As proud piggy parents, we can’t get enough of our sweet furballs. This is one of the reasons why keeping guinea pigs indoors (aka as close as possible!) is so popular. We get plenty of chances to check on them during the day, have a cuddle, and feel at ease knowing they’re safe and secure in a homely environment.
However, when the weather is nice, there is nothing that your furry friends will enjoy more than spending some time outdoors. Of course, this has to be done in a way that still guarantees their safety!
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about taking your guinea pigs outside, from when it's the best time to give your guinea pigs outdoor time to how you can prevent any potential risks.
Why should you take your guinea pigs outside?
So, if the outside world can be so dangerous to your sensitive piggies, why should you bring them out? Guinea pigs will benefit from spending time out of their cage, especially outside in a garden:
- Outdoor time for guinea pigs keeps them active and healthy.
- Gardens make an exciting new environment for your piggies to explore, boosting their moods and fighting off any boredom. Just imagine all the great things their little noses could smell!
- Super fresh wild greens will let their foraging instincts kick in (check out this guide on foraging for guinea pigs to learn which plants are safe and which ones you should avoid)
Outdoor Time for an Indoor Guinea Pig
Now that you understand why your guinea pig needs to spend some time outside every once in a while, let's look at exactly when you should do so and how.
When can guinea pigs go outside?
Guinea pigs are crepuscular animals, meaning that they’re most active at dawn and dusk. If you’re able to, this is a great time to take them outside as they’ll be wide awake and ready to explore. This is especially a good time during summer, as you’re more likely to avoid the hours of the day when it’s too hot to go out. Guinea pigs can go outside when the temperature is mild, around 60-73°F (16-23°C), and there is no rain, wind, or snow.
In Spring, the best outside playtime is between 2-4pm as the temperature is more likely to be warm enough. However, make sure you avoid bringing them out if the temperature is at or above 77°F (25°C) as it could put them at risk of heatstroke.
How long should I keep my guinea pig outside?
It’s recommended that guinea pigs spend at least 1 hour outside of their cage every day. However, if your piggy has never been outside, start small and increase this time gradually. It can be quite tiring at first with so many new sights, sounds, and smells!
If at any point they appear tired, afraid, or uncomfortable, don’t push it and let them go back inside to calm down and rest.
How to keep your guinea pigs safe outside
Since guinea pigs love to take a nibble out of most things, especially ones that resemble their beloved hay, they’re likely to try and munch on your lawn. Guinea pigs can eat grass from your garden only if it’s free from pesticides and handed out fresh, not from the clippings of your mowed lawn. Mown grass will have already started the fermentation process and can upset your piggy’s tummy.
Whenever your piggies leave their cage to venture outside, an outdoor run is a must-have. C&C playpens are a great option to keep your guinea pigs safe during outdoor time. These outdoor runs for guinea pigs are designed with a secure lid and small grid gaps, so that predators are kept outside while piggies stay safely inside. However, we recommend you always supervise guinea pigs when they go outside, even if you’re using a lid on your outdoor cage!
Keep in mind the size of the playpen you choose - remember that two piggies require at least 8 square feet of floor space. But the more the better, as this is the perfect time for them to stretch their legs outside of their indoor guinea pig cage! Don’t forget to also add a few accessories to meet your little piggy’s needs:
- Water bottle for refreshment
- Fresh hay to nibble on
- Comforting hideys or tunnels
- Pet-friendly toys and games to keep them entertained
Outdoor guinea pig risks to consider
Plan for potential dangers before you bring your guinea pigs outside. Here are a few examples of things you should watch out for:
Avoid direct sunlight - Direct sunlight increases your piggy’s risk of heatstroke. Set up your guinea pig outdoor run in a shady spot in the garden, or try a shade cover to protect them from sunlight. You can also add a freezable bottle and a cool mat next to them so they can get instant relief from the heat whenever needed!
Protect from pesticides and toxic plants - For their safety, place the playpen somewhere without grass treated with pesticides or toxic plants. So that the only thing they taste is the safe foraging plants you pick for them!
Protect from predators - While the outdoor run for guinea pigs stops piggies from exploring somewhere unsafe, it doesn’t prevent predators from approaching. Animals like cats, foxes, and birds of prey all pose a great danger as they're quick and stealthy by design. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential predators in your area and closely watch out for them! Get a sturdy lid on your guinea pig outdoor run to keep other animals away, but always remain nearby to keep an eye on your piggies.
Where should you keep your piggies outside?
When you’re bringing your piggies’ outside, consider where you let them roam. Here’s how you can find the perfect spot for them:
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Select an area that has a flat surface to avoid gaps in your enclosure.
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Choose a patch of grass that is untreated to avoid pesticides and chemicals, but also any poop or pee from other animals.
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Choose a patch of grass that has not been mown, since mowing creates a blend of all sorts of plants, some potentially toxic. Eating grass cuttings can also lead to a build-up of gastric gases, which can be harmful to your piggies.
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Set the enclosure close to your house so that you can easily reach them as needed.
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Place the outdoor run for guinea pigs half in sunshine and half in shade, for optimum temperature regulation.
Guinea Pigs Going Outside FAKs - Frequently Asked Kavees
Can guinea pigs live outside?
Yes, guinea pigs can live outside if housed in suitable outdoor cages. However, piggy parents who decide to keep their piggies outside need to consider a few factors for their safety, including temperature and weather conditions. Guinea pigs are most comfortable in mild temperatures of around 60-73°F (16-23°C), and shouldn’t be left exposed to the elements.
Won’t my guinea pigs catch parasites outside?
Nasty little critters may be more common when roaming around in the grass, but there are never any absolute guarantees against parasites in piggies (although worms are very rare). Parasites can be found in fresh hay, so these pesky mites can easily latch onto piggy fur - even if your guinea pig spends the vast majority of their time indoors! Generally speaking, you shouldn’t be too worried, as the benefits of taking your pig outside largely outweigh the risks.
What outdoor temperature is dangerous for guinea pigs?
Temperatures above approximately 77°F (25°C) can lead to heat stroke, so make sure you closely monitor their wellbeing when they’re outside in warmer weather. The opposite effect can occur when temperatures reach below 60°F/16°C.
