Can I keep my Guinea Pigs in the dark?

[kallieniccole]

So I have my guinea pig’s cage out in my room. I’d say she gets some light. But I’ve recently read some articles that say they actually quite prefer the dark because they feel safer in it? I have a large closet attached in my room that I don’t really use. I was thinking of moving the cage in there. It has a light, so I could turn that on. But they’d mostly be in the dark. Although, I has no door so during daylight it wouldn’t be completely pitch black until night time. I just want to know if it would be okay.

 

[Swissgreys]

I don't think keeping them in a cupboard sounds like a good idea
They don't need a lot of light but they definetly need some natural light throughout the day, and also really good air flow which I imagine would be reduced in a cupboard.

 

[Claire W]

I don’t think putting them in the closet would be a good idea

 

[Tara95]

Personally, why would you keep them in a closet if you can't see them? Lol. When I first owned guinea pigs I considered putting them in my large downstairs cubboard in the lounge (with the door permanently open) but then I thought what's the point as I wouldn't see what they were doing in most of the cage and I'm sure it would smell due to the ventilation. Perhaps if you opened all the doors permanently or got rid of the doors and built an extension with a C & C for example around the cage it could work. So the darker closet area could act as a hidey but they'd also always have access to light and fresh air. take a picture of the area you mean?

 

[Free Ranger]

No it's just not natural. They need light for their body clock and to make vitamin D too I think, just like we do. There are a few scientific papers which speculate about natural light being linked to good dental health but the results were not conclusive. Although our domestic pets are a long way from their nearest relation in the wild they didn't evolve in the dark so it won't be good for them.

They feel safer hiding but I'm not sure they feel safer in the dark or mine would be out playing and wheeking when we're all in bed whereas they've all mainly slept or moved quietly around eating. Put them somewhere they can get natural light and then offer a hidey or two to give the choice. In the morning things get very lively!

In my set-up there is an old cushion that I actually put in to make it easier for older ones to get up and down onto a ledge. In spring the sun comes in the window and happens to hit that exact spot where the cushion is. The piggies take it in turns to go and sprawl on it - I noticed because it's like what you'd expect from cats or something, not piggies! Mine are shy but they will be brave to get a go on the sunny cushion! I also have a back door with a full length fly-screen and they like to sit on the doormat looking out when the day is warm. The cage is right near the door so they could see out from their hidey but they enjoy the light x

 

[Siikibam]

The other thing to consider is space. I don’t know that your wardrobe would be big enough (on one level) for them. But I agree with all the above.

 

[Guinea Slave]

sharing my experience as it surprised me.

My Guineas were in a shed for a number of years that had windows, but the largest was blocked by our neighbours van. So the shed had light but it wasn’t very bright and they couldn’t see much.

Since moving they have a large window which they can look out of (And lots of hidey places too).

they constantly lie next to the window and look out, when the sun comes in, they sun bath and I can honestly say I have never seen them so happy. So I definitely would say they need light for sure.