Disaidra
Junior Guinea Pig
I got a pair of sows two weeks ago, and they've settled pretty well but they still do a lot of hiding. They only really come out to eat, and then go back to hiding, unless it's night time. The weather has suddenly gone warm again and I'm wondering how to keep them cool since most if the suggestions rely on the piggies being at least a little more inclined to explore. They initially were spending all their time in a snuggle sack, which I had to remove since it was getting drenched in pee. They're now in a plastic hidey which is a little cooler, but is probably still getting hot. Their cage is indoors so at least there isn't a problem with sun.
I've been refreshing their water bottle but they don't really drink from it anyway. I've been giving cool wet veggies like lettuce and cucumber but they eat some then get bored of it and leave a lot. They have a frozen bottle wrapped in a towel atm, and Ruby had a little sniff but has decided she'd rather go back to bed. I've moved it so it's against one side of the hidey so there is at least a cool side if they want it without having to go outside.
It's currently 26°c by the cage, with the windows open. Should I just trust that they know what they need and will come out if they get too hot, or should I be actively encouraging them to come out? Is it worth putting a wet towel over the hidey? I know putting one over a log bridge can help but I'm not sure if it will have the same effect with plastic. I'm a paranoid piggy mommy at the moment
I've been refreshing their water bottle but they don't really drink from it anyway. I've been giving cool wet veggies like lettuce and cucumber but they eat some then get bored of it and leave a lot. They have a frozen bottle wrapped in a towel atm, and Ruby had a little sniff but has decided she'd rather go back to bed. I've moved it so it's against one side of the hidey so there is at least a cool side if they want it without having to go outside.
It's currently 26°c by the cage, with the windows open. Should I just trust that they know what they need and will come out if they get too hot, or should I be actively encouraging them to come out? Is it worth putting a wet towel over the hidey? I know putting one over a log bridge can help but I'm not sure if it will have the same effect with plastic. I'm a paranoid piggy mommy at the moment