Should Guinea Pigs Be Kept Indoors or Outdoors? A Comprehensive Guide

Should Guinea Pigs Be Kept Indoors or Outdoors? A Comprehensive Guide

As a guinea pig owner, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is where to house your furry friends. The question often arises: should we keep guinea pigs indoors or outdoors? This decision can significantly impact their health and happiness. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of both options, discuss C&C cages, and provide tips for choosing the best guinea pig cages.

## Indoor vs. Outdoor Housing: The Great Debate

The debate on whether to keep guinea pigs indoors or outdoors has been ongoing for years. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.

Keeping your guinea pigs outdoors allows them to enjoy fresh air and natural sunlight, which can be beneficial for their health. However, outdoor environments also expose them to potential threats such as predators, extreme weather conditions, and diseases from other animals.

On the other hand, keeping your guinea pigs indoors provides a controlled environment that protects them from external threats. They’ll have constant access to food and water, be safe from predators, and be part of your daily life. However, indoor housing may limit their exposure to natural sunlight and fresh air.

## Why Indoor Cages are Preferred

Many experts recommend keeping guinea pigs indoors due to several reasons:

### Safety
Indoor cages provide a safer environment for your pets as they are protected from predators such as cats, dogs, foxes or birds of prey that might roam in your garden.

### Controlled Environment
Indoors you can control temperature fluctuations better than outdoors. Guinea pigs are sensitive creatures that can suffer from heatstroke in hot weather or hypothermia in cold conditions.

### Bonding Time
Having your guinea pig inside allows more interaction time with you and your family members which is essential for their socialization.

## The Importance of Choosing the Right Cage

Regardless of whether you decide to keep your guinea pigs indoors or outdoors, choosing the right cage is crucial. The cage should be spacious enough for your guinea pig to move around freely. It should also be easy to clean and safe for your pet.

### C&C Cages: A Popular Choice

C&C cages, which stands for “Cubes and Coroplast / Correx”, have become increasingly popular among guinea pig owners. These cages are customizable, spacious, and provide excellent ventilation. They consist of wire grid panels (the cubes) and a Coroplast base (a type of corrugated plastic).

The flexibility of C&C cages allows you to design a cage that suits your space and meets your guinea pig’s needs. They are also easy to clean, which helps maintain a healthy environment for your pets.

## Tips for Setting Up Indoor Guinea Pig Cages

Whether you choose a traditional cage or a C&C cage, here are some tips to set up an indoor guinea pig cage:

1. **Location**: Choose a quiet place away from direct sunlight and drafts. Avoid placing the cage near loud appliances or areas with high foot traffic.

2. **Size**: Ensure the cage is large enough for your guinea pig to move around freely. A good rule of thumb is at least 7 square feet for one guinea pig but more is always better.

3. **Bedding**: Use absorbent bedding such as fleece liners or paper-based bedding to keep the cage dry and comfortable.

4. **Enrichment**: Include hideouts, toys, tunnels, and platforms in the cage to keep your guinea pig entertained.

In conclusion, whether you decide to keep your guinea pigs indoors or outdoors depends on various factors such as climate conditions, potential threats from predators, and how much time you can spend with them daily. However, keeping them indoors in appropriate cages like C&C cages offers more control over their environment and better opportunities for bonding. Remember, a happy guinea pig is a healthy guinea pig!

See our full range of indoor guinea pig cages here https://candcguineapigcages.co.uk/standard-cages/