Hi
I'm thinking to get guinea pig for my son , went today to pet shop to have look at equipment I need to get started, I'm thinking to have cage indoor but to let them outdoor in outdoor cage for several hours during the day anyway , but I'm not sure do they need have the same stuff in outdoor cage as indoor one ? I mean do they need hay indoor and outdoor cage ? I'm just thinking if people have only indoor cage and when guinea pigs are out of cage for several hours ( as they need to be active ) they don't have proper bedding around them ? Sorry if it's stupid question but I'm new to all this but I would like make sure I'm doing everything right
Hi and welcome
Please always get two guinea pigs; if possible from one of our recommended good standard rescues where you can be assured that any piggies are fully quarantined/vet cared and healthy, properly sexed, not pregnant and carefully paired up to allow for character compatibility; as a new owner you will be paired up only with piggies that are already used to handling and human interaction.
This means that for a little extra effort you can neatly avoid all the usual pitfalls that await the unwary buying shop or breeder piggies.
Guinea pigs cannot adjust their body temperature as quickly as humans as they regulate it via the blood flow through the ears. They are not hardy, can die from heat stroke during hot weather and struggle with big sudden jumps in temperature. You need to treat them like you treat tender plants and only put them outside when conditions are right.
A secure, covered run with a solid lid and some achoring to the ground if you live in an area where gods, foxes, cats and birds of prey are around is ideal as long as you make sure that the ground is still warm and dry to your own naked feet after 5 minutes and that your piggies have access to a shelter with hay off the ground and away from wind and weather (this can be a solid hut on a tray raised just slightly off the ground, but heavy enough to not being blown over by a wind gust. If not, then piggies, which are much closer to the ground, will also be cold and damp pretty soon.
Alternatively, a hutch for the frost-free months (with the exeption of heat waves when they can turn into death traps) is another option.
Hay is making over 80% of the daily food intake; piggies should have access to it at all times.
You may find the guide collections for wannabe and new owners via this link here most helpful; it also contains access to our list of vetted good standard UK guinea pig rescues:
Wannabe, New Owners & Childrens' Pets Guides
The collections contain tips on housing, cold and hot weather care, preparing indoors guinea pigs for the lawn season, diet, cage sizes, consideration for parents etc.
Please be aware that healthy guinea pigs live on average 5-7 years and that your son is likely to lose interest long before that, so in effect it is you who wants them for yourself for the long term.
