Guinea Pigs: A Guide to The Outdoors
Can guinea pigs play outside? The answer is yes but there are some precautions you’ll need to know to ensure your guinea pig will stay healthy and most importantly safe.
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Temperature
Guinea pigs are prone to heat stress and heatstroke so it’s important to pay attention to the temperature and conditions outside. The ideal temperature for guinea pigs to go outside is 18-23°C (64-73°F). If the temperature is above 26°C (79°F), it’s best not to let them outdoors. On the other hand they get also chilled if the temperature goes below 15°C (59°F).
Location
The location is important when deciding to take your guinea pig outside. Make sure the grass hasn’t been contaminated with any chemical fertilizers, insecticides, or animal waste. This is important because if they consume it, they can develop a serious illness.
The best location would be somewhere level, sheltered from the wind, and partially shaded.
Choosing a Playpen
It’s best to keep your guinea pig in an enclosed but decent-sized space. This will ensure they are safe and won’t run away and escape. The playpen will need to shelter them from any other animals, especially if you have cats or dogs. Safety should be your top priority when taking them outside. Make sure you or someone else is supervising them at all times.
*All of these playpens are also appropriate for rabbits
1. The Outdoor Run
This playpen is spacious, looks nice, and provides maximum security for your guinea pigs. There are a few options to choose from. These cages can vary from just being an enclosed space to having a built in hut, or a fun DIY project. Most of the Outdoor Run Cages are made from wood and wire but there are some that are just wire. This cage is probably the most durable.
2. Prevue Pet Multicolour Playpen
This playpen can be arranged into any shape, and is pretty large. It can also connect with other sets to create an even larger playpen. It is best indoors but is still a good option for outside as well. One of the things that this playpen does not have is a roof so it might not be the best for you if you have a cat and/or dog.
- 9 panels each. Wire spacing : 3/8
- 13" long by 9" high panels create a 36" Diameter play area
- Ideal for Hamsters, mice, Gerbils or other small animals
3. Foldable Pet Playpen
This playpen is a pretty good option but there are some down sides. The foldable playpen is light and easy to transport, it provides a decent amount of space and has a shaded area inside. However, since it is foldable, it isn’t very durable so larger pets can knock it over. It also has a closed bottom, which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on how you look at it. This playpen is also pretty light so you might want to put something heavy inside such as a hut. This playpen is great for if you are travelling with your pet.
- ★ Available in 3 Sizes Medium (29x29x17 inches Dogs up To 10LBS) Large (36x36x23 inches Dogs Up To 25 Lbs ) Extra Large (48x48x23.5 inches Dogs 50+ LBS
- ★ SUPERIOR DESIGN Roomy 8-Panel design with protected seams and reinforced corners. Made from durable water-resistant materials. Removable zippered top can be removed easily removed for indoor use & closed for outdoor use to provide shade. Zippered door provides easy in/out access for your pet. Close the door to keep your pet safely inside.
- ★ PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT Great for Indoor and Outdoor use. Lightweight, yet strong makes this ideal for traveling, camping and easy mobility. Comes with convenient carrying case.
Benefits of Outdoor Play
Guinea pigs need a lot of daily exercise and playtime each day. Although many cages are spacious it just isn’t the same as going outside. Guinea pigs actually really enjoy spending time outdoors. Plenty of fresh air and sunshine can really boost your piggies immune system. Guinea pigs also enjoy exploring so walking around is not only giving them exercise but is also exercising their brain. They can get bored sitting around in their cage all day so going outside will help stimulate them physically and mentally.
Can Guinea Pigs Live Outside?
The short answer would be yes, guinea pigs can live outside. However, if you are planning on keeping them outside during the winter you will have to do a few extra things to ensure your piggy is protected from the cold, wind, and rain because they are very sensitive to extreme temperatures. On the other hand you with also need to make sure that they are out of direct sunlight during the summer months as well, because they can quickly overheat.
Many people decide to leave them outdoors during the summer and then bring them inside during the cold winter-y months. You will need to provide them with spacious and durable housing if you decide to keep them outdoors.
We hope you have a great time spending time outside with your guinea pigs. Share a photo of your pet outdoors and tag us @crittermamas.
