Heat Wave Management!

[WorldsBestBoars]

Thought I’d start a fresh thread on this!

My tips for heat:

-Freezer packs-
the thick blue ones last for hours (not the thinner ones) one or two per piggy, hidden under a thin bedsheet in their existing environment (so they are not afraid of it/won’t chew on it/but get maximum coolness). These are cheap, readily available and last hours.

-Ice cubes-
with their favourite cut up herbs in them (provide in a shallow dish so not immediately spilled). Cheap and easy to make.

Two fast and easy ways to cool down.
Lying next to a freezer pack is like standing next to an open fridge! I just need a human size one for me…

 

[Wiebke]

Make sure that the sun or any sun-heated breeze cannot get into the guinea pig room and especially not onto the cage if at all possible so it doesn't overheat as badly in the first place - and it is also not as hot for yourself.
Cool the accommodation down overnight with cross draughts if possible.

Make sure that put crushed ice into the water bottle so the water stays drinkable for as long as possible. Put a large chunk of cucumber in the cage if you are out all day; the core stays cooler for longer and provides an alternative source of much needed fluid.

 

[Merab]

These are brilliant tips—that herb ice cube idea is pure genius to keep them hydrated while having fun! Tucking those thick ice packs under a fitted sheet is such a great trick for keeping them safe from chewing, too. Thanks for sharing these; as a fellow human sweating through the heat, I definitely agree we need giant versions for ourselves!

Welcome to the forum

 

[Wiebke]

These are brilliant tips—that herb ice cube idea is pure genius to keep them hydrated while having fun! Tucking those thick ice packs under a fitted sheet is such a great trick for keeping them safe from chewing, too. Thanks for sharing these; as a fellow human sweating through the heat, I definitely agree we need giant versions for ourselves!

Just be aware that we have first hand reports of major injuries to the tongue and gums from overly eager guinea pigs licking ice cubes, which is why we do not recommend serving anything frozen to lick or nibble on. Instead we recommend to add crushed ice to a water bottle in order to provide drinkable water for longer.