How cold is too cold for guinea pigs?

Question

I want to build a run for my piggies so that they can run outside for an hour or two everyday. If I wanted to let them outside for 1-2 hours a day, though, how warm would it have to be?

Also, and I never take them outside for more than 15 minutes or so in the summertime, and NEVER when the temperature is any higher than about 75 degrees. So, please don't give me the 'high heat' lecture! :P

Answer 1

If it's uncomfortable for you to be outside without a jacket then its uncomfortable for the guinea pigs also have some protection for gusts of wind and rain in your run and the same for warm weather. Guinea pigs are vdery content being inside all the time-in fact changes in temperature like from a air conditioned house to the warm outside or heated house to the cold of outside is what they ar very sensitive to and can make them ill very quickly.They do not miss the outside but its only us who think they do.Fact is they'll be more content , safe and healthy being in the same temperature and very familiar to them enviroment than they are to Changes.To have sudden changes thrust on them is also stressful to them-will they have the sense to come in from the run when it rains or if there is a sudden temp change I doubt it for have very small brains. If they are content now why risk health problems. You could add variety etc by building little runs and obstacle courses in their own inside enclosure-the portable playpens for animals are great for guinea pigs for you can eith attach on both sides of the cage so it encloses the cage from the front-leave the cage door open but put heavy rug on the door so they cannot get feet stuck and injure and then you can have the run and fun stuff for them in the play area but since can't be litterbox trained expect pellets wherever and why I put newspaper on the floor of the play pen.they love tunnels to run through even a box turned upside dwn with cutouts in the sides of the box is fun for them and cheaper than buying the plastic tunnels but I do both I also hang treats on the inside far side of the play area so they have to find by smell-encourages exercise and mentally stimulates.

Answer 2

We have a bird sanctuary in Niagara and they have guinea pigs and rabbits together outside all day long in the summer. They have holes dug in the ground and cement tubes to lay in if they get hot, they are also covered by a big shady tree. Lots of fresh water and a cage about 4 feet high. I'm not sure about the winter temp. You had better check with a pet store.

Answer 3

If you can, let your guinea pigs in your house...Try setting up a small run inside with newspaper and blankets to soak up any accidents, this way the temp should be just right...Good Luck!