Chilly guinea pigs: get their corner ready for autumn

Guinea pigs are pure sweetness on short legs: they chat in squeaks, get excited when they hear the hay bag rustle and hide the moment something worries them. What they don't cope with well are extremes: neither intense heat nor cold nor draughts.

If they live outside, think twice

If your guinea pigs have spent the summer on a terrace or a balcony, the arrival of the cold is a good moment to think about bringing them indoors. Autumn nights can be cool and damp, and they struggle with damp and with changes in temperature.

If that isn't possible, the enclosure must be sheltered from wind, rain and damp, raised off the ground and with well-insulated places to shelter. If in any doubt, ask your vet.

Indoors, in just the right spot

• Away from draughty windows and doors that open onto the street.
• Not right up against radiators or heaters: too much heat is bad for them too.
• In a room with some life in it, because they're sociable, but without loud noise.
• Raised off the floor if it's very cold, for example on a stable base or table.

Dry bedding and cosy hideaways

The key in autumn is keeping their bedding dry at all times. Damp does more harm than the cold itself. Use an absorbent substrate, add a good layer of hay and change wet patches often.

• Little houses or tunnels where they can take shelter, one per guinea pig to avoid squabbles.
• Soft fabric beds designed for small mammals, which are easy to wash.
• Plenty of hay: it's both food and blanket.
• Frequent cleaning to prevent damp and bad smells.

Their company and their health

Guinea pigs are very social animals and feel safer in the company of other guinea pigs. Huddled together, they keep each other warm too.

Their diet should be based on good-quality hay, guinea pig pellets and suitable fresh vegetables. As they can't make vitamin C themselves, they need it in their diet: your vet will tell you how to make sure they get enough.

If a guinea pig seems listless, has ruffled fur, sneezes, has any discharge or stops eating, get to the vet as soon as possible.

At Petuki you'll find little houses, fabric beds, tunnels and accessories so your guinea pigs spend autumn in the cosiest of corners.