Winter worries – caring for your guinea pig in winter

Guinea pigs can withstand the winter weather we get in the UK with some careful considerations to ensure they remain happy and healthy.

Although tolerant of cold weather, guinea pigs are susceptible to climatic conditions such as the wind, draughts, rain and damp, especially the damp.

During autumn, you should make sure that your guinea pigs’ hutch is leak proof and capable of withstanding the winter weather. If it isn’t then you’ll need to repair it or purchase a new hutch for your guinea pig before winter arrives. All hutches should be placed out of the wind and draughts and also positioned where the rain is unable to enter the hutch, especially during windy weather. Placing the hutch inside a shed, unused garage or a conservatory would be the preferred option. Hutches should never be placed in greenhouses, even in winter or in a garage occupied by a car due to the exhaust fumes.

If this isn’t possible, then covering the hutch with a polythene waterproof cover, which is securely fastened may be a good idea. But when there is the slightest amount of sunshine, even in the winter months, you must never leave the plastic sheet over the hutch with the guinea pig in it, as this will quickly create a greenhouse effect and heat the hutch up.

Remember that guinea pigs are small and close to the ground so it’s easy for them to get cold and wet. If possible, bring the guinea pig into the house and keep them in an indoor cage. This will ensure that the guinea pig won’t suffer and become ill due to the cold wet weather. Once the weather has improved and the temperature has increased the guinea pig can be returned to its hutch outside. Extra bedding in the way of hay or shredded paper should be added to the sleeping area of the hutch during colder weather and all soiled/wet bedding and materials should be removed daily from the hutch, to ensure the living area and sleeping compartment remain as dry and clean as possible.

Although it may not seem obvious, guinea pigs that live indoors may also have problems during the winter months. Guinea pigs prefer an environmental temperature of between 15-20°C/65-70°F, and when the central heating is switched on, many homes will exceed this temperature, which can make living conditions uncomfortable for your guinea pig.

To minimize the likelihood of this happening, always ensure that there’s a window open to circulate fresh air, and the guinea pigs’ cage/bed, etc isn’t positioned near to radiators or other central heating appliances.

If your guinea pig spends most of its time in one room, consider turning the heating down in this room. Also, if you have an open fire, be sure that it’s strictly off bounds to your guinea pig and is securely guarded.

Guinea pigs still need exercise and attention during winter. Outside guinea pigs can be placed in a run if provided with shelter from the rain, wind, etc.  Shutting a guinea pig in a small hutch will make them unhappy so ensure they have access to a run, even if the hutch has been moved into a shed, conservatory, etc.

Guinea pigs that live indoors are generally able to exercise around the house or in at least one room so shouldn’t need to go outside during winter. Sudden temperature changes (from warm to cold or cold to warm) can have adverse effects on their health, so ideally indoor guinea pigs should remain inside, except for perhaps a few minutes exercise outside if desired.

Guinea pigs kept outside will need extra food, as they will burn off more calories keeping themselves warm. However, be careful not to overfeed your guinea pig during winter. Putting on a little bit of weight during winter is acceptable and may provide extra insulation, but if you notice your guinea pig getting fat, you should cut back slightly on the food ration and try and increase the amount of time they can exercise for.

Remember that water bottles and bowls may freeze when the days or nights drop below 0°C/32°F, so these will need checking regularly to ensure your guinea pig has a constant supply of water. Constant access to clean, fresh hay is also essential.

Try and feed fresh vegetables in the morning or around mid-day, as when the temperature drops the water content in fresh food may result in the food partly or completely freezing, especially during the night. Any frozen food should be removed immediately and replaced.

Indoor guinea pigs shouldn’t need any extra food but may drink more as their environmental temperature will be higher with the central heating on.

One of the most important things for a sick guinea pig is warmth and if one of your guinea pigs falls ill during winter you will have to bring them into the house. Depending on the time of year and what is wrong with them, they may have to stay in the house for the duration of winter, until the weather warms up in spring and they are able to return to their hutch outside. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on this.

During the inclement winter weather, there is the likelihood that outdoor guinea pigs may not get as much attention from their owner as usual. A special effort should be made to spend time with your guinea pig, especially if they live on their own. If this isn’t possible, then serious consideration should be given to getting the existing guinea pig a companion. Never keep rabbits and guinea pigs together.

• Place hutches out of the wind and rain.
• Check hutches are able to withstand winter weather in advance.
• Remove wet/soiled bedding daily.
• Ensure the guinea pig gets exercise in winter.
• Increase food rations for outdoor guinea pigs.
• Regularly check that outdoor guinea pigs’ water and fresh food hasn’t frozen.
• Ensure indoor guinea pigs have fresh air circulating and are not uncomfortably warm.
• In extreme weather provide your guinea pig with extra protection.
• Make sure you still spend quality time with your guinea pig.
• If your guinea pig lives outside and becomes ill, they may need to come inside to convalesce.