Feeding and Watering
Handling
Care
Housing
There is a wide range of hutches available for guinea pigs, and they can be housed outside in the warm summer. If you keep your guinea pig outside, use a solid, rainproof hutch off the ground, plus a run so your guinea pig can exercise. The run can be attached to the hutch or be a separate pen to allow exercise and grazing. If you keep your pet indoors, the hutch can be a bit less substantial, but you will still need to provide a run outside. A mobile run that can be moved around the garden is best. Be careful, though, to make sure the cage is very secure to avoid any attacks from cats or foxes. The cage should be brought back inside over the winter, with plenty of bedding for insulation.
The hutch should have an enclosed solid sided area for shelter as well as a mesh fronted section. A cardboard box will do for the bedroom but make sure you use good quality hay or undyed shredded paper for the bedding.
The floor of the cage can be covered with newspaper, which absorbs urine. Cover this with plenty of hay.
Adult guinea pigs are best kept in an environment between 16°-24°C; they may get heat stroke at temperatures above 27°C so make sure their hutch or cage is away from direct sunlight. Check them frequently if they are outdoors in the summer. Their cages need cleaning out at least three times a week, with a thorough clean every fortnight. If soiled litter is allowed to build up it can release ammonia, which can cause a guinea pig to be more prone to chest infections.
