Indoor vs Outdoor Housing for Guinea Pigs: A Vet’s Perspective
Hi everyone, I’m Dr Sam, a small animal veterinarian, and one of the most common questions I get in the clinic is: “Should I keep my guinea pigs indoors or outdoors?” It’s a fantastic question and one that has no one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each setup so you can make the best decision for your furry friends.
It's undeniable that guinea pigs love time outside, filled with plenty of natural enrichment, fresh air, and space to graze on fresh grass. Watching them nibble grass and enjoy the sunshine is incredibly rewarding. Grass is a great source of fibre and constant access is great for their digestive health, as well as dental health keeping their teeth worn and an appropriate length. (Read more about dental health here).
I do believe that the enrichment and enjoyment guinea pigs get from spending time outside is incredibly beneficial for both their mental and physical health, however caution must be taken to ensure your guinea pigs are kept safe.
The great outdoors can be very unpredictable, posing many risk factors to our guinea pigs who are housed outside.
One of the #1 risks of outdoor housing in Australia are the large array of natural predators, including snakes, birds of prey and domestic pets who all pose a very real danger. If you are housing your guinea pigs outdoors it's important to ensure that their enclosure is as predator-proof as possible.
Risk #2 of outdoor housing in Australia is exposure to the elements. As we know, Australia's weather is famously unpredictable, and temperatures can swing dramatically in a single day. Hyperthermia (overheating) is one of the leading causes of death in Aussie pigs - one of the most common reasons being the unexpected fluctuation of temperatures throughout the day without adequate shade or cooling. REMEMBER Their enclosure may be located in the shade in the morning when you leave home, but the sun will shift throughout the day. Likewise, in cooler climates, hypothermia (reduction in body temperature) can also be life threatening, along with rain, flooding and other adverse weather events. It is important to note that even a well constructed cage can't always protect them from the elements.
Whilst we are here, I would also like to make note of wire-bottom cages, which historically have been very common in outdoor enclosures, allowing grass to poke through the gaps. Thankfully, as time, research and animal welfare standards have evolved, we now know that whilst having wire on the bottom of these cages can help keep predators at bay (especially if the cage is tipped over), it unfortunately also predisposes and promotes the development of a condition called Pododermatitis (otherwise known as bumblefoot) which can become a very serious and life threatening condition for our piggies.
Indoor Housing: A Safer, More Social Option
In recent years, we’ve seen a big shift toward indoor housing, especially among families who consider their guinea pigs part of the family. Indoor setups eliminate the risk of predators and extreme weather, two of the major cons of outdoor housing. Indoor housing allows you to create a more controlled environment.
Another big advantage of indoor housing is early detection of health issues. When your guinea pigs are close by, it’s easier to notice changes in appetite, droppings, and behaviour. Being able to more easily and effectively monitor aspects such as how much food they are eating and if there is a reduction in appetite, a reduction or change in the appearance of faeces or decreased motility, can lead to early detection of any underlying health issues. Early detection and prompt treatment can save lives.
Another benefit is indoor guinea pigs tend to be more bonded to their owners. They become familiar with your voice, your presence, and your daily routines. This can lead to a stronger emotional connection—and let’s be honest, they’re just adorable to have around.
There are SO MANY fun and adorable cage designs, accessories, toys and enrichment options available for our piggies homes - and it is so much fun for piggy parents to customise and create new aspects for the whole family to enjoy.
One of the most common complaints about housing guinea pigs indoors is their smell. Whilst we agree, they will develop an odour if kept in an unhygienic cage that is not maintained, there are many ways to mitigate this. We recommend using an easy to clean bedding such as Ozzy Fleece Liners. Using bedding that wicks moisture and are easy to clean will make your life so much easier keeping your piggies cage clean and hygienic. Choosing a liner that you can easily spot clean daily and chuck in the washing machine will keep any smells to a minimum.
Final Thoughts from Dr Sam
Overall, I strongly advocate for indoor housing as their primary set up. For me, their overall safety is of paramount importance and there are too many unpredictable factors outside out of our control. In the veterinary clinic, I do notice a significant earlier intervention for health concerns, and stronger bonds with owners who keep their piggies indoors compared to outdoors full time.
Ideally I think a hybrid approach to housing is most ideal. Supervised outside time in a safe environment has many benefits, and grazing and exploring different textures keeps them mentally stimulated and physically active, as well as being able to express some of their natural foraging behaviors.
👉 Watch the full video for more tips and a deeper dive into this topic
If you have any question, please get in touch with us here.
Share
