A lot of pet owners are asking – can guinea pigs live outside in winter? It’s easy to assume that they can with their thick fur. A lot of owners keep their guinea pigs outside and they want to know if they can keep their pets outside for the winter or if they should bring them in.
Our Pets and the Cold Weather
First of all, it’s important to know how they feel with the cold weather. Generally speaking, they feel the cold weather just like we do. This is because they have an internal body temperature (normally) of between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius. This is close to our normal body temperature of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Just like humans, they can tolerate the cold. This is especially true since they have a compact body. Of course, their fur helps. So can guinea pigs live outside in winter? Not necessarily. While they can tolerate the cold, that doesn’t mean that they’re built for it. Just like humans, they’ll get affected if they’re out in the cold long especially if it’s too cold.
How Cold is Too Cold?
You should consider bringing your pet in if it’s already below 20 degrees Celsius. While it’s true that they can tolerate something lower than that provided that they’re housed outside and have good and warm bedding, you have to bring them in if the temperature goes near 10 degrees Celsius.
As a general rule of thumb, keep them inside if you yourself do not feel comfortable to be out without a jacket on. If you can stay outside comfortably without a jacket, then your guinea pigs should be fine outside.
How about an Insulated Hutch?
Can guinea pigs live outside in winter if they’re in a hutch? The hutch can offer them another layer of protection which will allow them to tolerate the cold more. But if it gets a little bit colder, you may need to insulate the hutch.
A lot of guinea pig owners cover the hutch with a thick blanket. This can help your pet when they’re outside in the cold but again, consider bringing them in if it gets below 10 degrees Celsius.
Also, make sure that their hutch protects them from drafts and winds. They don’t like that especially if it’s the winter.
Conclusion
So can guinea pigs live outside in winter? They can, but it’s a good idea to play it safe. Keep them in an insulated hutch outside but bring them in if it gets too cold.
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