Are you wondering, "Should I cover a guinea pig cage at night?"
Placing a cover over the guinea pig enclosure is a suitable tactic to prevent escape attempts and keep your pet calm, but it has its dangers.
So, I've gathered all the information you need to know before you start covering your guinea pig hutch.
Just keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- Covering your guinea pig cage at night is unnecessary because cavies are bad climbers.
- You may cover the guinea pig cage if your pet is scared, cold, or can escape its enclosure.
- Keep your guinea pigs happy and calm at night by giving them snacks.
Should You Cover a Guinea Pig Cage?
Unlike rabbits and other small pets, guinea pigs aren't good at jumping or climbing and are unlikely to escape. So, it's not necessary to cover the enclosure at night.
More importantly, covering the cage can be dangerous for your pet's health because the cage should have adequate ventilation to prevent respiratory problems.
Moreover, these tiny animals do not tolerate heat well. As experts from the Blue Cross say, "Temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius can cause fatal heat stroke." (1)
Even if your pet has access to water and shelter, extra cover during hot weather can lead to serious health issues.
But in some situations, placing a cover or a blanket over the enclosure is the right decision. Let's find out when!
When Should You Consider Covering the Guinea Pig Cage?
Your furry friends will be perfectly happy and healthy without a cage cover at night. However, in these three scenarios, a cover has its benefits!
#1 Your Cavy Is Scared
When piggies feel threatened threat, they can do exceptional things trying to flee, such as climbing the cage's high walls.
So, if you have children, cats, dogs, or other pets, I recommend covering the animal cage to make the guinea pig safe.
Also, it's better to cover the cage with a blanket or move it to another room when you have guests over, or the family has planned something noisy that could freak your pet.
#2 Cold Weather
As I mentioned, cavies are sensitive to high cage temperatures. But they also don't fare well in cold weather and can become lethargic.
Outdoor hutches need extra cover during bad winter weather to keep your guinea pigs warm and comfortable.
As for indoor cages, it depends on how cold it gets. Your piggies can get chilled if the temperatures fall below 15 degrees, so you must protect them.
During bad weather, I prefer putting an extra layer of LuftPets' cage liners instead of a cover. These liners are soft, cozy, and perfect for snuggling.
#3 Escape Artists
Adventurous piggies can find ways to escape their enclosure, especially if you're using the wrong cage size. In these cases, it's better to place a cover than spend the morning looking for them.
Check out this video to learn how to make one yourself! And let's discuss how to keep cavies calm at night.
How to Keep Your Cavy Calm at Night?
Cavies take many short naps throughout the day and night. They don't need as much sleep as other pets—four to six hours is enough.
So, it's normal for some piggies to be loud at night. But you can do a couple of things to keep them calm.
#1 Pick the Right Location
Piggies are social animals, so they must feel like part of the family. But they don't like loud noises and should be away from curious family pets.
Choose a suitable room that will satisfy your furry friend's needs for social interaction without strange sounds bothering them at night.
#2 Pick the Right Cage Size
These tiny furballs need more space than pet parents expect to prevent boredom.
Bored piggies can be active at night, looking for ways to escape or wheeking to attract attention. A larger cage keeps everybody happy and well-rested.
According to the Humane Society, you need at least 7.5 square feet for two piggies and at least 10.5 square feet for three, but bigger is always better. (2)
I like pet playpens because of the larger space and versatility. They also make the best enclosures for indoor rabbits!
#3 Provide a Hideout
Provide a hiding hut or make a cozy nest with blankets in a cardboard box. Your pet will have a safe place to hide during the night and won't scream for attention.
Guinea pigs aren't the only pets that love soft surfaces - rabbits like blankets in their cages because they're comfy for naps.
#4 Clean the Cage
Dirty bedding can make it hard for your cavy to find a comfortable spot to nap. Ensure you spot-clean the cage before bed, and check how often you should clean your guinea pig cage.
#5 Snacks
Finally, leave some snacks for your pets before you go to bed. Piggies eat all the time, so having some tasty treats will keep them calm and occupied!
FAQs
1. Do guinea pigs like it dark at night?
Guinea pigs like it dark because they're prey animals, and the dark gives them the best opportunity to hide from predators.
2. Do you put a blanket over a guinea pig's cage?
You can put a blanket over the cage, but it shouldn't completely cover it, or your pet may suffocate.
3. What is best for guinea pigs to sleep on?
Cage liners, fleece, or paper are the best guinea pig bedding. They're soft, comfortable, and perfect for napping.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are bad at claiming and jumping, so they can't escape their enclosure. But they may need extra protection during bad weather or when scared.
Whenever you decide to cover the guinea pig cage, ensure your piggies have ample ventilation and place the cage away from direct sunlight.
What do you think about covering the guinea pig cage at night? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
Resources:
- Blue Cross. How to keep guinea pigs cool in the summer. [Cited 2024 May 9] Available from: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/guinea-pig/how-to-keep-guinea-pigs-cool-in-the-summer
- The Humane Society of the United States. Guinea Pig Housing. [Cited 2024 May 9] Available from: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/guinea-pig-housing