Keeping your guineas indoors with you is best for them, as they like the same temperatures as we people & so like us don't do well in the harsh conditions of extreme heat, or cold & damp that they face when kept outdoors all year round. But it's not just best for them! Keeping indoor guinea pigs is best for you too as they become more tame & friendly this way... meaning you get the most out of your pets.

It is also good for their health! Why? Because you will more easily spot when something is wrong! Which may in turn be good for your pocket as conditions caught early are easier to treat, saving on vet bills.

When I speak to people who have had permanent outdoor guinea's as childhood pets I really do not recognise the animals they are talking about as my experiences (with indoor guineas) have been so different! This leads me to believe that keeping indoor as opposed to outdoor guineas constitutes a totally different pet experience!

"URGH! You don't keep them INDOORS do you?"

this statement has been made to me many times by non piggy folk about my indoor guineas. So lets dispel the myths about keeping indoor guinea pigs (the way they should all be kept!)

Question: Do they SMELL?

Answer: NO! People who come to my house are always surprised that my guineas don't smell (& I have boars who some think would be more smelly!)

Why not?

• Cleaning out regularly! Any animal that is not cleaned out well enough will smell. So would you if you lived in your own mess with no escape! Cleaning their quarters every 2-3 days keeps their cages (& your house) smelling nice as well as keeping the guineas healthy. Outdoor piggy's should really be cleaned out as often, as their quarters will not be any less dirty its just you don't notice it as much yourself. Its still unpleasant for them though!
• Monthly bathing! Bathing your guineas every 4-6 weeks (& cleaning the boars grease gland) keeps their skin grease free & means they will smell lo9vely! Especially if you use gorgeous guineas essential oils shampoo. It also helps to prevent fungal skin conditions & mites so everyone is happy!

Question: Are they Messy?

Answer: Not really

Why? Of course there is always the odd bit of stray hay which guineas need a constant supply of, but if you keep their space tidy using a little hand held vac then that won't cause any trouble. The tank cages I use for my boars (pictured above) prevent bedding from being kicked out too & so are ideal for indoor piggy quarters.

Question : Can you keep them in a shed or garage instead? That's indoors isn't it?

Answer: Yes & No!

Why? A dark , cold garage or shed is a no-no. It is possible to keep them in a shed or garage (minus the car & fumes!) that has natural light (for a substantial part of the day), electricity, heating for colder months with a thermostatic control & preferably some kind of air conditioning (or a good fan) for the height of summer. In other words you would be making the shed as comfortable as if it were another room in your house. In which case it could be suitable. If you cannot convert your shed/garage for your piggy's needs in this way then you cannot consider it suitable accommodation for your guineas.

Question: Can I keep them in the kids bedroom?

Why? Guineas make great FAMILY pets & should never be the responsibility of a child alone. As such it makes sense to have them in a family room rather than tucked away in a child's bedroom. That way everyone can enjoy them & take part in their care. It also prevents them being neglected.

 

Left: C&C Cages: Cubes & Correx. These cages are made from Cube grid shelving & correx, a sort of plastic cardboard used to make signs. For details of how to make a C&C cage clickhere. and visit our C&C page for ideas.

These make great indoor cages.

Below: Kathryn's set up uses Cubes & Wood to make large cages with cube mesh as dividers.