This is a subject that I find people not willing to budge on. The perception that guinea pigs can be housed in small hutches or cages not much larger than a hamster cage is very sad indeed. Not just for the guinea pig but for the owners too. Without adequate space owners don't always get to experience the joys of having guinea pigs as pets, instead they get a very depressed and bored animal who sits around and eats and sleeps. Whilst it is normal for guinea pigs to eat a lot and to sleep they are active animals.
My opinion: Small hutches and cages should be taken off the shelves and banned! No longer should these wonderful animals be locked in a box or put at the bottom of the garden for the kids to play with now and then. If taking on any pet they should be made part of the family and that is difficult if they live in a box at the end of the garden.
Security: Whichever housing you choose, using common sense is important, ensure that the housing is strong and secure from rats, mice, dogs, cats, rabbits and small children who might accidentally leave a door open or climb on it.
Weather: Guinea pigs are not as hardy as you would think, they should never be kept outside in winter time, in fact they are much better kept in the house where you can see them and where you can control the temperature. If for some reason there is not enough space in the house for them or if someone in the family has an allergy then the next best option is a garden shed with heating you can control and a way to keep them cool in summer or outdoor sheltered run in summer. With the price of hutches these days you would be much better off investing in a small shed, even a potting shed for a pair of guinea pigs.
Hot weather and heat stroke: Anything above 22 degrees can easily cause heatstroke in rabbits or guinea pigs, follow these guide lines if it's hot outside but below 22 degrees. If above 22 degrees they must be brought indoors into a cooler room. Never keep an indoor cage near a window especially clear plastic ones; drape a damp towel over their housing. Timber sheds can become too hot in summer, an option is a mesh-covered door, however if it becomes too hot this may not be enough and they will have to be taken indoors. You can use a garden parasol or large umbrella for shade over their run. Keep housing in the shade; drape a wet towel or sheet over the door of their shed. Keep water bottles filled and in the shade.
Ventilation: Ensure there is adequate ventilation in your pigs shed, via a vent or window. Any openings like these must be covered with aviary ½ inch aviary wire to prevent mice getting in.
If you have no choice but to house your guinea pigs outside here are some tips.
Advantages of a shed:
>Your guinea pigs will be happier and more active and healthy.
>Much easier to clean, especially if you line the floor with tiles or lino.
>With all the rain Ireland gets you won't end up getting soaked when you go out to feed and clean them.
>They will be much more secure from foxes/dogs etc.
>You can make more toys for them and they won't be destroyed in the rain.
>You can sit down on the floor and have some cuddle and grooming time.
>You can store their newspapers, food (in a food bin), cleaning items etc in the shed also.
Bedding/litter: No 1 rule please do not use woodchips/woodflakes for guinea pigs, aside from the mess it causes guinea pigs skin can become very dry and irritated, some believe it to cause respiratory problems. It's also expensive, especially if you have a large area to cover. Never use cedar shavings.
A layer of newspaper and then hay on top is more practical. Other alternatives are vet bed, Russell Rabbit bedding or Care Fresh bedding. Vet bed is the cheaper and more economical option, it can be washed in the machine on a short wash and it dries quickly, it is always handy to have two or three changes. Shaking the vet bed out before putting in the machine and also checking the machines fluff filter regularly will prevent any loose material clogging it up.
Newspaper is a must for any guinea pig owner for lining the bottom. Your local Newsagent is usually happy to give you their left over paper or your family, friends and neighbours will be too. It can all be put in the compost after. Vet bed is available from pet stores or online pet shops.
Please visit our Fun Housing Ideas page for loads more ideas and links to where to buy etc.
Safety Warning
These types of pens are useful and do serve a purpose but please never leave a small animal unsupervised in them. They can easily be dug into or knocked over by foxes/dogs and rabbits could easily dig their way out of them.
