Should I keep my guinea pigs outside in the winter?

Question

I keep my guinea pigs in a warm shed that has secure windows that let light in when it is daytime. They have a really big cage, about five sleeping areas to choose from, really thick bedding and there are three of them. But should I keep them inside in winter? I ask because a friend of a friend said I should.

Should I keep my guinea pigs outside in the winter?
I keep my guinea pigs in a warm shed that has secure windows that let light in when it is daytime. They have a really big cage which is heated, really thick bedding and there are three of them. We spend so much time with them and I think it's better if they don't have to suffer the noise of the family home. What do you think?

Answer 1

Yes, you need to keep them indoors. Guinea Pigs are meant to be family pets, not put outside in a shed. If this is your plan, then you should really find new homes for these guys!

Answer 2

Well, you said that your shed is heated and that you spent a lot of time with the guinea pigs so no, if the shed definitely feels warm enough, then I think it is a good idea to keep them outside. Also, you said that it would keep them away from family noise: a good thing because guinea pigs need peace and quiet even more than we do, you may not know this but they have very sensitive ears that can be very painful when exposed to loud noises. Often, guinea pigs go deaf before they are one year old if they are kept in a family home near a television. Tellies can also affect mental health of a guinea pig if they are on most of the time. A deaf guinea pig would not affect your relationship with it, but it would mean that the poor piggie was a lot more uncomfortable and can even cause an early death. So well done you, you have definitely made the right choice and I wish that more of our patients owners would keep their guinea pigs in a warm shed- TV noise is lethal! The only thing that I would say is that in extremely cold weather, take them inside and warm them up:a heater will not help when the conditions are that extreme.
from a reassuring vet! Hope this helps

Answer 3

You should bring them inside. Guinea pigs are not suppose to be outside pets, not even if their in a shed. They need to be kept in a warm environment. Sheds can be draft & cold so that really wouldn't be a good home for them. Guinea pigs have low immune systems compared to cats & dogs so they can not handle cold or hot weather. They really need to be in a warm home. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

You should keep them inside during the winter time and when its extremely hot out. If its not a heated shed i wouldn't! My aunt and uncle raised guinee pigs... ive also had a couple of them myself, their immune systems arent like a dog's or anything, hopefully this helps!

Answer 5

No! they should be indoors! Cavies are from hot weather climates. If they are in the cold or drafts they will likely get upper respiratory infections and die.
They need to be indoors, definately.

Answer 6

uh, no