How to Build a Guinea Pig Area in My Backyard

Location

• Select an outdoor area shaded by trees or buildings for the guinea pig enclosure. Guinea pigs prefer temperatures below 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and temperatures above 95 F can quickly result in heat stroke. Avoid wet areas or low-lying areas where moisture collects. Choose an area clear of flowers, both weedy and ornamental types. Some flowers are poisonous to guinea pigs. Chemicals, including weed killers and fertilizers, are also harmful so select an area that hasn't been chemically treated.

Enclosure

• Fence the area with a fence that is at least 12 inches tall. Guinea pigs can't jump so a top isn't required to keep them confined. A top is required on the enclosure if predators, including dogs, cats and hawks, are an issue in your neighborhood. Bury the bottom 2 inches of flimsy wire fences in the ground so the pigs don't push underneath it and escape. Provide at least 7 square feet of space in the enclosure for each guinea pig. Do not line the bottom of the enclosure with wire. Guinea pig feet easily can become entangled in wire bottoms, which can result in injury.

Housing

• Guinea pigs require housing for rest even if they only spend short periods outdoors. Provide one or two bedding houses for the guinea pigs, either commercially made or handmade. A small dog house or cat carrier works well. Line the inside of the house a 3- to 4-inch layer of pine shavings or chopped straw and replace the bedding weekly. Do not use cedar shavings or rabbit pellets in guinea pig houses because those materials are toxic to the pigs.

Food and Toys

• Hang one water bottle per guinea pig on the house or the fence. Replace the water daily and do not allow the bottles to run empty. Keep food available to the guinea pigs while they are in the enclosure. Guinea pigs love to play, so it's vital that you add toys to the enclosure area. Guinea pigs enjoy small dog and cat toys. Lay plastic tunnels and tubes throughout the enclosure to give the pigs hiding places for both play and rest. Four-inch diameter PVC pipe provides a low-cost and durable source for guinea pig tunnels.