Guinea Pigs And Squirrels?

[sammie123546]

Hi. So my guinea pigs live in a shed with a large roofless outdoor area attached, and we put up a bird feeder hanging on the top of the frame in the enclosure. I have seen a few squirrels climb at the top and eat some food, but today i saw two squirrels, one on the enclousure floor. One of my pigs, skippy, was watching the squirrel out of the hole in the shed. I shooed the squirrels away and just checked on the pigs to see if they were scared or anything but they were all popcorning in the shed so it seems as though they aren't scared of the squirrels. Just wanted to ask if its ok for squirrels to be near guinea pigs?

 

[sammie123546]

Ps the enclosure wall is very high so foxes can't get in and we dont have any birds that would harm the pigs living near me

 

[Freela]

At the cottage, we feed the chipmunks so they are pretty tame... they will come up to the guinea pigs and peer at them through the bars that the pigs are behind and the pigs never even seem to notice them, so it seems like there isn't an inherent fear in the pigs of chipmunks/squirrels. My main concern would be the potential for injuries if the squirrel and the guinea pig ever came nose to nose (my money would be on the squirrel- they are probably quicker and more aggressive than domestic guinea pigs) and in the potential for anything to pass between them by virtue of being in the same environment (mange, lice, fleas, parasites, etc.) That said, unless the area is completely enclosed it would be very hard to keep them out. Maybe someone else who has outdoor pigs can help. Mine are only outdoors supervised in the summer, so I don't worry too much as I'm there to intervene quickly if a chipmunk ever tries to jump the fence or anything.

 

[flowerfairy]

Foxes have been known to scale ten foot fences. I would be tempted to have a roof fitted just in case.

 

[sammie123546]

Foxes have been known to scale ten foot fences. I would be tempted to have a roof fitted just in case.

Don't worry though we have our guinea pigs locked up in the shed from 6pm-8am, and they dont come out much in the day usually only for food which i sit with them for

 

[sammie123546]

At the cottage, we feed the chipmunks so they are pretty tame... they will come up to the guinea pigs and peer at them through the bars that the pigs are behind and the pigs never even seem to notice them, so it seems like there isn't an inherent fear in the pigs of chipmunks/squirrels. My main concern would be the potential for injuries if the squirrel and the guinea pig ever came nose to nose (my money would be on the squirrel- they are probably quicker and more aggressive than domestic guinea pigs) and in the potential for anything to pass between them by virtue of being in the same environment (mange, lice, fleas, parasites, etc.) That said, unless the area is completely enclosed it would be very hard to keep them out. Maybe someone else who has outdoor pigs can help. Mine are only outdoors supervised in the summer, so I don't worry too much as I'm there to intervene quickly if a chipmunk ever tries to jump the fence or anything.

Ok thanks, we might just get rid of the bird feeder as we have only seen squirrels at it so will most likely move it nearer to the house

 

[TheCavySlave]

Squirrels. Oh man.
We have a feeder, and they do just wrap themselves round it, and stuff themselves, looking guilty. I'd consider a roof for sure, they are brave little creatures. I think they're quite sweet, but wouldn't want them anywhere near my pigs.

 

[VickiA]

Just a note of caution - I have seen posts on this and other forums where rabbits and piggies have been savagely bitten by squirrels. I would make sure the run is totally covered in predator proof mesh (not chicken wire) to ensure one doesn't get in with your piggies. I would also move feeders away from your hutch/run.

 

[Claire W]

with @VickiA You can never be too careful.

I would also advice to make a roof for the run. We didn't think we had birds of prey near us until my husband noticed sparrow hawks flying around.

Also, when I lived at home as a teenager and had a rabbit, my parents had a resident fox that would come and sleep in their garden during the day. Thankfully my rabbit was completely safe but you really never know when wild animals will show up