How to take care of guinea pigs in the winter?
Keeping the hutch dry by protecting it from rain and changing the bedding frequently will help in keeping the guinea pigs warm and protected throughout winter. Providing your guinea pigs with good quality hay and fresh vegetables daily is a must, especially in those cold winter days.
What should I Feed my guinea pig?
This chart is just an example of what your cavy could eat throughout the week. By using the lists further up, you can make changes and adjust as you see fit. Because Timothy hay is such a vital part of the guinea pig’s diet, it should be made available at all times. Other than the hay, it’s a good idea to feed your cavy two times a day.
What can I give my guinea pig to keep him warm?
Heat Pad: This is a safe and popular way to keep a guinea pig’s body temperature stable. Some microwave heat pads will stay warm for hours. Electric heat pads need to be pet friendly with chew-resistant cords. Hot water bottle: This is the most simple way to keep your guinea pig warm.
What is the best time of day to feed guinea pigs?
When to Feed Guinea Pigs Because Timothy hay is such a vital part of the guinea pig’s diet, it should be made available at all times. Other than the hay, it’s a good idea to feed your cavy two times a day. Both in the morning and in the evening, to help prevent overeating and, consequently, obesity.
What do guinea pigs eat in the winter?
Feeding your guinea pig a balanced diet throughout winter is essential to ensuring they stay heathy and strong. You want to ensure they're getting the right food, from a good quality pellet feed, to fresh vegetables such as corn on the cob, broccoli and cabbage.
How do you take care of a guinea pig in the winter?
Provide warm, dry hiding places in their run such as wooden boxes, tunnels and cat carriers. Fill all hides with soft hay to allow the guinea pigs areas to retreat to if the temperature is cold. During freezing weather, you can use pet safe snuggle pads to keep them warm.
How cold is too cold for guinea pigs?
The RSPCA advise that temperatures below 15 degrees are too cold for Guinea Pigs, and that they should be kept indoors. Therefore, if you choose to let your Guinea Pig live outside in the winter, you should make a few changes to their hutch and environment to keep them warm and happy.
Are guinea pigs OK in cold weather?
Keeping Guinea Pigs Warm. Try to bring your guinea pigs indoors if it dips below 60 °F (16 °C) outside. Guinea pigs are susceptible to cold weather. It's best to bring them inside the house in the fall or winter when you live in a cold climate or create a warm structure when temperatures dip below 60 °F (16 °C).
Can I put a hot water bottle in with my guinea pigs?
There is some controversy to the usage of hot water bottles as guinea pigs may chew the plastic. However is covered efficiently this should not pose an issue. Some owners prefer to use small animal pet heat pads which can be warmed in the microwave.
How do pigs stay warm in the winter?
KEEP PIGS WARM: Straw or wood shavings can be used for bedding to help keep pigs warm in bitter cold winter weather. Swine can withstand cold, but all animals need shelter in harsh conditions.
Do guinea pigs get lonely?
Guinea pigs are herd animals and really shouldn't be kept alone. Even if you're the best owner in the world and handle them every day, they'll still be lonely without a fellow guinea pig to talk to, so it's really important to keep guinea pigs together.
How often should guinea pigs be fed?
twice a dayFeed your guinea pig on a consistent schedule—twice a day, morning and evening. Because guinea pigs will overeat if given the chance, be sure not to overfeed pelleted food, as it is predominantly carbohydrate and can lead to diarrhea and decreased appetite.
Can guinea pigs go on wet grass?
Can Guinea Pigs be Kept on Grass? Guinea pigs LOVE being able to run, forage and chew on grass, but make sure it's dry and that it's not where they permanently live. Ideally, you should have a hutch that's raised off the floor, so your piggies don't feel the cold when the grass is damp or wet.
Should I cover my guinea pig's 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 vegetables every day?
Guinea pigs' need fresh greens and vegetables every day to help them get enough vitamin C (they can't produce it themselves). Our vets' advise one teacup of greens and veg, per guinea pig, per day, which can be split into morning and evening feeds.
Do guinea pigs need a bed?
Do guinea pigs need a bed? Guinea pigs don't need a bed as such, but they do need a hideout. Soft, open beds are an optional extra but a lovely addition to their cage if you have enough space for one. Doughnut beds, hammocks and cuddle cups are all very popular, and guinea pigs love these.
Should you cover a guinea pig's cage 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.
How do I insulate my guinea pig hutch for winter?
3:107:11How to Keep GUINEA PIGS WARM in WINTER - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBelow for ultimate warmth in cold weather we recommend filling a wooden heidi with soft hay andMoreBelow for ultimate warmth in cold weather we recommend filling a wooden heidi with soft hay and placing a heat pad. Inside doing this will keep their little sleeping. Area much more cozy.
What temperature can guinea pigs stay outside?
Guinea pigs can survive outside temperatures between 64°F and 73°F. On the other hand, if you live in places where the temperatures drop below 59°F or exceed 79°F, building a suitable outdoor shelter for your guinea pig will be better, especially if you plan to leave it outdoors all year long.
Can a guinea pig be kept outside?
Can guinea pigs live outside? Yes. Though if you make the decision to house them outdoors you'll need to put lots of thought into making sure they're safe. Guinea pigs are vulnerable to all extremes of weather (both very cold and very hot climates can be dangerous).