Have you ever wondered how to set up an ideal enclosure for your guinea pigs? They can live both indoors and outdoors, as long as they have enough space and are kept comfortable in summer heat and bad winter weather.
Use this checklist to create the perfect enclosure for your guinea pigs:
- A spacious hutch - the larger the more comfortable for your furry friends. Raise the hutch off the ground and make sure it’s weatherproof.
- A safe and comfy lining. You can use clean wood shavings or sawdust, just make sure the lining is dust-free.
- Bedding made of clean dry hay, straw or shredded paper.
- Constant access to a spacious exercise area. You can DIY this by dividing an area with a welded wire mesh.
- Tunnels and hideaways (lots of them!) so they can move around and hide if they feel like it.
- Plenty of activities and toys to keep them entertained and healthy.
Weatherproofing the enclosure
Summer heat and cold winter days can really pose danger to your guinea pigs. You’ll need to make sure they’ve got suitable shelter to withstand both high and low temperatures.
1. Summer heat
Guinea pigs can get stressed in hot weather, especially if temperatures rise above 27°C. To avoid this, make sure they have some shade in their run. You can also move the whole hutch into a shady area.
2. Winter cold
To protect your guinea pigs from extra low temperatures during the winter months, bring them inside or a warm car-free garage or shed. In case of really cold weather, give them extra bedding. Provide them a large indoor exercise area as well.
Safety measures Lastly, you also need to make sure that your home and garden are guinea pig-safe.
- Look out for potential predators and check if the hutch and exercise area are escape-proof and secure from predators like foxes and cats.
- Keep your guinea pigs away from electric cables of any kind, as they can easily get electrocuted if they chew through them.
- Look out for poisonous plants, as poppies, tulips, daffodils and a wide variety of other common garden plants are toxic to guinea pigs and other small pets.
Hope these tips will help you create the perfect enclosure and environment for your beloved guinea pigs so they can roam around freely but safely. Article written by: www.wirefence.co.uk
