Guinea Pigs In Bedrooms: Safe Or Not?

Guinea pigs can be kept in a bedroom, but there are several factors to consider before doing so. Firstly, guinea pigs require ample space to roam, with separate spaces for nesting, bathroom, and food and water. A single guinea pig needs a minimum of 7.5 square feet of space, while two guinea pigs require a minimum of 10.5 square feet. Additionally, guinea pigs are social animals and tend to live happier and healthier lives when housed in pairs or small groups. Providing enough space for your guinea pigs to exercise and express their natural behaviours is crucial for their well-being.

Another important consideration is maintaining the ideal temperature and airflow in the bedroom. Guinea pigs thrive in temperatures between 18°C and 24°C, and anything outside this range can be detrimental to their health. The bedroom should also be well-ventilated to ensure proper airflow for the guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs can be noisy, especially at dawn and dusk, as they are crepuscular creatures. If you are a light sleeper, the sounds of their water bottle, hay, toys, and their wheeks and chirps may disturb your sleep. Keeping the guinea pigs' enclosure clean and odour-free is also essential, as guinea pigs tend to poop frequently and can attract flies and rats if their cage is not maintained regularly.

While some people enjoy having their guinea pigs in the bedroom for easy access and increased interaction, others may prefer to keep them in a separate room to avoid sleep disturbances and potential allergies. Ultimately, the decision to keep guinea pigs in the bedroom depends on various factors, including space, temperature control, noise tolerance, and the time you spend in the bedroom during the day.

Pros and cons of keeping guinea pigs in a bedroom

Pros of keeping guinea pigs in a bedroom

• It is easier to monitor your guinea pig's health if they are kept in your bedroom.
• It is easier to maintain a stable living environment for your guinea pigs if they are in your bedroom, especially if you use an air conditioner or heater to maintain the ideal temperature range of 18°C to 24°C for them.
• If you live alone and are looking for company, keeping your guinea pigs in your bedroom is a good idea as they are very social and interactive.
• Keeping guinea pigs in your bedroom allows you to give them more attention, and they are more likely to get petted and additional floor time.
• You can house train guinea pigs, so you don't have to worry about droppings all over the place.

Cons of keeping guinea pigs in a bedroom

• Guinea pigs can cause allergies in some people, especially if you are allergic to hay or bedding.
• Guinea pigs can be noisy at night as they are crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk. The sound of their water bottle, hay, toys, and their wheeks and chirps can disturb your sleep.
• Guinea pigs tend to poop a lot, and if you don't keep up with a daily cleaning schedule, you will end up with a smelly cage.
• Guinea pigs are messy and can create a mess with their hay and food. Even with daily cleaning, you might still end up with a messy pen within a few hours.
• Guinea pigs need a fairly large space to live, and a pair of guinea pigs need at least 8-10 square feet of area to live a healthy life. This can take up a large portion of your bedroom.
• Guinea pigs can attract flies and rats to their cage, especially if you don't maintain their cage regularly or overfeed them.
• You cannot use perfumes, body sprays, or essential oils in the same room as your guinea pigs, as they have a strong sense of smell and are susceptible to respiratory diseases due to strong smells.

Guinea pig allergies

Guinea pigs can be kept in a bedroom, but there are some factors to consider. Firstly, guinea pigs are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, so they may disturb your sleep with their noises. Additionally, their cage requires daily cleaning as they poop frequently and can be quite messy, which may be challenging if your bedroom is small or you prefer a tidy space.

Now, let's focus on guinea pig allergies. Allergies to guinea pigs are not uncommon, and they can range from mild to severe. People can be allergic to the hay or bedding used for guinea pigs, but more commonly, allergies are caused by the guinea pig's dander, urine, or saliva. Here are some key points about guinea pig allergies:

Symptoms:

• Watery, itchy, and sore eyes
• Asthma, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath
• Skin reactions such as itchy skin, hives, or a rash
• Swollen face, eyes, lips, or mouth
• Sneezing, runny or stuffed nose
• Itchy throat or palate
• Facial pressure or pain due to nasal congestion
• Asthma symptoms may worsen in individuals with pre-existing asthma

Diagnosis:

• Skin prick test (SPT): A tiny amount of guinea pig allergen is introduced to the skin, and a positive reaction is indicated by a raised, itchy bump.
• Serum-specific IgE testing: Blood is analysed for antibodies formed against guinea pig proteins.
• Allergy testing at a specialist clinic: This may involve patches, blood tests, or skin prick testing to identify specific triggers.

Treatment and Management:

• Allergen immunotherapy: This approach gradually introduces the allergen to the body to develop tolerance over time. Sublingual immunotherapy, where allergens are administered under the tongue, has shown promising results.
• Minimise direct contact: Reduce handling of guinea pigs and always wash your hands after contact.
• Clean environment: Regularly clean cages and play areas in well-ventilated spaces to minimise allergen spread.
• Air purification: Use air purifiers and HEPA filters to reduce airborne allergens.
• Medical treatments: Over-the-counter antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays can help relieve mild symptoms. For severe allergies, an adrenaline auto-injector may be prescribed.
• Rehoming: In severe cases, it may be necessary to consider finding a new home for your guinea pig to prioritise your health.

Noise levels

Guinea pigs can be noisy, and this is an important consideration when deciding where to place their enclosure. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, and their noises may disturb your sleep if they are in your bedroom. The sound of their water bottle, hay, and toys, along with their wheeking and chirping, can be disruptive. Some people may not be bothered by these noises, especially if they are heavy sleepers, but for light sleepers, it could be a problem.

Guinea pigs also require a lot of space, and a pair of guinea pigs need at least 8-10 square feet of space to live a healthy life. This means that a large portion of your bedroom would need to be dedicated to their enclosure. Additionally, guinea pigs are messy and can create a lot of hay mess, so you may find yourself vacuuming your bedroom daily.

If you decide to keep your guinea pigs in a separate room, it is important to choose a well-ventilated area that is not too warm and does not receive direct sunlight. A central room where your family gathers frequently is ideal, as guinea pigs enjoy human company. However, noise levels should be kept at moderate levels, as guinea pigs have sensitive hearing and a low tolerance for stress.

Overall, while it is possible to keep guinea pigs in your bedroom, their noise levels, space requirements, and messiness may make a separate room a more suitable option.

Smell and cleanliness

Guinea pigs are like \"poop machines\", so if you don't keep up with a daily cleaning schedule, you will end up with a smelly cage. Good quality bedding and leakproof water bottles are crucial to keeping the stink in check. Guinea pigs are messy, and if you like to keep everything nice and clean, you might want to reconsider keeping them in your bedroom. They love to play with their hay and food, and some even tip their food bowls every day. Even if you clean their cage daily, you will still end up with a mess within a few hours.

Guinea pigs need a large hutch—the bigger, the better. A safe and comfy lining in their hutch is also important. Clean wood shavings or sawdust are suitable, and any lining used should be dust-free. Clean, dry hay, straw, or shredded paper can be used as bedding, and guinea pigs will also need feeding hay. It is important to get rid of any wet or dirty wood shavings and bedding, and to throw away any uneaten fresh food and nuggets so they don't go stale or mouldy. Wash the food and water containers before refilling them.

Guinea pigs can be house-trained, which is good news if you want to give your guinea pigs a room of their own but are worried about droppings. The training is not too demanding and can strengthen the bond between you and your guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are sensitive to heatstroke, so it is important to keep them away from strong heat sources such as direct sunlight, wood stoves, fireplaces, and heating vents. They also don't do well in humid conditions, as dampness promotes the growth of mould in their hay and bedding and can make them more prone to sickness.

Space requirements

Adequate Space for Enclosure and Exercise

Guinea pigs need ample space to roam and exercise, with separate areas for nesting, bathroom, and food and water. The minimum space requirement for one guinea pig is 7.5 square feet (30" x 36"), but a larger space is preferable. For two guinea pigs, the minimum is also 7.5 square feet, but 10.5 square feet (30" x 50") is the recommended size. Even with daily playtime outside their enclosure, guinea pigs need ample floor space to move around.

Indoor Housing Considerations

When housing guinea pigs indoors, it is essential to provide them with plenty of space to move around and explore. Conventional indoor cages are often too small and may not provide enough room for the animals to exhibit their natural behaviours. If possible, consider giving them an entire room to themselves or a large, enclosed space within a room. Ensure the space has good ventilation and is easy to clean.

Creating a Comfortable Environment

Guinea pigs need a cosy and comfortable environment with an ideal temperature range of 18°C to 24°C. Anything above or below this range can be harmful to their health. It is important to maintain a stable temperature and good airflow in the room. Additionally, provide bedding made from clean, dry hay, straw, or shredded paper, ensuring it is dust-free and changed regularly.

Safety and Risk Prevention

When setting up the indoor living space for your guinea pigs, remove any potential hazards such as electric cables, toxic plants, sharp objects, and furniture with toxic varnish. If the bedroom has an open door, ensure it is secure to prevent escape or the entry of other animals. You may also consider fencing off the area where the guinea pigs move about to create a safe exploration zone.

Providing Entertainment and Stimulation

Guinea pigs are active animals and require plenty of toys, hides, and tunnels to keep them entertained and stimulated. They are social creatures and enjoy the company of humans, so consider placing their enclosure in a central room where family members gather frequently. However, keep their enclosure away from loud noises like stereos or televisions, as they have sensitive hearing and a low tolerance for stress.

In conclusion, when keeping guinea pigs in a bedroom, ensure they have ample space to roam, provide a safe and comfortable environment, remove potential hazards, and offer entertainment and stimulation to promote their physical and mental well-being.

Frequently asked questions