A Guide to Keeping Guinea Pigs Outdoors
Yes you can keep guinea pigs outside!
Guinea pigs are known as indoor pets here in the USA due to their sensitivity to extreme temperatures, predators, and other environmental risks. So if you are considering keeping guinea pigs outdoors, there are several factors to consider to ensure their health and happiness.
They are generally more of an outside pet in Europe. Cavies are much more heat sensitive than they are cold sensitive though and can successfully be kept outside in the right conditions and location right here in the United States.
We live in Indiana and have been housing Cavies outside for 8 years. Here in Indiana it gets to maybe -5º in the winter and up to 100º in the summer. These are the extremes with winter more regularly a very low of 0º and a high of mid 90’s. We rarely have to bring them inside here in Indiana and when we do it is always in the summer on the hottest of days.
We keep all of our cavies in Eglu’s. They are easy to clean and last forever. the oldest one we have had over 10 years, it is faded a bit but still works! it used to be our chicken coop before getting guinea pigs.
It is helpful to have these hay Eating pets outside if you are allergic or just plain don’t want your house smelling like A barn. Also it is easier to give them the space they need to run around when they are outside. Also you can have so many more with the room that the outdoors allows!
If you live in a location that can sustain outdoor rabbits and chickens, you can likely keep guinea pigs outside!
To Create the ideal environment outdoors you need to think about all aspects of care and safety.
protecting- your guinea pigs from weather extremes. Is it too hot? Too cold?
Predators- include; household pets, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, Hawks….maybe even alligators depending on your area!
Pests- Being outside, guinea pigs are more vulnerable to parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and infections like ringworm.
Little piggy footprints in the snow
Here are a few factors to consider when setting up a safe and comfortable outdoor habitat for your guinea pigs.
Location- Choose an area that offers natural shade, or set up a tarp or roof to protect from direct sun, rain, and wind. The Northside of your house will be the coolest shadiest spot most of the time. The Southside, the sunniest/hottest. Make sure the ground is flat and dry to avoid puddles that could lead to damp bedding, which may cause respiratory problems or other health issues. Guinea Pigs must never be kept in an area where they can’t get dry or warm.
Housing- Choose a house suitable for guinea pigs. NEVER house cavies in a converted rabbit/chicken hutch that has wire for the flooring. This will damage their feet and cause many ailments such as Bumblefoot. It’s helpful to have a house that can be locked up at night when most predators are active. We use Eglu’s for our herd which can be locked if necessary. A shed with windows would be ideal, or a large walk in chicken coop.
Run- In addition to their house, you want to create a “yard” for them. This is one of the benefits of keeping the herd outside! Only make the run as big as you can safely observe and manage. Ensure that the area is securely fenced off. outdoor spaces can offer room for exploration and natural behaviors. Logs and bricks are things we use to enhance the environment and keep them in shape. A fully enclosed covered fence is better to protect from birds of prey. lots of places to hide out in the open offer some protection.
A couple of Cavy Boars Hanging out in the Attached run of their Eglu.
Seasonal Weatherproofing
Summer
Never keep their area directly in the sun. This is a recipe for disaster.
Cooling Pads- make sure they are not chewing on these or eating them.
Air Conditioner- ideal if their main space is in a large enclosed house, like a shed or large chicken coop.
Ice Packs- Frozen water bottles in their hutch may lower the temperature but they don’t seem very keen on laying on them like rabbit would. I like to put a frozen water bottle inside of the plastic igloo’s since the they are small and the cavy will be laying right next to it.
Observe your cavy to make sure they aren’t too hot. “Pancaked” out flat on the ground looking lifeless or breathing heavily likely means your guinea pig is having a heat stroke. Bring them inside!
Fresh cut snacks on a hot day.
Winter
Heat lamps or ceramic reptile heaters work great but please be aware these are a fire hazard. Follow all precautions in the instructions before plugging these things in.
Water- Heated bowls are a must unless you want to break up ice every morning. 0/10 stars, do not recommend. Guinea Pigs love eating snow but this is just a treat and not a main source of water for them.
A thermometer in the house might give you peace of mind. This was captured when it was 0º fahrenheit outside!
Keep an eye out for signs of stress, injury, or illness when they are outside. It’s easier to miss something being off if they are not inside your house or apartment with you every day all day.
With a little extra care you can ensure your pigs are living their best life outside!