How can you best house your guinea pig? Read here what you should pay attention to and what an indoor or outdoor cage for guinea pigs must meet.
Outside or inside loft?
Outside loft
Of course, an outside loft must be more sturdy than an inside loft. It must be well waterproof and insulated. The dimensions of the loft must be at least 90x60x45cm. Also make sure that the guinea pig has a separate night shelter, where it can hide from the cold or heat. Make sure the wire mesh used to make the cage is fine-meshed so that mice or rats cannot get into the cage at night. The cage must also be properly lockable so that any predators (such as cats) do not get the chance to access the guinea pigs. If the loft is at least 20cm above the ground, moisture cannot enter through the bottom. If the hutch belongs to a run, you can always make a gangway so that the guinea pigs can walk into their hutch. In the winter it is best to put the guinea pigs inside. Guinea pigs are not that resistant to the cold. If you decide to leave the bugs outside, you can heat the cage well by placing extra blankets or insulating material on it. At night you can even hang it partially in front of the mesh. It is also important that the guinea pigs have a good layer of wood shavings in the cage. In winter, an extra thick layer of hay is also necessary. It is also extremely important that the outside loft is in a draft-free place.
Pay attention!
If you put the guinea pigs in the garden house or garage, make sure there is adequate ventilation.
Inside loft
An inner pen must also be at least 90x60x45cm in size and contain a separate night compartment in which the guinea pig can withdraw. You can place the indoor loft anywhere in the house, except in the kitchen or the hallway, because there is too much flow. Also make sure that the loft is not directly on the ground. On the ground it is always colder and there is more draft. So put your guinea pig’s cage on a table or desk or the like. It is also important that the inner loft is not in front of a window or a heater. Guinea pigs also do not tolerate too much heat.
Extra movement
It is always nice to be able to place the guinea pigs in a run. This way they get some extra exercise and do not have to constantly be in their own cage.
Outdoor run
By regularly putting your guinea pigs in an outdoor run, they can walk around safely in the open air and eat good grass. There are outdoor runs available in every pet store. Just make sure the top of your run is well covered so that predators can’t jump in. You can also stay by the run to keep an eye on your guinea pigs. Also, don’t place the run near poisonous plants or directly in direct sunlight.
Pay attention!
An outdoor run is for daytime use only. Once it starts to rain, or you have to leave, whether it is getting dark or colder, the guinea pig has to go back into its cage.
Run in
An indoor run is useful if you have a home with many places for the guinea pig to hide. Put some towels, cardboard boxes, and food in the run for the guinea pigs to take care of.