Do Guinea Pigs Like Blankets?

Guinea pigs require a comfortable cage that accommodates all weather. During the cold seasons, young and old-aged guinea pigs may need additional protection from the cold. Such adverse weather makes the pet owners wonder, do guinea pigs like blankets?

So, do guinea pigs like blankets? Yes, guinea pigs like blankets to keep them warm and give them a sense of safety. However, not all pigs will sit right with coverings on their cages. Therefore, the guinea pig owner needs to check with trials whether the pet needs a blanket or not.

This article will expound on the various determining factors as to whether your cavy needs a blanket, and if yes, what type of a blanket they need.

Why Do Guinea Pigs Like Blankets?

Guinea pigs like blankets depending on the prevailing weather conditions. During the cold seasons, guinea pigs tend to burrow holes in their cages for warmth and safety. On the other hand, during the warm seasons, they tend to rest on the wood shavings as a sign of comfy.

At times, cavy owners may not be fully aware if their pets need a blanket or not. Here are tips to check whether your cavy needs a cloak.

• If your pet burrows under the wood shavings, they require a blanket for warmth or safety.
• Suppose the surrounding temperature falls below body temperature. Supply a blanket to cushion your cavy against the cold weather.
• For the paired pets, if you notice a tendency to regroup and tuck in each other. That should signal you to provide a blanket.

Providing a blanket needs to be procedural if you are unsure of the pet’s response to it. Put the blanket at one end of the cage and inspect to see whether they will burrow and slide into it. If the response is negative, retract the blanket and provide more cushioning materials on the ground.

Can Guinea Pigs Have Blankets In Their Sleeping Cage?

Guinea pigs are sensitive animals, and handling them is a challenge. Their likes and dislikes, especially on their living standards, keep changing.

However, as the pet owner, you must inspect and adjust accordingly. Introduce a light blanket if unsure of the response from your cavy. Most times, keep it at one end of the cage and observe if the pigs will burrow under it. Please do not wrap your cavy with the blankets; instead, leave them to burrow under the sheet. Even if guinea pigs can have blankets in their cages, remove them during the hot seasons or if they don’t like them.

It is, therefore, wise to only avail a blanket if the pigs need it and the weather is right. For areas experiencing temperature drops during the night and high temperatures during the day, you should remove the coverings during the day and return them at night.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Heated Blankets?

Some pet owners like providing the best conditions for their cavy. However, some provisions are not recommended. Heated blankets should be avoided unless under an extreme situation when it is freezing.

Heated blankets have several risks to your cavy. An electrically heated blanket may have electric shocks that can burn your cavy alive. At the same time, heated blankets often get spoiled first when they come into contact with water and urine. Avoid them at all costs.

According to studies, guinea pigs biologically generate heat from their metabolic activities. Hence, therefore, providing artificial heating is a risk not worth taking.

With their thick fur, guinea pigs prefer light but warm blankets. Their main purpose is to protect them from strong cold winds. They can generate their own warmth.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Fleece Blankets?

Guinea pigs love fleece blankets. These blankets are cozy, soft and reusable hence saving on cost. However, it would be best if you had a double-layered fleece blanket for efficient service. You don’t want your cavy sleeping on wet spots of urine. Therefore, providing a fleece blanket with two layers is a good idea. One layer is made up of fleece, allowing urine and liquids to flow through.

The second layer is beneath the blanket and acts as an absorbent material to hold the urine. This layer can be handmade of towels, puppy pads or any cloth that will absorb the urine. Have the fleece blankets washed with safe detergents regularly. Be careful not to provide a blanket or detergents that your cavy is allergic to.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Soft Blankets?

Soft blankets seem to be one among their favorites. The reason is that they can slide in and burrow easily compared to the rough blankets.

Provide your cavy with a soft light blanket during the cold seasons. You may have noticed your cavy burrowing under your towels or bed sheets while in your room. That indicates the need for such in its cage. Because of their playful attributes, guinea pigs prefer soft blankets as they use them as toys during their free time. Ensure the blankets are well cleaned and dried to prevent stuffiness and dumpiness in the cage, which can result in lung problems.

Do Guinea Pigs Like Fluffy Blankets?

Guinea pigs like blankets in general. However, the skinny guinea pigs love a fluffy and comfy blanket to keep them warm. Skinny pigs are hairless and need soft and cozy blankets to cover during the cold seasons and at night.

As much as fluffy blankets are warmer and comfy, they must be clean and dust-free. The hairs can be a source of respiratory infections if not well kept. Clean the fluffy blankets every week and allow them to sun dry. You can use disinfectants to kill germs and bacteria. The excrete on these blankets should be removed daily.

When clean, even mature guinea pigs will love playing with them due to their smooth and soft feeling.

FAQs

Below are frequently asked questions to help understand whether your cavy needs a blanket.

Conclusion

Do guinea pigs need blankets? Yes. Having a blanket to cover during the cold seasons and at night is one of the ways of caring about your cavy. Like humans, pigs, too, need to have a comfy-warm bed. You can provide different types of blankets, as discussed above.

However, these blankets can be a source that holds germs and bacteria. Therefore, clean them regularly to avoid urine and dust accumulation. If your cavy doesn’t want the blanket, remove it and provide enough materials, such as wood shavings, to keep it warm and comfortable.