RingoandOlly
Junior Guinea Pig
So my boys are very vocal and will always complain when something isn't right, including if they are cold. From this, I've worked out what makes them comfortable at which temperatures as a rough guide. I just wanted to share my findings for people who need to keep their pigs outdoors all year because I know what it's like to be worrying about the cold.
In Celsius:
6 degrees and up - My boys are fine with plenty of hay
4-5 degrees - Same as above plus a snuggle safe, and rain cover if windy/wet
1-3 degrees - Same as above plus another snuggle safe and a thick fleece blanket which goes under the other cover if wet/windy or on its own if dry and calm.
-3-0 - Add a thick blanket on roof as well (on top of blanket + cover)
Anything below this and they come into my garage in their carrier which isn't heated but is warmer than outside, if below -6 they get snuggle safes in the garage. They don't really need them in their carrier as they snuggle up and go to sleep.
As a rule, if you're cold, your guinea pigs probably are too. That is, without any covers or heat pads.
Now of course every piggy will vary in it's ability to withstand the cold. Mine are pretty hardy but I watch them closely for signs of being cold such as cold ears and feet, shivering and huddling up in a corner without moving. I also weigh my boys more often when it's cold and give them extra food as they will burn more energy to keep warm.
Hope this helps some outdoor piggy owners and isn't too controversial! (Some people will insist that below 10 degrees is too cold!) xxxxxxx
In Celsius:
6 degrees and up - My boys are fine with plenty of hay
4-5 degrees - Same as above plus a snuggle safe, and rain cover if windy/wet
1-3 degrees - Same as above plus another snuggle safe and a thick fleece blanket which goes under the other cover if wet/windy or on its own if dry and calm.
-3-0 - Add a thick blanket on roof as well (on top of blanket + cover)
Anything below this and they come into my garage in their carrier which isn't heated but is warmer than outside, if below -6 they get snuggle safes in the garage. They don't really need them in their carrier as they snuggle up and go to sleep.
As a rule, if you're cold, your guinea pigs probably are too. That is, without any covers or heat pads.
Now of course every piggy will vary in it's ability to withstand the cold. Mine are pretty hardy but I watch them closely for signs of being cold such as cold ears and feet, shivering and huddling up in a corner without moving. I also weigh my boys more often when it's cold and give them extra food as they will burn more energy to keep warm.
Hope this helps some outdoor piggy owners and isn't too controversial! (Some people will insist that below 10 degrees is too cold!) xxxxxxx
