KEEPING YOUR GUINEA PIG WARM IN WINTER
With the onset of winter approaching it is important to take precautions to ensure your guinea pig is kept warm this winter. As with summer and the danger of heat
stroke, colder conditions bring about their own hazards which can include URI (Upper respiratory Infections), arthritis pain in joints for older cavies and the onset of
pneumonia and related conditions.
What is the ideal temperature for my guinea pig?
Guinea pigs prefer an environment which presents an ideal temperature range of 18 - 22 degrees Celsius.
According to the ANZCCART and The Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Australia, the environmental
requirements of domesticated guinea pigs are similar to those of the common laboratory species.
"Sutherland and Festing (1987) recommend the following conditions: Temperature 18-22C, 8-20 air changes/h, relative
humidity 45-70%, 12-16h light/day cycle. Group- housed guinea pigs provided with bedding withstand colder
conditions, but neonates have reduced survival at temperatures below 17C. Temperatures over 30C are not tolerated
well, particularly by pregnant sows.'' (The Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Australia)"
Keeping a thermometre close to hand on or in the guinea pigs environment can help you monitor the current
changes and fluctuations in temperature especially early in the morning and late at night when temperature
falls.
Where should I house my guinea pig in winter?
Keep your guinea pig indoors! This is one of the most important factors to stress especially in the cooler months. If outdoors is cold for you imagine how cold it is for
your guinea pig. Guinea pigs should not be housed outside in cold temperatures below 15C even with bedding and cage mates the survival rate falls; nor should
they be housed in hot climates above 30C. They should always be housed in an environment that offers them a cool and comfortable temperature. Indoor housing
offers a cool, protected and sheltered environment. It has the benefit of using electrical appliances, human monitoring is closer to hand, pests and predators are
not an issue as it offers a hidden, secure area with other valuables, and your cage is not seen as a easy target. Your guinea pig needs and must be monitored in any
temperature extreme, cold or hot.
If an indoor solution cannot be secured please see our tips below in maintaining your guinea pigs health in the cooler months. However it is again important to
stress that if any suitable and adequate indoor housing solution can be obtained please do so.
When choosing where to house your guinea pig is is imperative to ensure any area is:
Draft free - Free from any wind or drafts from windows, doors or any other openings. Drafts can lead to URI's and other illnesses.
Bight - A nice bright room free from direct sunlight which offers a nice source of natural light. Natural light provides your cavy with a source of vitamin D. A plain
pellet such as Burgess Excel Guinea Pig Nuggets with Mint is also fortified with Vitamin D and C.
Low Humidity - In Australia especially it can be hard to avoid hot and humid days. However it is advised to place your cage in an area which will not be as
susceptible to these conditions. Rooms such as laundries and bathrooms where hot water can be used can create humid conditions which are not adequate or
suitable to house your cavy in or near. Any area must be draft free, bright and not humid.
Stable Temperature - Ensure any area you house your guinea pig in does not suffer from extremes in temperature hot or cold. The room must present a stable,
secure and safe environment. Ensure your temperature guidelines adhere to those specified above by the The Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Australia.
Household Activity - Cavies need social interaction 24/7 even if it is not direct. They must be able to see, hear, smell and be present in all family activities, even if it
is from the safety of their cage. They must be part of the family. Depriving a guinea pig of this interaction is not valuing it as a member of your family or as a valued
companion. Keeping a guinea pig isolated from household life even if it is only for short periods of time during the day is not ideal. They must have a permanent
presence in the household to be able to effectively benefit not only socially but psychologically as well.
How To Keep your Guinea Pig Warm In Winter
The below guide will assist in ensuring your guinea pig has a safe and healthy winter. Some key points in assisting your guinea pigs in the cooler months include:
Blankets/Donas: Cardboard and cage covers all provide further shelter from the chill of the winter air. Even if housed indoors the air
temperature can become quite cool. Drape blankets, fleece, cardboard, sun visors or a warm material over your cavies cage to provide
extra protection. Ensure that your guinea pig always has an adequate source of air circulation at all times via leaving one side open for air
ventilation.
Rice Socks: A very innovative and inexpensive idea. A winter warmer is an old sock stuffed with rice. Simply pop it in the microwave for 60
seconds and the rice will warm up making it nice and warm to cuddle up too, the heat will last for hours. Socks should always be double
folded and make sure you check the temperature and let it cool down if too hot. Socks should be warm to the touch, with no chance of the
rice escaping. Socks can be sewn shut if this is an issue. They can also be used as a cooler during summer. Simply pop a cold water bottle
or ice pack into the sock.
For a pictorial on how to make rice socks see Balkan Style Blog Spot.
Piggy pouches/hideys: Guinea pigs love to burrow to keep warm during winter. A fantastic way to ensure your guinea pig has a warm
place to snuggle is a piggy pouch, happy sack or similar item. We offer a wide range of hand made polar fleece products perfect for your
guinea pig in Winter. Click here to visit our online store.
Hay: Dry, Fresh grass hay is an excellent form of insulation in your guinea pigs cage. Choosing a corner which your guinea pig regularly
rests in, a simple cardboard box with a hole cut as an opening stuffed with hay will provide an ideal, warm resting area during the cooler
nights. To purchase fresh grass hay, see our store
Hot Water Bottles: Hot water bottles purchased with thick fur covers are a great source of heat throughout the night. Ensure that the lid
is capped on tightly to avoid any chance of leakage. Your water bottle cover should enclose the opening where the lid is. The addition of
towels and fleece can also provide further deflection of heat if your water bottle is too warm. Test the warmth of your bottles on your
wrist prior to placing in your guinea pigs cage.
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.
Draft Protection: Blankets, donas and quilts can be placed at the openings of doors and any areas where drafts are present. You must
protect against and chill winds that can become present.
Heaters: Heaters can be used to keep and warm a room for your guinea pig. Please ensure any heater is not directly close to the cage but
simply in the room. A cavies cage is a high fire hazard with hay, blankets and other materials. Always ensure if there is a heater in your
guinea pigs room that you also have full adult supervision. Never leave a room unattended where a high fire hazard such as a cavies cage
is present. Do not leave heaters on during the day or when no one is at home.
Lunch Box Cozies: Another inexpensive way to make a nice warm polar fleece pouch is an old large plastic lunch box. Line the box with a
thick layer or polar or Sherpa fleece. Binder clips can be used to hold the fleece in place. A guinea pig can hop into the box and remain
warm. Ensure the box can allow the guinea pig to also jump out of.
TIPS to monitor your guinea pigs health
Weight Weekly: Weigh your guinea pig weekly especially in cooler months. Weight loss is often one of the first signs of illness. Record your guinea pigs weight and
if you find any worrying fluctuations get your guinea pig to a vet immediately.
Health Care Chart: Print off or keep a copy of our Health Care Chart. Check for what is normal and what is abnormal. If you see any signs of URI's take your cavy to
a competent exotics vet ASAP. See our Health Care Chart Here.
Increase Vegetables High in Vitamin C: Offering and increased the variety of vegetables high in vitamin C currently in the diet such as capsicum, coriander,
tomatoes, carrots, rocket, cos lettuce and other green fresh leafy green vegetables can help increase your guinea pigs immune system and strengthen the body to
better combat illness. Capsicum for example contains antioxidants such as Beta-carotene. Beta - carotene traps free radicals, and a few studies in animals suggest
that it may also reduce tumour development. It also boosts the immune system and has been suggested to have anti cancer effects.
Dry Bedding: Keep your guinea pigs bedding clean and dry. Urine soaked bedding or wet bedding from dropped food, faecal matter or water can quickly become
colder in winter. It also has the chance to harbour bacteria. Change bedding more frequently if needed or switch to polar fleece during winter. For information on
bedding options see our Bedding Page.
Two is better then one: House your guinea pigs in same or de sexed pairs. Guinea pigs will huddle for warmth and help retain core body temperature during the
colder months.
Senior Guinea pig Care
Many owners can experience issues during the winter primarily with older guinea pigs. Arthritis can become quite painful in the joints and guinea pigs may have dry
skin on the ears and feet.
Keep your guinea pigs feet well moisturised during the colder months with a non toxic, all natural formula such as a small amount of natural Aloe Vera gel or some
great ointments available by Gorgeous Guineas UK. They are a fantastic way to maintain your guinea pigs skin which can dry out due to the cold weather.
At times when guinea pigs are suffering from arthritis it may be advisable to see your vet at a later stage and consider pain medication if you feel your cavy is
suffering as a result from pain induced swelling in the joints.
Keep senior pigs warm and always provide a nice safe hiding place to maintain body warmth during the winter months.
KEEPING WARM IN WINTER
With the onset of winter approaching it is important to
take precautions to
ensure your guinea pig
is kept warm this
winter. As with
summer and the
danger of heat stroke,
colder conditions
bring about their own
hazards which can
include URI (Upper
respiratory Infections), arthritis pain in joints for older
cavies and the onset of pneumonia and related
conditions.
What is the ideal temperature for my guinea pig?
Guinea pigs prefer an environment which presents an
ideal temperature range of 18 - 22 degrees Celsius.
According to the ANZCCART and The Institute of
Medical and Veterinary Science Australia, the
environmental requirements of domesticated guinea
pigs are similar to those of the common laboratory
species.
"Sutherland and Festing (1987) recommend the following
conditions: Temperature 18-22C, 8-20 air changes/h,
relative humidity 45-70%, 12-16h light/day cycle. Group-
housed guinea pigs provided with bedding withstand
colder conditions, but neonates have reduced survival at
temperatures below 17C. Temperatures over 30C are not
tolerated well, particularly by pregnant sows.'' (The
Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science Australia)"
Keeping a thermometre close to hand on or in the
guinea pigs environment can help you monitor the
current changes and fluctuations in temperature
especially early in the morning and late at night when
temperature falls.
Where should I house my guinea pig in winter?
Keep your guinea pig indoors! This is one of the most
important factors to stress especially in the cooler
months. If outdoors is cold for you imagine how cold it
is for your guinea pig. Guinea pigs should not be
housed outside in cold temperatures below 15C even
with bedding and cage mates the survival rate falls;
nor should they be housed in hot climates above 30C.
They should always be housed in an environment that
offers them a cool and comfortable temperature.
Indoor housing offers a cool, protected and sheltered
environment. It has the benefit of using electrical
appliances, human monitoring is closer to hand, pests
and predators are not an issue as it offers a hidden,
secure area with other valuables, and your cage is not
seen as a easy target. Your guinea pig needs and must
be monitored in any temperature extreme, cold or hot.
If an indoor solution cannot be secured please see our
tips below in maintaining your guinea pigs health in
the cooler months. However it is again important to
stress that if any suitable and adequate indoor
housing solution can be obtained please do so.
When choosing where to house your guinea pig is is
imperative to ensure any area is:
Draft free - Free from any wind or drafts from
windows, doors or any other openings. Drafts can lead
to URI's and other illnesses.
Bight - A nice bright room free from direct sunlight
which offers a nice source of natural light. Natural light
provides your cavy with a source of vitamin D. A plain
pellet such as Burgess Excel Guinea Pig Nuggets with
Mint is also fortified with Vitamin D and C.
Low Humidity - In Australia especially it can be hard to
avoid hot and humid days. However it is advised to
place your cage in an area which will not be as
susceptible to these conditions. Rooms such as
laundries and bathrooms where hot water can be used
can create humid conditions which are not adequate
or suitable to house your cavy in or near. Any area
must be draft free, bright and not humid.
Stable Temperature - Ensure any area you house your
guinea pig in does not suffer from extremes in
temperature hot or cold. The room must present a
stable, secure and safe environment. Ensure your
temperature guidelines adhere to those specified
above by the The Institute of Medical and Veterinary
Science Australia.
Household Activity - Cavies need social interaction
24/7 even if it is not direct. They must be able to see,
hear, smell and be present in all family activities, even
if it is from the safety of their cage. They must be part
of the family. Depriving a guinea pig of this interaction
is not valuing it as a member of your family or as a
valued companion. Keeping a guinea pig isolated from
household life even if it is only for short periods of
time during the day is not ideal. They must have a
permanent presence in the household to be able to
effectively benefit not only socially but psychologically
as well.
How To Keep your Guinea Pig Warm In Winter
The below guide will assist in ensuring your guinea pig
has a safe and healthy winter. Some key points in
assisting your guinea pigs in the cooler months
include:
Blankets/Donas: Cardboard
and cage covers all provide
further shelter from the chill
of the winter air. Even if
housed indoors the air
temperature can become
quite cool. Drape blankets,
fleece, cardboard, sun visors or a warm material over
your cavies cage to provide extra protection. Ensure
that your guinea pig always has an adequate source of
air circulation at all times via leaving one side open for
air ventilation.
Rice Socks: A very
innovative and inexpensive
idea. A winter warmer is an
old sock stuffed with rice.
Simply pop it in the
microwave for 60 seconds
and the rice will warm up
making it nice and warm to cuddle up too, the heat will
last for hours. Socks should always be double folded
and make sure you check the temperature and let it
cool down if too hot. Socks should be warm to the
touch, with no chance of the rice escaping. Socks can
be sewn shut if this is an issue. They can also be used
as a cooler during summer. Simply pop a cold water
bottle or ice pack into the sock.
For a pictorial on how to make rice socks see Balkan
Style Blog Spot.
Piggy pouches/hideys:
Guinea pigs love to burrow
to keep warm during winter.
A fantastic way to ensure
your guinea pig has a warm
place to snuggle is a piggy
pouch, happy sack or similar
item. We offer a wide range of hand made polar fleece
products perfect for your guinea pig in Winter. Click
here to visit our online store.
Hay: Dry, Fresh grass hay is
an excellent form of
insulation in your guinea
pigs cage. Choosing a
corner which your guinea
pig regularly rests in, a
simple cardboard box with a
hole cut as an opening stuffed with hay will provide an
ideal, warm resting area during the cooler nights. To
purchase fresh grass hay, see our store
Hot Water Bottles: Hot
water bottles purchased with
thick fur covers are a great
source of heat throughout
the night. Ensure that the lid
is capped on tightly to avoid
any chance of leakage. Your
water bottle cover should enclose the opening where
the lid is. The addition of towels and fleece can also
provide further deflection of heat if your water bottle is
too warm. Test the warmth of your bottles on your
wrist prior to placing in your guinea pigs cage.
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.
Draft Protection: Blankets,
donas and quilts can be
placed at the openings of
doors and any areas where
drafts are present. You must
protect against and chill
winds that can become present.
Heaters: Heaters can be
used to keep and warm a
room for your guinea pig.
Please ensure any heater is
not directly close to the cage
but simply in the room. A
cavies cage is a high fire
hazard with hay, blankets and other materials. Always
ensure if there is a heater in your guinea pigs room
that you also have full adult supervision. Never leave a
room unattended where a high fire hazard such as a
cavies cage is present. Do not leave heaters on during
the day or when no one is at home.
Lunch Box Cozies: Another
inexpensive way to make a
nice warm polar fleece
pouch is an old large plastic
lunch box. Line the box with
a thick layer or polar or
Sherpa fleece. Binder clips can be used to hold the
fleece in place. A guinea pig can hop into the box and
remain warm. Ensure the box can allow the guinea pig
to also jump out of.
TIPS to monitor your guinea pigs health
Weight Weekly: Weigh your guinea pig weekly
especially in cooler months. Weight loss is often one of
the first signs of illness. Record your guinea pigs
weight and if you find any worrying fluctuations get
your guinea pig to a vet immediately.
Health Care Chart: Print off or keep a copy of our
Health Care Chart. Check for what is normal and what
is abnormal. If you see any signs of URI's take your
cavy to a competent exotics vet ASAP. See our Health
Care Chart Here.
Increase Vegetables High in Vitamin C: Offering and
increased the variety of vegetables high in vitamin C
currently in the diet such as capsicum, coriander,
tomatoes, carrots, rocket, cos lettuce and other green
fresh leafy green vegetables can help increase your
guinea pigs immune system and strengthen the body
to better combat illness. Capsicum for example
contains antioxidants such as Beta-carotene. Beta -
carotene traps free radicals, and a few studies in
animals suggest that it may also reduce tumour
development. It also boosts the immune system and
has been suggested to have anti cancer effects.
Dry Bedding: Keep your guinea pigs bedding clean
and dry. Urine soaked bedding or wet bedding from
dropped food, faecal matter or water can quickly
become colder in winter. It also has the chance to
harbour bacteria. Change bedding more frequently if
needed or switch to polar fleece during winter. For
information on bedding options see our Bedding Page.
Two is better then one: House your guinea pigs in
same or de sexed pairs. Guinea pigs will huddle for
warmth and help retain core body temperature during
the colder months.
Senior Guinea pig Care
Many owners can experience issues during the winter
primarily with older guinea pigs. Arthritis can become
quite painful in the joints and guinea pigs may have
dry skin on the ears and feet.
Keep your guinea pigs feet well moisturised during the
colder months with a non toxic, all natural formula
such as a small amount of natural Aloe Vera gel or
some great ointments available by Gorgeous Guineas
UK. They are a fantastic way to maintain your guinea
pigs skin which can dry out due to the cold weather.
At times when guinea pigs are suffering from arthritis
it may be advisable to see your vet at a later stage and
consider pain medication if you feel your cavy is
suffering as a result from pain induced swelling in the
joints.
Keep senior pigs warm and always provide a nice safe
hiding place to maintain body warmth during the
winter months.
Keeping Warm