Do guinea pigs prefer to be inside or outside?

Guinea pigs can live indoors or outdoors, so long as they have enough space and you can keep them at a comfortable temperature in the summer heat or bad winter weather. You can also keep your guinea pigs in their own heated outhouse, a car-free garage or a shed.

Is it cruel to keep guinea pigs indoors?

Guinea pigs get along just fine indoors with no enclosure at all, so if you have enough space in your home, you should give them an entire room to themselves. When keeping small animals at home, it is very important to arrange their habitat appropriately.

Do guinea pigs like being outside?

In the summer a Guinea Pig will happily live outside, as it gives him a chance to get lots of exercise – they need around 3 – 4 hours of playing daily. If you've got more than one Guinea Pig, looking after them outside will also be easier and cleaner.

When should I bring my guinea pig inside?

Guinea pigs do best between temperatures of around 15-24 degrees celsius. If it's getting a little damp and chilly outside, then it's a good idea to bring your guinea pigs in to ensure they don't get too cold. If it's below zero then they'll need to be brought inside.

Where are guinea pigs best kept?

Which is better for Guinea Pigs? | Indoors VS Outdoors

Do guinea pigs make your house smell?

As already mentioned, cavies are clean little critters and don't usually give off an unpleasant smell. But when a guinea pig's environment isn't maintained correctly, or they are fed the wrong foods, these pocket pets can quickly stink up the room.

Do you cover guinea pigs cage at night?

How Much of the Cage Should you Cover at Night? Covering the whole cage at night can create problems and affect your guinea pigs breathing. That means that you should only cover part of their cage at night. This ensures that the cage remains properly ventilated while still letting in some light.

Do guinea pigs need outdoor time?

Guinea pigs are recommended to have at least 1 hour outside of their cage, every day. However, if your guinea pig has never been outside, start with small amounts of time and increase gradually. It can be quite tiring to them at first.

Can I take my guinea pig on a walk?

You can "walk" a guinea pig on a leash, but don't try to get your guinea pig to go for outdoor walks. Unlike dogs and cats, cavies cannot successfully learn to go for leashed walks. Do not take your guinea pig onto a sidewalk in an attempt to get him to walk like your neighbor's miniature poodle.

Do guinea pigs have to live in a cage?

Guinea pigs need appropriate room to roam, with separate spaces for a nest, bathroom area and food and water. No animal is meant to live in a cage all the time, so make sure to provide your pig with time outside their enclosures at least once a day to stretch their legs, explore and exercise.

How often should guinea pigs be out of their cage?

Guinea pigs need time outside of the cage each day for at least an hour, though twice a day is best. If possible, take them out at dawn and dusk, when cavies are most active. Either purchase a small pen or enclosure, or utilize a room where young children and other pets cannot gain access.

Can guinea pigs roam free in house?

Considerations. While you can let your guinea pig roam free in your home and backyard, doing so exposes him to dangers he won't find in his cage. Guineas may nibble baseboards, furniture, upholstery or electrical cords in your home; the strong-smelling urine of the male may leave unpleasant smells in porous surfaces.

How often should I pick up my guinea pig?

Most guinea pigs love spending quality time with their owners, so handling them is enjoyable for all concerned. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, being hand-fed and petted become important parts of their lives. This means it's actually up to you how much you hold them - you can do so as often as you like.

Is it OK to have guinea pigs in your bedroom?

It is critically important to the long-term health and happiness of your guinea pig that you place its cage central to family activity or at the immediate periphery. Do not put cages in children's bedrooms. The guinea pig should be part of family life, even if it is designated as one person's pet.

How cold is too cold for guinea pigs?

Anything below about 60°F is probably too cold for your pig. Yes, his body will work to generate heat, but if the air temperature is below 60°F, he'll lose too much of that heat to the surrounding air—unless proper precautions are taken.

Do guinea pigs need grass?

They should have fresh grass as often as possible too, ideally every day. They naturally graze, eating only grass, herbs and some other plants (such as dandelion or groundsel) for long periods, both day and night. Remember, guinea pigs need hay and/or grass for their digestive systems to function properly.

What do guinea pigs like to play with?

Do guinea pigs wear collars?

Guinea pigs are not allowed to wear collars, no matter how cute they look. Because of their delicate bones and internal organs, guinea pig collars and leashes (yes, even if it's a stretchy leash) can be harmful to your little, furry friend.

How long do guinea pigs live?

Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years.

Can I leave my guinea pig alone for 7 hours?

A guinea pig on its own is at risk of dehydration, starvation, injury, illness and loneliness, which is why it needs constant care and attention. Although some websites suggest that you can leave a cavy alone for a maximum of 24 hours, we recommend no more than 12.

Do guinea pigs like hanging beds?

It might surprise you to hear that most guinea pigs love hammocks! Although guinea pigs often avoid climbing, many have been known to love clambering in their hammocks and resting, eating or snoozing inside!

Do guinea pigs feel the cold?

Guinea pigs can really struggle with the cold weather, so it is important to offer them plenty of protection.

Do guinea pigs need light at night?

As a general rule, guinea pigs do not need a light at night. Guinea pigs can't see in the dark, but they have sharp senses and skills that help them navigate their cage – such as hearing, smell, and spatial memory. In fact, keeping their cage dark at night benefits guinea pigs in several ways.

Do guinea pigs need a cage with a roof?

Generally, NO. Guinea pigs aren't jumpers or climbers. Hedgehogs, on the other hand, need higher Coroplast walls because they can and will climb. Generally speaking, you only need to cover a guinea pig cage that has high enough walls if you need to keep kids, cats or dogs out.

Do guinea pigs need silence to sleep?

One way to get your guinea pigs to calm down at night is to create a safe and quiet environment for them to sleep in. And it's not hard to do. Just make sure that your piggie: has a quiet space to relax; free of sudden, loud movement.