This is one of the most common questions a lot of pet owners ask. Even though guinea pigs can live indoors and outdoors, it’s always important to consider a number of factors in order to determine if it would be ideal to let them stay inside or outside the house. This would include the size of your home, the temperature of the place, and the list goes on.
Indoor Guinea Pig Cages
Guinea pigs enjoy the warm climate in South America and their ideal temperature goes around 65-75 degree Fahrenheit. This kind of warmth promotes better stimulation and interaction with humans. Aside from that, having the guinea inside the house will let you detect any problems sooner before it’s too late.
Normally female guinea pigs prefer living together indoors. Though, you still need to know that when they’re kept indoors, they should be safeguarded against any forms of harassment from small children and pets. For those who own a dog, always keep an eye on them, because they’re known to be predators of guinea pigs. Children banging indoor guinea pig cages could also cause trauma and stress to your pet.
Although there are some disadvantages of keeping your pet indoors, just like what has been discussed earlier, it’s still undeniable that indoor guinea pig cages are the best home for them. As a matter of fact, guinea pigs that live indoors usually live longer than those kept outside.
Plastic-based cage is advisable for guinea pigs that live indoors. They should have a place where your guinea pigs can hide, and a shelf that they can hop on and off whenever they want. It should also meet the universal size standard as well. To understand more on how to select an indoor guinea pig cage, check out “A Guide to Finding the Best Guinea Pig Cages”.
Outdoor Guinea Pig Habitat
For pet owners who don’t have enough space to keep their pets indoors, then they can consider placing the cage outside the house. Though, make sure that the cage is well ventilated and wouldn’t overheat especially during summer. Don’t put them in sheds during summer, because they can turn into hothouses, putting your pet at risk of heat exhaustion. On the other hand, during winter, the fur of guinea pigs automatically thickens, providing them the extra warmth they need. Still, make sure that the place where you’re going to put the cage is draft free, warm, and the guinea pig hutch should be off the floor. You can hang a hutch cover or a piece of carpet over the hutch to provide protection (but don’t leave them like this all day as they like to get plenty of sunlight).
Also, guinea pig hutches should have padlocks in order to protect your pet against predators, such as rats, dogs, foxes, birds, and cats. Always lock the hutch and the bottom should be raised off the ground to ensure that no animals would burrow underneath.
Regular indoor guinea pig hutches won’t offer the protection and comfort your pet needs if you have decided to put him outside. Instead, you’ll be needing a hutch similar to this:
Pawhut Outdoor Guinea Pig Pet House with Run[easyazon_cta align=”none” identifier=”B00HWFV3Y8″ key=”small-light” locale=”US”]
[easyazon_image align=”none” height=”28″ identifier=”B00HWFV3Y8″ locale=”US” src=”http://allpetcages.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/41lWmKgRHL.SL30.jpg” width=”30″]
This large wooden hutch has a sleeping area and a big run; this means your pet would be able to play in the grass and enjoy its feel in between their paws. There’s also a ramp connected to the house, giving the guinea pig a direct and easy access indoors. The treated wood ensures proper ventilation, but it also offers insulation whenever it’s cold. It’s also easy for you to clean out the bottom of the house with the pull out dropping tray below the front door.
Final Words
When choosing the best indoor guinea pig cages– whether inside or outside, always follow the rule, “the bigger, the better.” These little creatures need ample space to roam around, nest, and play. Lastly, these important factors will ensure that your guinea pigs will always be happy and healthy.
