Expert: Alison Gartery - 6/27/2009

Question
Dear Aleksandra,
Our guinea pigs live in our back yard. They have a shady area with their huts and food, water bottles and a big lawn to mow. Around the yard is a wall with bushes, supplying more shade. We water the lawn almost daily but the humidity is limited due to the Arizona heat. We can reach temperatures of over 100 Degrees. Somebody told me I should take them inside in the summer since they are heat stroke susceptible. They seem happy and healthy so far though. I am unsure now what to do..! Please advise me. Thank you, Stefanie

Answer
Hello,
If they seem ok, then I would leave them because they could be fine. But if they seem listless of too hot, just lying in the hutch not moving then yes I would move them inside if it is cooler in there. Make sure they are not ever without shde in direct sunlight because that could be fatal. If one of your guineas does get too hot then wrap it a a wet towel and then after about half an hour you can start letting it drink. I hope this helps
Alex
p.s. make sure they always have plenty of fresh water