Optimal Cage Conditions for Guinea Pigs in the Winter
Guinea Pigs are very adaptable animals and will thrive in a variety of situations including in a cage within the house, in an outdoor enclosure, or in a weatherproof hutch in the garden.
Temperature
Guinea pigs are very sensitive to both heat and cold. Keep them in temperatures between 60 and 85°F to avoid putting their health at risk.
Environment
An environment meeting the Guinea Pigs’ needs must include protection from rain, wind, direct sunlight, extremes of temperature and predators. All Guinea Pigs should have an adequate exercise area. Isolation in an area without windows or ventilation is very harmful to Guinea Pigs’ well-being.
Check that their cage isn't in a draught, which could cause a chill and be sure to add warm bedding throughout their home so there's a choice of places in which they can huddle. You could also consider partially covering the cage with a blanket or hutch cover to help retain the heat.
Care must be taken to ensure that the accommodation:
is escape-proof;
is predator-proof;
excludes vermin which may be attracted to Guinea Pig food;
provides adequate protection from heat and cold;
is exposed to natural light but protected from strong direct sunlight in summer;
provides continuous access to water;
provides adequate ventilation so that condensation does not become a problem;
is safe from fumes and vapours (e.g. car exhausts, chemicals, ammonia from guinea pig urine);
is easily cleaned;
is safe for the occupants i.e. has no sharp projections, and does not have a wire mesh floor through which feet and legs may be damaged; and provides opportunities for sufficient exercise.
Guinea Pigs in Indoor Cages
A cage housing a single Guinea Pig or a pair of Guinea Pigs should be a minimum of 3 square feet and of a height of at least 15 inches. An additional square foot should be allowed for each additional adult Guinea Pig in the cage. These should be seen as the minimum sizes.
A suitable cage design incorporates a litter board across the front of each cage. This contains the bedding within the cage and reduces the risk, particularly with young or nervous Guinea Pigs, of falling from the cage.
Guinea Pigs in Outdoor Hutches
Outdoor hutches should be of robust, weatherproof construction. The hutch should be raised off the ground to prevent rising dampness. Hutches should be protected from the prevailing wind and midday sun.
There should be a sleeping/shelter area within the hutch, of at most one-third of the total cage space. It should be of adequate size such that all the Guinea Pigs in the hutch may take shelter at the same time. It should be kept clean and dry and should provide protection from the weather and offer security if the animal is frightened. Insulation of the area may be needed to prevent extremes of temperature.
The floor of the hutch should be of solid construction, not wire mesh – some movable outdoor hutches have open bottoms to allow grazing on grassed areas, see below outdoor runs.
The hutch, including any door fixings, should be secure from predators.
The wire used on the door should be of strong galvanised mesh, as foxes can break wire netting. The mesh should be of an appropriate gauge to exclude vermin.
A good overhang of the hutch roof will reduce dampness to the sides and rear of the hutch and limit the ingress of rain at the front.
During the colder months, additional protection from the elements should be provided. This may take the form of hutch covers or by moving the hutches to a suitable outbuilding or sheltered area.
Your guinea pig will need a lot of extra bedding to keep them warm in winter. Cardboard is very insulating, so makes a good liner for hutches in the winter months. Add newspaper and then plenty of hay for them to snuggle and tunnel in, but change the bedding regularly so it does not stay damp for long
Access to outdoor runs
Guinea Pigs benefit from access to a run for exercise on fine days. This needs to be of solid construction and covered with strong galvanised mesh on the top and sides. The bottom of the run should not be wired as the Guinea Pigs’ feet will be injured by walking on wire mesh. The run should be secured to the ground if there is any possibility of dogs, foxes or other predators gaining access to the Guinea Pigs.
The top must be enclosed and protection should be provided from the prevailing wind, rain and sun
A box to hide in and provide shelter is desirable
Pipes or platforms to climb on as well as other enrichment devices will add interest to the Guinea Pigs’’ environment
Suitable dimensions for an outdoor enclosure are 2 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1 metre high
Bedding materials
Bedding materials should consist of a layer of absorbent material such as good quality soft white wood shavings and soft meadow hay. Shredded paper or synthetic fleece fabric can also be used in place of shavings. Other products based on hemp are available. The chosen bedding should be dust-free/dust-extracted to avoid respiratory problems. Care should be taken that the bedding material has not been treated with chemicals, for example, those used to prevent horses from eating their bedding, for these may be harmful to a Guinea Pig.
Cleaning
Guinea Pigs are clean animals, but their accommodation, food and water containers require regular cleaning. Guinea Pigs can develop skin, particularly foot, problems from damp or unsuitable cage flooring and bedding. Urine, in particular, causes scalding of the skin and any damp litter, bedding or floor materials must be removed.
To maintain the Guinea Pigs’ comfort and health and your enjoyment of your pets, regular cleaning of the environment is necessary and involves the following:
their bedding to be topped up each day
litter should be changed weekly or as soon as it becomes noticeably damp
food and water bottles must be cleaned weekly and rinsed well if disinfectants or detergents are used
uneaten green food should be removed daily
Cold Conditions
Guinea Pigs cope well in cold weather but do not tolerate dampness. However, they require abundant clean, dry bedding materials, particularly in winter. The sleeping compartment may need to be insulated in extreme conditions.
In the winter it is important to maintain adequate ventilation of sheds or outbuildings to avoid build-up of humidity leading to condensation.
Older or poorly guinea pigs in particular will benefit from living indoors over the winter. This will help them avoid the cold temperatures, as they may struggle to regulate their body temperature. If you have the space, a cage can be set up in your home for your guinea pigs to move into during the winter months.
Sources
British Cavy Council - Welfare code
How to keep a guinea pig warm in winter | Blue Cross
Adapting your guinea pigs' environment to changing seasons
A Guide To Guinea Pig Awareness Week 2023
