When I was little, our family had to Guinea Pigs. We always forgot them outside. I regret that fully now. They went everywhere, from the bushes to underneath our deck. So many times, so many times we almost lost them. The lesson is- Never Ever Leave your Piggies outside unattended.
There are so many distractions that can take you away from your cavy. Phone Calls you have to answer. Working. Cleaning their cage. Even if you are gone for only 2 minutes, they could have gotten away. They may be accidental and cause stress when they are gone. You may be scared, but on the other hand, your guinea pig might be even more.
Some dangers of the outside world are animals. Foxes, ravens, even hawks. They could swoop up your Furry friend in an instant. I have a close instant when a crow was flying towards my Guinea Pig, Sadie. I almost had a heart attack. Talons out, it screeched. It must have scared sadie for weeks after.
There are ways to keep your Cavies safe, but still let them get some fresh air and sun.
*Always watch them. If it is for a short amount of time, stay out there by their side and get some sun.
*Create a large pen for them. Make it large enough for them to roam around freely, but give it a top. Make sure it cannot be moved around easily.
*Stick to a routine. Watch them one day, then have another member of your household watch them another day, so you can get caught up on work if you are behind.
*Bring outside to them. Give them fresh grass, a lot to munch on, anything you want that is not harmful to make them be at home.
*Beware of animals like...
-Foxes
-Raccoons
-Coyotes
-Large birds
-Feral Cats
-Even wild rabbits (They have very strong hind legs that can break a Cavy ribs in an instant.)
-Bees
If you see them close by, watch your Guinea Pigs closely, or just take them inside.
Heat stroke. Guinea Pigs can get it. It is not good, and it can be fatal. Almost every animal can get it. Humans, Dogs, Cavies, Cats. Luckily, I have had no instances with heat stroke. But here is what to do if there is an instance.
Signs of Heat Stroke
-Rapid Panting/heaving
-Bright red tongue and eyes
-Pale gums
-Depression
-Weakness
-Floppiness
-Shock/flighty reactions
-Dizziness
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
I suggest not to take your Guinea Pig out in temperatures over 80 degrees or so. If you do, keep them out for a small amount of time. Do not take them out in winter either.
For more information, go to this website.
There may be dangers in the outside world, but it doesn't mean your Guinea Pig has to stay cooped up in their cage all day.
There are so many distractions that can take you away from your cavy. Phone Calls you have to answer. Working. Cleaning their cage. Even if you are gone for only 2 minutes, they could have gotten away. They may be accidental and cause stress when they are gone. You may be scared, but on the other hand, your guinea pig might be even more.
Some dangers of the outside world are animals. Foxes, ravens, even hawks. They could swoop up your Furry friend in an instant. I have a close instant when a crow was flying towards my Guinea Pig, Sadie. I almost had a heart attack. Talons out, it screeched. It must have scared sadie for weeks after.
There are ways to keep your Cavies safe, but still let them get some fresh air and sun.
*Always watch them. If it is for a short amount of time, stay out there by their side and get some sun.
*Create a large pen for them. Make it large enough for them to roam around freely, but give it a top. Make sure it cannot be moved around easily.
*Stick to a routine. Watch them one day, then have another member of your household watch them another day, so you can get caught up on work if you are behind.
*Bring outside to them. Give them fresh grass, a lot to munch on, anything you want that is not harmful to make them be at home.
*Beware of animals like...
-Foxes
-Raccoons
-Coyotes
-Large birds
-Feral Cats
-Even wild rabbits (They have very strong hind legs that can break a Cavy ribs in an instant.)
-Bees
If you see them close by, watch your Guinea Pigs closely, or just take them inside.
Heat stroke. Guinea Pigs can get it. It is not good, and it can be fatal. Almost every animal can get it. Humans, Dogs, Cavies, Cats. Luckily, I have had no instances with heat stroke. But here is what to do if there is an instance.
Signs of Heat Stroke
-Rapid Panting/heaving
-Bright red tongue and eyes
-Pale gums
-Depression
-Weakness
-Floppiness
-Shock/flighty reactions
-Dizziness
-Diarrhea
-Vomiting
I suggest not to take your Guinea Pig out in temperatures over 80 degrees or so. If you do, keep them out for a small amount of time. Do not take them out in winter either.
For more information, go to this website.
There may be dangers in the outside world, but it doesn't mean your Guinea Pig has to stay cooped up in their cage all day.
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