How do guinea pigs cope in summer?

[Asti]

I've just adopted 2 lovely guinea pigs from the RSPCA here in Australia.
I'm originally from Ireland and I had one there as a teenager. In Ireland I would just open his hutch door and give him free run of the garden. He would live indoors if the weather was bad and in winter.
I'm worried about how the new ones will cope in an Australian summer. I know they don't like it too hot but would they be OK outside if they had enough shade and water?

[Noelson]

I can only tell you my experience. Our Guinea pig (recently passed away) Lived outside with our rabbits in the summer. They live in a huge enclosure underneath a few trees. The GP and Rabbits have sun and shade. Hotest temp here was about 90 degrees. She loved it. They come in side in the winter but she stayed in a cage (I didn't want her running "free" inside and the rabbits have the run of the downstairs. She lived to be 6 which I hear is great for GP. She really adapted well to living outside - she went from living in a 5 gallon fish tank (previous owners) to a rabbit cage to virtual freedom with us. I loved her and miss her squeeks! RIP Georgette - you were one cool pig...

[goettling]

I have wondered that too. Funny my neighbors are out of town this week and I am in charge of their pig. I told them, do not sew me if I accendently(sp) kill it!!!:p

I am just going to give it lots of water and keep their cats way out of its way.

[Noelson]

I have wondered that too. Funny my neighbors are out of town this week and I am in charge of their pig. I told them, do not sew me if I accendently(sp) kill it!!!:p

I am just going to give it lots of water and keep their cats way out of its way.

Yea, Georgette drank lots of water. Is this 'pig' outside? Does he/she squeek for ya? Are you able to pet him/her? Georgette used to "purr" when you would pet her. I was never a GP lover until we rescued her. I totally miss her but don't think we will get another. BTW - GPs love dandelion leaves and flowers!!

[goettling]

Yea, Georgette drank lots of water. Is this 'pig' outside? Does he/she squeek for ya? Are you able to pet him/her? Georgette used to "purr" when you would pet her. I was never a GP lover until we rescued her. I totally miss her but don't think we will get another. BTW - GPs love dandelion leaves and flowers!!

She is in a big fish tank in my neighbors daughters room. She talks a lot and is really pretty. I love to hold her. Even my neighbors kids always hands her to me when she gets upset by the kids.

They can be hard to take care of though. One used to love to crawl in a little water in my bath tub. It was cute.

[Noelson]

She is in a big fish tank in my neighbors daughters room. She talks a lot and is really pretty. I love to hold her. Even my neighbors kids always hands her to me when she gets upset by the kids.

They can be hard to take care of though. One used to love to crawl in a little water in my bath tub. It was cute.



ARGH - A fish tank (IMHO) is THE worst place to keep a GP !! It really is and that makes me sad. She should be in a rabbit cage or something like that. I only know this because when Georgette came into our lives that is exactly what she is in. In a fish tank, they really have something similar to "sensory deprivation" ie they can't smell, or hear - also they don't get as much fresh air as they would in a cage. A really BIG thumbs down to fish tanks!! I know that it's "OK" to have one and maybe that is what was recommended for them, but UGH, I just don't like them.

[goettling]

ARGH - A fish tank (IMHO) is THE worst place to keep a GP !! It really is and that makes me sad. She should be in a rabbit cage or something like that. I only know this because when Georgette came into our lives that is exactly what she is in. In a fish tank, they really have something similar to "sensory deprivation" ie they can't smell, or hear - also they don't get as much fresh air as they would in a cage. A really BIG thumbs down to fish tanks!! I know that it's "OK" to have one and maybe that is what was recommended for them, but UGH, I just don't like them.

Oh my, I have been in a state of panic for a few. After reading your post, I went over there to check to make sure if it was in a fish tank, and the key would not work! My husband even tried. So I got a hold of her and told her that I can not get into her house to take care of her pets. This same key has always worked, when I watch their house. They will be gone for a week, so I was freakin, that the pig could die.

But she called me back and said that they are going to mail a key asap fast.

I was also wondering if the other neighbors were thinking that me and my husband were trying to break and enter, since we were probally looking like we were kicking the door down.:D Plus I needed to borrow some bread.:p

So when I get the key, I am going to double check on the cage thing.

[Noelson]

Oh my, I have been in a state of panic for a few. After reading your post, I went over there to check to make sure if it was in a fish tank, and the key would not work! My husband even tried. So I got a hold of her and told her that I can not get into her house to take care of her pets. This same key has always worked, when I watch their house. They will be gone for a week, so I was freakin, that the pig could die.

But she called me back and said that they are going to mail a key asap fast.

I was also wondering if the other neighbors were thinking that me and my husband were trying to break and enter, since we were probally looking like we were kicking the door down.:D Plus I needed to borrow some bread.:p

So when I get the key, I am going to double check on the cage thing.

OMG You crack me up!! I mean it - without a doubt, you are funny!!

[goettling]

OMG You crack me up!! I mean it - without a doubt, you are funny!!

It is a rainy yucky day here. Me and my husband have not been very motivated today. So what really stinks is that I am feeling lazy and had to drive a half block in the rain to buy the bread and my husband was still trying to wiggle that key when I pulled out of the drive.

Then my husband tells me when I got back that she told us to eat the rest of her apple pie on the counter. My husbands favorite. I think that he was trying to get into the house more for the pie, and I wanted the pig and bread.:p

But back to the topic:D I think the pig will have enough water till I get the key. She bought it about a month ago. She said that she grew up with them. I wonder if she understands the cage thing though.

[SilverC]

Guinea pigs actually do not tolerate heat very well. Air conditioning is a must if you get into high temperatures. If you don't have ac, then try fans and give them some covered ice packs to lie on to help cool them off.

Guinea pigs should never be left unsupervised outdoors. I've heard many stories of pigs overheating or getting caught by predators.

Pigs are very social critters, and should be kept in same sex pairs, or mixed sex (so long as the males are neutered). If you can't get another pig, then spend as much time with the pig as possible.

I second the "omg!" about the fish tank. No glass cages, those are way too stuffy!

www.guinealynx.com is a really great source of info on gp care.

[KulaShaker]

ARGH - A fish tank (IMHO) is THE worst place to keep a GP !! It really is and that makes me sad. She should be in a rabbit cage or something like that. I only know this because when Georgette came into our lives that is exactly what she is in. In a fish tank, they really have something similar to "sensory deprivation" ie they can't smell, or hear - also they don't get as much fresh air as they would in a cage. A really BIG thumbs down to fish tanks!! I know that it's "OK" to have one and maybe that is what was recommended for them, but UGH, I just don't like them.
Yea, i have two boy guineas, who are totally sweehearts, and i have them setup in a plastic kiddie pool in my room. They have plenty of space, a log cabin, a plastic dome to sleep in, food, water bottle, tubes, etc. They need lotsa space and lotsa ventilation. They always run over to the sides and put their feet up whenever i come in, and start begging for treats! They are so cute and love thier home! Whenever im cleaning their pen, they stand on the sides of the smallers lwo cage they are in, and try to smell everything and stare, they are so curious!! I LOVE guinea pigs!!!

[Noelson]

Yea, GP's rock. I never knew about them until I got Georgette. She was so cool - I so miss her squeeks and purrs - rabbits make no noise!!

Yea, I had read about kiddie pools, it gives them alot of space, etc - good for you!!. Georgette had an "igloo" that she would go in and "turtle" around literally move it from place to place with her in it - it was too funny. Also whats good are those 4" wide white pipes used for outside drainage - they are big and have connectors on them. I gave some to the teacher at school and her GP's love them - good hiding spots.

[goettling]

omg!!! This is true. I have not recieved the key in the mail and tomorrow is Sunday. I called my neighbor and she called UPS, and said that they do not deliver on Saterdays. So that means that the pig might die without because of no water.

I just got off the phone with her and she is worried too. She said she wished that UPS would have told her that, since she thought it was going to be over night.

Now she is telling me to have me and my husband break and enter somehow. I said, "ya right, the neighbors will call the cops and get to me sooner than you can explain to the other neighbors!"

I do not think the pig has water now or food now. She said use a pocket knife in her front door, because the the bolt is not locked. My husband won't get home till late and works 12 hours tomorrow. I do not think I could did this.

Anyone have any experience in breaking and entering someones home?:p

My saterday night will be intersting after all.:p

But really, do you think a pig can survive a couple more days if we can not get in their house to take care of it?

[Noelson]

well, frankly, no. How long has it been since the GP has been fed? What was left for food? Does the GP have a water dispenser?

They are so small and Georgette ate and drank alot - they really are "pigs". I wasn't sure if drinking alot of water was normal for GP's but Georgette did.

Poor GP, Poor Goettling!!

Good Lord, what a mess - when are they coming back?

[SilverC]

Guinea pigs need to eat almost constantly. It's just the way their bodies are designed. Going longer than a day without food will cause organ damage.

I say, break a window and get in there!

[goettling]

Just after I posted this my neighbor called me again. She is a realitor(sp). So she called her boss and he called me and is on his way over. I guess he has one of those special keys. (scary,huh?)

So we are going to use that key to get in.

So I am on a mission to save the pig. Wish us luck.

[goettling]

We did it!!!!!!! The key would not work, so he took a hammer and busted the lock and replaced it. The pig was out of food and water. He just started to drink it so fast. GGGGGGGGGGGG the fish tank was a mess and smaller than I thought.

I feel so better now. wow. I am going over their tomorrow and spend time with the gp. It look so lonely.

Also her cats were out of food and water and I ran through the house like crazy. I think her boss thought that I was a little obssesed. (sp):lol:

Okay, pats myself on the back.:bobo: Mission accomplished.

Oh, but one of my other nieghbors pulled into his driveway when he was hammering. It was dark. I wonder what he was thinking.:lol:

[thebelovedtree]

The pig was out of food and water. He just started to drink it so fast. GGGGGGGGGGGG the fish tank was a mess and smaller than I thought.


See if you can talk to your friend about getting the pig out of that fish tank, they need more ventaliation than that, if they're in a tank they inhale in their pee and poop smells all day, and its bad for their lungs, aside from being too small. Also, try to see if they can get him/her a friend, pigs don't like to be lonely either. I'm glad you got in and got him some food and water that was quite and adventure.

[goettling]

See if you can talk to your friend about getting the pig out of that fish tank, they need more ventaliation than that, if they're in a tank they inhale in their pee and poop smells all day, and its bad for their lungs, aside from being too small. Also, try to see if they can get him/her a friend, pigs don't like to be lonely either. I'm glad you got in and got him some food and water that was quite and adventure.

I am trying to think of a way to express this to her without her getting mad. I mean we are good friends and all, she know how I believe and such, but I am not sure how to say it, in right words.

What also bothers me is that she lets her 9 year doing all the taking care of it.

I do not know, I can go over there anytime and play with the pig, to make up for some, but not sure how to say this to her.

Any suggestions?

[thebelovedtree]

I am trying to think of a way to express this to her without her getting mad. I mean we are good friends and all, she know how I believe and such, but I am not sure how to say it, in right words.

What also bothers me is that she lets her 9 year doing all the taking care of it.

I do not know, I can go over there anytime and play with the pig, to make up for some, but not sure how to say this to her.

Any suggestions?

Maybe you could suggest that you research the care of gps with her daughter, since this could be a good time for her to learn how to care for pets, and that part of caring for them is learning about them. Then you could present your findings and maybe get the pig in a kiddy pool type set-up, etc.

[goettling]

Maybe you could suggest that you research the care of gps with her daughter, since this could be a good time for her to learn how to care for pets, and that part of caring for them is learning about them. Then you could present your findings and maybe get the pig in a kiddy pool type set-up, etc.

Yeah, maybe I could say when she was out of town, that I started reading up on them, because we both were scared for the pig. Then I could say something like , "by the way, this is the best way for your pig." Something like that. "I was just reading about them."

[Noelson]

The only issue I would have with the pool is the fact that you said they have cats? That kinda scares me.

OK, Here is the site I looked up when I got Georgette. You will see a picture of these wire cages which you can buy anywhere which attach together to make shelves - I think they come in a package of 12(?). They are really cheap - like $16.00 cdn for a pack. I had a "run" set up out on our deck using 2 packages which gave her an enclosure with a roof. The ones listed here is just really cool but too complex for one pig - but you get the idea. You can attach these things in any kind of way you want make the enclosure as big or small and it will be secure. I can't tell you what they use as a bottom - it might say on the website, I am too lazy tonight to read - sorry :) But - these worked really well for us when we had Georgette - she spent her first summer with us out there and she loved it! (this was before our humongous rabbit enclosure) The rabbits lived on the deck as well but one was chewing on the house so that didn't go over very well (ha ha) Rabbit cages are pretty expensive (I think) so this might be something they can look at. If they have a computer, this might be a good link for them.

I really hope they can get the GP out of the fish tank. Oh, Edit to say - scroll down to the middle of the page to see the different "cages" they have set up... Also "Photo Galleries" at the top of the page, it looks like literally hundreds of pictures - not one of them a fish tank I bet :(

http://www.cavycages.com/

BTW - I love you because you saved a Pig - you are a pretty cool person!

[goettling]

Thank you for the link. I looked it up. I want this pig now!!! I think I could help it. I love my neighbors, but darn....it is hard.

I almost just brought it to my house tonight. But my husband would have gotten mad over the pets and the VB thing. I think he is craving attention, just like the pig.:D

[goettling]

But, seriously, it is really starting to bug me. I feel sorry for the pig. I am gonna try my best at all of this.

I can not wait till tomorow(sp) I am going over there and help the pig as best as I can till they get back.

[thebelovedtree]

But, seriously, it is really starting to bug me. I feel sorry for the pig. I am gonna try my best at all of this.

I can not wait till tomorrow(sp) I am going over there and help the pig as best as I can till they get back.

Maybe you could change out the cage as inexpensively as possible as a big surprise for when they get back.