Yes, guinea pigs can be kept outside. However, they must be kept in a specific environment to stay healthy. Guinea pigs need plenty of shade, freshwater, and a large enclosure. Ensure they keep their food, water dishes, and bedding inside the cage outdoors. If it’s raining or too cold outside for them, always bring them back in.
How to Make an Outdoor Cage for Your Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs make great pets, but keeping them indoors all the time is only sometimes possible or desirable. That’s where an outdoor cage comes in! Setting it up yourself is a breeze if you have suitable material. Guinea pigs love plenty of exercises and fresh air, so an outdoor cage is a perfect way to provide that for them!
Design a Plan for the Outdoor Cage
Guinea pigs like to be in enclosed areas, so the first step is designing a plan for their enclosure. Start by measuring the available space and noting where the guinea pig will spend most of its time – inside and outside the cage.
It’s vital to ensure that the guinea pig has plenty of hiding places (e.g., hay bales) and toys to play with (rope toys, balls). It’s also recommended that you add water drainage so that water doesn’t build up on the floor and provide your guinea pig with a fresh water supply at all times. Make sure their enclosure is weatherproof if possible!
Lastly, keep them safe from predators by using robust mesh enclosures or closing off one side of their pen when they are not in use.
Gather the Materials
A good cage should be made of rigid material like plastic or metal so that your guinea pig isn’t harmed in any way. You will also need a small piece of wood for the door (so they can come and go as they please) and some wire fencing to surround the space.
To ensure everything is secure, add a few branches or tunnels for your guinea pig to play in – this will keep them entertained and healthy simultaneously!
Build the Wooden Frame
Start by cutting the pieces of wood to size and then assembling them. Screw the bolts onto the bottom of the frame to attach them to your ground. Once it’s built, paint or stain it as desired.
Install the Floor, Walls, and Roof
Now that you have prepared your guinea pig’s home, it is time to install the floor, walls, and roof. Attach the floor, walls, and top with screws or nails. Make sure everything is securely attached before introducing your guinea pig inside! Remember to clean the cage regularly to remain healthy and comfortable for your pet.
Protect and Insulate the Cage
Protecting your guinea pig’s cage from harsh weather conditions is essential for their well-being. Ensure the materials used to build the coop are sturdy and weatherproof, and add insulation to keep them warm in cold or hot weather.
Also, ensure their enclosure has a strong enough door to protect them from inclement weather indoors. Finally, shelter them outside so they can rest during stormy conditions.
How to Keep Outdoor Guinea Pigs Warm in Winter
When it comes to guinea pigs, winter can be a difficult time. As temperatures drop outside, guinea pigs may be unable to access their food and water sources. Ensure you provide enough shelter for them – such as a covered pen or structure – and ensure they have enough food and water nearby.
Extra Shelter and Bedding
One way to provide guinea pigs with extra shelter during the winter is by building a guinea pig house. You can also buy a heated bedding kit to keep them warm and healthy while they sleep. Guinea pigs should also have hay in their diet – this will help keep them active and promote good digestion.
Pet-Safe Heat Mats
Heat mats provide artificial warmth and can keep your guinea pigs warm in the colder months. To use the heat mat, place it underneath their pen and turn it on. Ensure the carpet is clipped to the fence so it does not fly away in strong winds. Additionally, ensure enough light is available under the mat for your pet to play around – they love being warm and cozy!
Bringing Them Inside
You must keep a few things in mind if you want to bring your guinea pigs inside during wintertime. Firstly, they will require a warm environment. If you can’t provide them the warmth they need, try to keep them in a cabinet or pen where they can stay relatively warm.
Secondly, make sure that their food and water supplies are always accessible and don’t overfeed them as this might lead to obesity problems down the road. In addition, give them enough toys and activities to have something interesting to do while indoors – providing them with some stimulation is vital for their mental health!
Caring for Guinea Pigs Living Outside in Summer
Guinea needs a lot of sunlight to be healthy; as a result, guinea pigs living outside in summer require a lot of light. Make sure to provide them with as much light as possible by installing outdoor pens or covering areas with shade. In addition to sunlight, guinea pigs need fresh water and hay to stay hydrated.
Enough Shade
Guinea pigs need plenty of shade in the summer to avoid becoming overheated. This means they will want a lot of space under the sunshade, ideally enough to move around and be comfortable.
In addition, make sure there is enough water and food available, as guinea pigs are likely to become thirsty and hungry in direct sunlight. If necessary, provide them with a drink or bath to cool them down when temperatures get too high. Finally, ensure their enclosure has a sturdy roof so guinea pigs can’t easily climb out!
Enough Water
Ensure enough water is available for your guinea pigs at all times. Guinea pigs need a lot of water to stay hydrated in the summer months, and you should ensure they have access to fresh water.
If they are outside, make sure their shade is available during the hottest part of the day. You should also regularly check their food and water supply to ensure they get what they need.
Get an Ice Pod
Keeping guinea pigs in a warm environment and providing them with fresh water and food is essential for their health. However, during hot weather, they can get heat stroke very quickly. To prevent this, provide them access to an ice pod that keeps them cool.
Make sure the enclosure is large enough so that they have plenty of space to exercise but not too big, or guinea pigs will become rowdy. Guinea pigs are lively, so ensure you stimulate them by frequently providing toys and running around their enclosure!
Keep the Hutch in a Suitable Place
Guinea pigs need a big enough cabinet to move around in and a place where it is shady and cool. Make sure the water bottle, food, and hay are always available. And last but not least, keep an eye on their health – Guinea pigs can quickly get sick!
