Going on vacation

Question
How long can you (or even "should" you) leave your gerbils unattended?  I have 2 female gerbils in a crittertrail 2.  I will be gone for 6 days.  Is this bad to do?  Could this cause any serious long term consequences?  Could they die from boredom or anything else?

My other option would be to take them with me.  This would result in:
Day 1: 2 hours of driving
Day 2: 3 1/2 hours of driving
Day 6: 3 1/2 hours of driving
I believe that that would cause too much stress for them.

Thank you!

Answer
Hi Philip,

6 days is a big push, but it won't harm them to be left. They are very independent and as they drink very little a full water bottle or 2 just to be safe will last the duration. Just make sure you have filled a large food dish, and maybe put some treat sticks in to so they have got plenty to eat. I would also buy a nice, wooden toy, something that will take them a while to get through!!

I would normally only leave mine maximum 2-3 days, but i think if you are careful and do things properly 6 will be the maximum!!!

I think the driving would be too stressful for them, so you are right in saying that.
If there was someone who could just check in and top up food etc that would be great!

Hope this helps,
Charlie