is being taken care of well.
As for taking him with you, i cant say. Ive never taken any of mine somewhere like that before.

 

[inkling]

He will probably be left in the care of my roommate & her fiance, who have never had a chinnie but always, always wanted one. Their extreme interest in them is just what makes me nervous because I don't want them over-playing him/letting him out/etc., or him seeing them so much that he forgets me! They are always a little too eager to jump to asking me if I can introduce him to all their friends, et cetera, so I hope they just listen to my instructions.

But he'll be left in my room so that should help, and this information on their memories puts me completely at ease...

Thank you!

 

[lauralynne]

I would leave him there, and make sure the caretakers understand the rules.

He may be a little miffed at you for a while when you return, and you may have to work a little bit to strengthen the bond again, but generally patience pays off.