Visible signs of heat stress. 4. I’ve owned a lot of piggies over the years and this is my great guide resource when you have questions. Keeping your guinea pigs warm. Give your guinea pig time to roam. Guinea pigs like a challenge, so try making an obstacle course or maze out of cardboard.
When playing in his run, you should provide him with places to hide. Guinea pigs that present with heat stroke are dehydrated and weak and do not feel well. When a guinea pig is in heat she can show the following signs: increased activity, swollen vulva, chasing cage mates, swaying hips/hind end, low pitched vocalizations, and arching … You can use a large piece of cardboard for the base or simply tape walls to the floor. It's best to bring them inside the house in the fall or winter when you live in a cold climate or create a warm structure when temperatures dip below 60 °F (16 °C). Slowness and lethargy . Due to changes in temperature and humidity in the winter, guinea pigs become more susceptible to respiratory problems, hypothermia, pneumonia as well as infections. They require immediate attention and their core body temperature must be cooled down to prevent seizures. Guinea pigs hail from a relatively cool region of the world, and they are prone to heatstroke and other heat-related maladies. I got three girls on Sunday, and they live in a 2 x 5 at the top of my 6 boys condo. Hi , I have 2 male Guinea pigs its there first winter they are outside in there hutches but the hutches are in a brick shed its still very cold out there i would like to know any ideas of what i can do to help them keep warm I cant bring them indoors 1 they don’t get on with each other and 2 we don’t have the room for 2 hutches . Hard Plastic cages heat up very quickly in hot weather and will harm a guinea pig if they are in the environment of a plastic hutch because plastic conducts heat quickly. If however, you are here to prolong your guinea pig’s lifespan, than logic dictates that you should AVOID these actions.
This is because Guinea Pigs don’t like to graze in the open.
Tunnels are also a fun addition. They can smell the girls especially then, which is understandable. Guinea Pigs need to be able to stretch out fully, run, and stand up on their hind legs. Most animals sweat when they get too hot to release heat and bring down their body temperature. Guinea pigs are susceptible to cold weather.
Providing the correct environment in which to keep your guinea pig cool in summer is of vital importance. This can lead guinea pigs to exhibit behaviors like lethargy and cause panting and convulsions. 20 Mistakes: How to Kill Your Pet. Guinea pigs can also be provided items in their cage which will ensure they are provided with the needs in which to maintain a moderate temperature and prevent heat stroke. The membrane covering the vaginal area opens to prepare for the mating process when the female guinea pig is in heat, and it closes back over after the need to mate passes. Hiding places can include: tunnels, boxes and houses. (all regular supplies have been acquired such as a cage, water bottle, food, igloo) Stupor, staggers and terminal convulsions . Evident discomfort and distress: Increased water consumption (up to 6x normal) Increase urine output (and loss of electrolytes) Increased wallowing . Also, any helpful tips for a first time owner would help. Try to bring your guinea pigs indoors if it dips below 60 °F (16 °C) outside. A guinea pig owner often wants to control the breeding of his pets, so being able to identify when the animals are in heat is useful. KEEPING YOUR CAVY COOL IN SUMMER Guinea pigs require a level of care especially in relation to heat management. Dangers.
They require immediate attention and their core body temperature must be cooled down to prevent seizures. *So far* (whew) my boys are doing great. Guinea pigs can go into heat, on average, every 15-17 days (with a range of 13-21 days). Is it like humans and have a certain age or time of year/month that they go into heat or does it just happen randomly? They can smell the girls especially then, which is understandable.
I use 18' chicken wire and make a 12' circle and place it in the shade, never put your guinea pig in direct sunshine as they will suffer a heat stroke quickly but they do need a lot of indirect sunlight.