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Do guinea pigs hibernate? Guinea pigs are not true hibernators, but they can enter a state of torpor in response to cold weather or food scarcity. In this state, their metabolism slows down, their heart rate decreases, and their body temperature drops. This helps them conserve energy and survive when food is scarce.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Ideal Temperature for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are adapted to much warmer climates. Temperatures between 18°C and 23°C degrees suit them best. However, when faced with temperatures below 18°C, they must find a way to survive the cold. Although guinea pigs can endure a slight temperature drop, they do not perform very well in freezing temperatures. They are even known to seize up. In such situations, they may look dead, which can be a worrisome sight for homeowners. Therefore, you must keep your guinea pigs warm and supply them with enough hay and litter.
What temperature is too cold for guinea pigs?
Embed from Getty ImagesThe lowest temperature a guinea pig can survive is 15° Celsius (50° Fahrenheit) if the air is dry. Therefore, if the temperature drops below an uncomfortable level for your pet, he may suffer from hypothermia. Hypothermia can become fatal if not treated quickly and promptly.
How To Take Care Of your Guinea Pig During Winters?
Guinea pigs need more care and consideration in winter.
You can get indoor thermometers that give accurate indications of the temperature and humidity of your home.
Remember also that guinea pigs need exercise, even when it’s cold. Make sure your caviars have access to their course throughout the day. Giving them a treat ball or two is a great way to encourage them to move, which will help them stay warm. Your guinea pig will also require more calories.
Likewise, increase the amount of food in his bowls and give him an extra snack here and there. But, of course, it must also have easy and abundant access to high-quality hay to chew.
How to keep your guinea pig warm?
Embed from Getty ImagesTo keep your guinea pig warm throughout winter, put more litter in its habitat than you usually would. The litter box will maintain your guinea pig warm and dry, and the litter material is excellent for hiding, which is one of his favorite pastimes.
For more heat, You can add straw bedding to their hutch for additional insulation. Furthermore, consider putting a heating pad in its hutch. These cushions are perfectly safe for all animals and will do wonders to keep your piggy happy during the coldest days. The microwave heating pads are ideal because it is more economical and technically safer since there is no electricity.
In addition to the already-established methods of pet warming, electric heat pads have proven to be a trend among pet owners.
Here are some other thoughtful ways to ensure your guinea pigs stay warm when the environment is cold:
- Have several guinea pigs of the same sex. They will snuggle up to each other and keep each other warm.
- Place tunnels and other hot hiding places (such as beds) in your guinea pig hutch.
- Watch their water bottle regularly, as it can freeze in cold weather.
Bathing Guinea Pigs During Winters
Embed from Getty ImagesGuinea pigs are clean animals who groom themselves; however, sometimes, you may need to bathe them. When washing your guinea pig, ensure they’re comfortable by placing a heat source near the bathing area and completely dry before returning them to their hutch. Fill the space with a few inches of warm water and place a cloth or flannel down so they can grip the surface. Use guinea pig-specific shampoos and brushes when cleaning them.
Can I keep my guinea pig outside in winter?
Try to protect your guinea pig from wind, snow, and rain, making the climate colder for your guinea pig. Therefore, you need to insulate the hutch to keep your guinea pigs at a warmer temperature.
You can use a thick blanket, such as a blanket, to conceal the cage. However, if you decide to do so, you should cover the cover with a waterproof coating such as a tarp (a heavy-duty multi-purpose tarp is ideal here) to retain heat in the hutch and prevent moisture and rain from seeping in. Be sure to leave ventilation space, so your guinea pigs do not suffocate. You can remove the blanket during the day, especially if the temperature is not so cold. Another good option is to buy exclusive blankets for your guinea pig’s hutch, sometimes called “hutch huggers.” Hutch covers are an effective way to isolate your pet’s cage.
Signs That Your Guinea Pig Is Too Cold
Guinea pigs are like any other animal when it comes to feeling cold. If you notice your guinea shivering, this means it is too cold. Another way to tell if your guinea is cold is if it curls into a ball. If you see either of these signs, make sure to provide your guinea with a warm and comfortable environment.
Conclusion: So, Do guinea pigs hibernate?
Guinea pigs do not hibernate but still have needs specific to the winter season. Guinea pigs are adorable pets; We want them to be happy and enjoy living with us. They demonstrate their happiness by being playful and in their general disposition.
If you notice that your guinea pig’s attitude or behavior stops during the winter, be sure to take steps to rule out any possibility that it will be too cold for them. If so, you must take proactive steps to improve their environment’s heat and retention.
