Heat is significant for all mammals, including humans. It is vital to keep warm when you are cold, and some people even go as far as keeping the heat on in their car while they are not in it or wearing coats when it’s chilly out. However, people often overlook that animals also need to be kept warm. For example, many people believe that they should keep their pets outside because it’s good for them to become used to colder temperatures, but this doesn’t seem right.
Temperature control is essential for all mammals, including humans and animals.
Humans are warm-blooded, meaning that our temperature is naturally higher than the temperature of our surroundings. On the contrary, birds and reptiles are cold-blooded, meaning their temperature is the same as their surroundings.
Importance of Keeping Guinea Pigs warm
Guinea pigs are beloved pets, often used for children with allergies to cats and dogs because they don’t have fur, but they do need some special care to stay healthy. Keeping guinea pigs warm is an integral part of being a responsible guinea pig owner. Like humans, Guinea pigs cannot maintain their body heat without the proper covering of insulating fatty tissue or fur.
In humans, this development occurs in late fetal life and infancy; however, since guinea pigs are born hairless, they cannot maintain body heat for several days after birth. Therefore, the guinea pig owner’s responsibility is to keep their pets warm and healthy. If you’ve brought home a guinea pig recently or plan on getting one soon, it’s essential to learn how to keep them warm and safe.
05 Methods of Keeping Guinea Pigs Warm
Keeping your guinea pigs warm is vital for their health and the success of their breed. Unfortunately, Guinea pigs are naturally inclined to live in cool and dry climates, so if they are kept too warm, this can be dangerous. However, there are five methods that you can use to keep your pets at the perfect temperature.
The brick method
This method can be more economical than using a heat lamp. All it needs is some extra effort; you need to do is place a small clay pot near the cage of your guinea pig and put a brick in it. Make sure that the bottom side of the brick sits on the bottom half of the pot. To ensure that the heat radiates out of the brick rather than dissipating into the ground.
Hot water bottles
This method is straightforward to use. All you need to do is wrap up hot water in a towel or cloth and place it inside the cage. The fabric should be large enough for your pet to cuddle with it. Make sure that you put it in a place where your guinea pig cannot get access to the hot water, as this can cause burns.
Heat lamps
Heat Lamps are the first and most effortless approach for Guinea owners to provide heat, but are heat lamps safe for guinea pigs? This is the most common method to keep their guinea pigs warm. You get an infrared lamp and place it above where your pig resides to use this method.
The heat from the lamp should be enough to provide warmth for your pets. However, it would be best if you remembered that these lamps could cause burns when placed directly in contact with your guinea pigs.
Heated rocks
This method is slightly less common than lamps to keep your guinea pigs warm. All you have to do is get a large rock and heat an oven at 200 degrees celsius. Once the range has been heated, place the rock inside it and wait to heat up. Ensure that you use a protective glove while handling the hot rock, as this can cause burns if you are not careful.
Beanies
This method is one of the least standard methods to keep their guinea pigs warm. All you have to do is put on a beanie and place your guinea pig in it, making sure to leave their head exposed. Ensure that the beanie isn’t too tight to be uncomfortable for your pets.
Is Keeping Guinea Pigs Warm Through Heat Lamps Safe?
Although heat lamps are not safe if used roughly, as it emits radiation that could be harmful to your piggy’s skin and tissues cell, the use of heat lamps can be quite beneficial at times If preventive care must be taken like adding reflectors and opaque layering to the bulb while using it.
A newborn baby guinea pig should not have access to the heat bulb directly as they are very fragile, and even a few minutes of exposure to the heat could result in dehydrates, diarrhea and even death. Also, avoid placing them near or on top of any objects that can get hot. A good strategy is to keep it away from their cage but within reach so that they can stand under it for warmth when required.
Types of Heat Lamps for Guinea Pigs?
When it comes to finding a particular type of heat lamp for your guinea pig, you have many different kinds that you can choose from. However, it is crucial that if you use a heat lamp for your guinea pigs, you always place the cage where they cannot touch it and burn themselves. If you do not, the consequences could be harrowing for the guinea pig.
There are two main types of heat lamps that you can choose, either a ceramic heat lamp or a radiant (Infrared) heat lamp. Each one has its benefits and disadvantages to consider when deciding which one will work best for your situation.
Ceramic Heat Emitters
Ceramic Heat emitters (CHE) are an excellent choice for a heat source for your guinea pig cage because they provide a reliable, long-lasting heat source that will not be easily moved around by your pet. Ceramic heat emitters produce heat by running electricity through the ceramic element; this heats the ceramic and emits heat into whatever is surrounding it.
Radiant Heat Emitter
Radiant Heaters emit a significant amount of heat; they have to be installed properly to avoid any accident or health problem. Also, its effect on our guinea pigs’ health is practical when it comes to providing the right level of warmth for your guinea pig. But such a heat emitter needs to be placed at some distance as it has a high intensity to warm the habitat and can burn your piggy’s cell.
Conclusion
Heat lamps are an effective way to keep your pets warm but are heat lamps safe for guinea pigs. Well, We have shortlisted two types of heat lamps you can choose from- ceramic heat emitters or Radiant Heat emitters. Whichever type of lamp you decide on, make sure to place it in a distant area where it is unreachable for your guinea pig and make them stay warm and cozy.