Can you keep guinea pigs inside?

Alizarin

As the title suggests ... I've wanted guinea pigs since we moved into our current home, but have always thought of them as outside pets. But are they able to live inside?

We get cats in our garden, and the piggy I had as a child was scared to death by a cat, so keeping them outside wouldn't be an option

krlyr

No problem - it's generally recommended to move them inside (even if it's into a shed or garage) in winter anyway as they don't fare as well as rabbits in colder weather. As long as you can ensure the room they're in isn't too hot/cold/damp/dark/etc. then they should be fine - you could buy an outdoor run to use with supervision so that they can stretch their legs and have some fresh grass to nibble on.
There are guinea pig cages on the market but usually don't offer as much space as they should. If you look up "C&C" cages, you'll see many people buy a certain type of storage cubes (intended for use around the home) and coroplast (the stuff "for sale" signs are made from) and make their own custom sized cages, that offer a lot more room.
http://www.guineapigcages.com/
http://www.kornage.co.uk/guinea_pig_housing.htm

taram_2

I second C&C cages! Moved into a rental property with an akwardly shaped wall and just built the cage around the corner Easy to clean and gives them plenty of room. Plus I housed 3 pairs of pigs for under 60 pounds (plus some elbow grease!) hard to get a single semi-decent cage for that price.

My pigs have always lived indoors, they're very happy and healthy. Hope you get some and share photos :j

Alizarin

Thanks, I've had a look at C&C cages. It's rather impressive what some people can create with them!

Now to persuade OH ...

krlyr

Don't forget that guinea pigs can be found in rescues nationwide - from babies to adults, in bonded pairs or groups or individually. Much better than supporting the poor practises of the pet trade, with "rodent farms" similar to puppymills. Alternatively, sourcing a reputable breeder is another good option but bear in mind you will need to do your homework on what makes a good breeder (vs a "backyard breeder" churning out animals without the best health in order to make money)
http://www.erodent.co.uk/beforeyoubuyaguineapig.htm

chocdonuty

Personally I think they do much better indoors than out some winters are just too cold for piggys (unless you have a nice heated shed!) Plus points are you don't have to go outside in the cold to feed and clean out which can feel like a right chore, cleaning the cage in the wind is no fun at all!
I like them indoors as you can see them all the time and interact a lot more, i love the mad squeaking when i come in from shopping and rustle a carrier bag, they think it's food time