Will they move in to the shade?

Claire W

Claire W

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My piggies are currently in their outside run with a fleece over the top for shade. Our garden is North facing so doesn’t usually get much sun but the sun is shining today.

You’d think that after 14 years of guinea pig ownership I’d know the answer to this question but if a piggy gets too warm, do they move in to the shaded area or do they stay in the sun / hide? They’re all currently out eating grass in the shade but there is a sunny patch and it just got me thinking

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I’m not sure of that - I just keep my runs as covered over as possible with a light weight covering to allow air flow but protect from direct sunlight.
 
I think some will if they feel hot and some won't and will deliberately lie in a sunny patch. I use old lounger cushions for shade on top of the runs because they are too heavy to shift if there's a breeze (we've all ways got breeze as we are on top of a hill). The cover on Caspy's cage one day this week was a fraction too short, he was sound asleep in the sun so I shifted the cover over a bit to shade him, he got up moved to the new sunny spot and went straight back to sleep, I got a filthy look. :))
 
I would keep a very close eye on them. It also might be worth looking for a lighter weight, light coloured covering for their run too.
Heavy covers in darker colours will trap and magnify the heat in the run, so a lighter coloured sheet or beach towel will help keep the air underneath cooler.

But as long as they have several water sources and seem to be moving around and behaving ok then I am sure they are fine.
Just make sure you keep checking them as the heat can build up quickly.
 
Claire W said:
My piggies are currently in their outside run with a fleece over the top for shade. Our garden is North facing so doesn’t usually get much sun but the sun is shining today.

You’d think that after 14 years of guinea pig ownership I’d know the answer to this question but if a piggy gets too warm, do they move in to the shaded area or do they stay in the sun / hide? They’re all currently out eating grass in the shade but there is a sunny patch and it just got me thinking

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Yes, they will move to a cooler place if they feel uncomfortable, the same as any healthy piggies will drink and eat as long as they have access to drinkable water and food.
 
I'd imagine so. Do they have anything cool to lie on/against should they start feeling too warm?
 
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