Heatwave warning for the UK - How to combine lots of little measures to save lives.

I'm seriously worried this morning. Woke up at 5am, my bedroom hadn't dropped below 28C all night and when I went into the piggies room I was horrified to see it was 27.1 despite having all the windows open all night.

I've now set up a temporary run in the kitchen, which is currently the coolest place in the flat. I don't know if this is a good idea or not, I thought maybe the bare floor would be more comfortable for them.

The windows and curtains are closed on the south east side, I've got the windows wide open on the other side - facing north west - to try and get some cooler air in but there isn't even a hint of a breeze. I'll close them soon, it's supposed to be 24C already. They're saying 33C later today , feeling like 36 🥵 This is frightening. I had wet sheets over the windows in the piggy room yesterday and a fan going, frozen water bottle, etc etc but just couldn't get the temperature down. The last few days it's gone down overnight but last night - no difference. I just don't know what more i can do.

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LondonLady said:
I've now set up a temporary run in the kitchen, which is currently the coolest place in the flat. I don't know if this is a good idea or not, I thought maybe the bare floor would be more comfortable for them.
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Excellent idea. I think you look for the coolest room.

I was horrified last night as 29;degrees at 9pm last night . Despite frozen water bottle . Window shades everything suggested. One piggie looked very bad (;flat on the floor with legs out behind her) so I took them both to the coolest room which was still 26. I couldn’t set up a temporary run, so in their vet boxes with plenty of hay. Mine are awful for using water bottle . Have tried very water device so I’m giving water by syringe now.

They were very happy this morning although rather annoyed at going back and forth. They are always annoyed at any break from peace and quiet. Better than heatstroke !

I’m going to do something similar today . I let them feed in their cage and then move them back and forth. They are not staying in the hot room tonight that’s for sure . I think in this freak weather you just do whatever you can.

Cooling down tomorrow apparently.

Good luck everybody.
 
This is the time of year when I tend to seriously consider giving up on keeping guinea pigs after these two. The logistics in the summer are a nightmare... and summers aren't going to get any better in the future.

I moved them to the basement yesterday, but the humidity in insane (78% in the basement, and about 70% in the living room where they usually live).

Good luck to everybody--and don't forget to take of youselves as well !
 
AidaB said:
We currently have 24.4C downstairs, pigs are on the floor at 22.6C.
Upstairs however is 34plus. 🥵
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I hear you. My flat is spread over 2 floors of attic. In the top, which is just one room, it goes to at least 30°C during the day and in the past few days 33-34°. There's a stair between the floors but no door so heat comes down as well. I haven't measured it, but still below 30° in main part of flat. I don't have guineas to keep cool, so don't have to know the exact temp. I often sit with my feet in a basin of cool water and that helps.
 
It’s not Guinea Pig related but I keep thinking of getting air con in the January sales.

Next year definitely. Just been shopping and wanted to stay in the supermarket. Lovely. I’m saving up now !

Mine downstairs but still 26 degrees which isn’t great . Sitting in their pet carriers. As good as gold. They had a nice lunch and loads of hay. Frozen Water bottle in sock.

Had a real fright last night with the little one. Ok now.
 
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Minx yesterday enjoying some damp facecloths. They ignore the pet coolmat when its in their cage, lying on the floor under the sofa instead.

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We made tents from fleece, which are proving cooler for sleeping than the beds.

Thermometer say 26.9, I wish it was wrong 🥵
 
Where I live, it has dropped from 29 degrees yesterday to 17 degrees today. Much nicer.

The girls didn't seem too bothered yesterday. Caught them napping in places they rarely nap, like underneath the water bottle. That's about it.

They live in the coolest room in the house and the sun doesn't touch it until around teatime so I have the window open until that point and then close it and shut the blinds. The only other thing I did to prepare for summer was to take all Gaia's floof away - which she complained about at the time but I think she enjoys being without it (I see her doing sneaky popcorns).
 
Looking forward to the cooler weather….. which isn’t here yet!

Hope everyone & everypig is ok.

We have finished the day….. with 23.5C on the floor next to the piggies, who are mostly ignoring the cold measures. The suns not quite moved off the front windows yet. (Upstairs is still at 34+ .)

I had forgotten how obsessed we get with temperatures in this weather, one of my best friends & I keep messaging each other our house temperatures!

Us, humans are a mess, my OH had to go into London today. Extra 🥵.
 
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