Long haired guinea pig temperature

[mls18]

Do long-haired guinea pigs need to be in colder temperatures because of their fur? what is the ideal temperature?

 

[Wiebke]

Do long-haired guinea pigs need to be in colder temperatures because of their fur? what is the ideal temperature?

Hi

The ideal temperature range for all guinea pigs is the same as for humans - around 20 C (15-25 C). Longer hair
doesn't mean a thicker coat since guinea pigs crucially do not have a thick insulating undercoat and the long hair is a human breeding aspect that does not serve any biological purpose. Long hair can however make them feel hot weather more, which is why we recommend giving long-haired piggies a summer cut during hot weather over 25 C.

Guinea pigs have evolved in thick undergrowth with comparatively stable temperatures and they are mainly active at dawn and dusk when themperatures are at their most moderate.

What guinea pigs struggle with especially is wide swings of temperature in a very short space of time (including between night and day), extremes of weather.
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike
Cold Weather Care for Indoor and Outdoor Guinea Pigs
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time

An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

 

[Free Ranger]

One thing I will add is that my long-haired girl was vet checked because of ear wax. She had no problems but apparently the wax runs from in her ears and sets into little 'earrings' dangling from the long wisps of fur in her ears. Maybe her head is warmer - she's got plenty of fur there!

 

[mls18]

Hi

The ideal temperature range for all guinea pigs is the same as for humans - around 20 C (15-25 C). Longer hair
doesn't mean a thicker coat since guinea pigs crucially do not have a thick insulating undercoat and the long hair is a human breeding aspect that does not serve any biological purpose.

Guinea pigs have evolved in thick undergrowth with comparatively stable temperatures and they are mainly active at dawn and dusk when themperatures are at their most moderate.

What guinea pigs struggle with especially is wide swings of temperature in a very short space of time (including between night and day), extremes of weather.
Hot Weather Management, Heat Strokes and Fly Strike
Cold Weather Care for Indoor and Outdoor Guinea Pigs
Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time

An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

Ok great thank you!

 

[mls18]

One thing I will add is that my long-haired girl was vet checked because of ear wax. She had no problems but apparently the wax runs from in her ears and sets into little 'earrings' dangling from the long wisps of fur in her ears. Maybe her head is warmer - she's got plenty of fur there!
View attachment 221774

So cute!