Methods for Controlling Temperature and Humidity in Guinea Pig Farming

Temperature

Guinea pigs are homeothermic animals, with an average body temperature of 37.8-39 degrees. To maintain normal body temperature, guinea pigs must constantly regulate the heat dissipation between themselves and the environment as well as their own heat production. The higher the air temperature, the harder it is for internally produced heat to be dissipated outward; at this point guinea pigs have no choice but to reduce heat production, which causes decreased appetite, indigestion, reduced libido, and difficulty breeding. The lower the air temperature, the more they must increase their own heat production, which not only consumes more nutrients but may also lower the guinea pigs' resistance, making them prone to illness. The suitable ambient temperature for guinea pigs is 30-32 degrees for newborn pups; 10-25 degrees for adults, with a critical temperature range of 3-32 degrees; exceeding this range will bring adverse effects to guinea pigs.

Humidity

Humidity often affects guinea pigs together with temperature. Both high temperature with high humidity and low temperature with low humidity have adverse effects on guinea pigs. High temperature with high humidity inhibits heat dissipation in guinea pigs and easily causes heatstroke. Low temperature with low humidity in turn increases heat dissipation and makes guinea pigs feel cold, which is especially hard for young pups to endure. At the same time, when the temperature is suitable but humid, it favors the reproduction of bacteria and parasites, causing disease in guinea pigs, and also increases harmful gases in the air.

The suitable relative humidity for guinea pigs is 60%——70%. If it falls below 50%, it will cause dryness of the guinea pigs' nasal cavity.