When organising an enclosure for your guinea pigs to live in always keep in mind issues related to predators and your guinea pigs. Often baby guinea pigs will pose a higher risk of falling being prey to predators than that of adults due to their smaller size but all guinea pigs can still fall prey to another animal.

Guinea pigs are prey animals by nature and can go into a state of shock or even die if they feel that their life is at risk. In general, guinea pigs need a low stress environment to live in. A stressful environment can affect your guinea pig psychologically, physically and behaviorally both short and long term.  

Each year the Australian Cavy Sanctuary receives 100's of phone calls from devastated families who have lost their guinea pigs to a predator. It only takes once for your pet to lose their life to a predator. If you have even the smallest concern of another animal in your area becoming a threat to your guinea pig, it is best to act and predator proof to avoid potential heartbreak and the death of your pet.

We hope that the information below comes of use to all guinea pig owners with regards to the enclosure chosen to house your guinea pigs in and where you place the enclosure on your property.

Predator 1: SNAKES  

If you live in a bush area or snake known area we highly recommend purchasing a cage that is snake proof already or wiring your enclosure with small snake wire or 1cm square chicken wire. Carpet snakes are very drawn to the scent of guinea pigs and other rodents and it doesn't take them long to find them if they are around.

Important to note! Many of the guinea pig cages on the market that have the 1inch black iron bars or plastic base cages with wire bars, are NOT snake proof. Snakes as long as 2 meters can get through these bars. These cages include the double-storey enclosures with the black iron bar systems. These cage designs will need to be wired over if you have one of these designs. Any gap larger than 1cm is large enough for a big enough snake to get through to your guinea pigs. It has been reported that snakes can also lift up lawn cages from the ground and/or lift cage lids particularly if the cages are lightweight or set unevenly.

Predator 2: BIRDS

Some types of birds including crows, hawks, kookaburras and noisy minors are known to stalk guinea pigs. If you have any birds in your area that are known to catch small mammals and rodents as prey you will need to make sure that your guinea pigs always have a secure roof over their head and a bird proof enclosure.

Most bird issues are related to giving your guinea pigs lawn time in an open top play pen or letting them free range in the yard unmonitored. It is recommended to have some sort of blanket or secure mesh roof/tarp thrown over an outdoor playpen if birds may be a predator issue in your area.

Predator 3: DOGS AND CATS   

Many pet dogs and cats will accept guinea pigs into the household although in saying this their are always those that won't as well. Each year 100's of guinea pigs lose their lives to dogs in particular including both pet and stray dogs or dogs that have gotten out of the neighboring yard.

Making sure your guinea pigs are housed in a fully fenced yard is very important if you have chosen to house your guinea pigs outdoors or even on the family patio. Their have been reports of stray dogs having killed guinea pigs by making their way up steps onto the family patio.

If you have a pet dog or cat that lives in the same area as the guinea pigs it is best to make sure that these pets do accept your guinea pigs as members of the family and not as a 'toy' or 'treat'.

To start with when you first bring your guinea pigs into the home place them in an area separate to that of your pet dog or cat. Allow monitored time for your pet dog or cat to be in the same area as the guinea pigs. Handle your guinea pigs (preferably in a towel or something secure where they feel safe) near your dog or cat to see how they react. After a few trials if the dog or cat reacts in a manner whereby they may attempt to play with or attack the guinea pig then you must make sure your guinea pigs are kept in a separate area of the home at all times and in a strong sturdy dog and cat proof enclosure.

Constant barking, digging or scratching at your guinea pigs enclosure by family pets or other outdoor predators can lead to a highly strung, stressed guinea pig and potentially your guinea pigs death in the long term.

Some dog breeds that have been reported over the years to pose serious threat to guinea pigs include working dogs or dogs which have been bred to hunt or herd animals. Some dog breeds most known to pose as threats to guinea pigs include Siberian Husky's, Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers and several other terrier breeds and German Shepard's.

In general their have been minimal reports of household cat issues with guinea pigs and more reports of the household cat actually becoming more of a protector/ally to the family guinea pigs.

Baby guinea pigs are more at risk to pet cats than adults as they are small enough to be seen as rodents/easy catch. You will need to monitor your cat in the beginning stages of keeping your guinea pigs and make sure that your guinea pig is kept in a safe and secure enclosure. If you have a pet cat it is recommended to purchase a cage with small wire rather than wire bars large enough for a cat to fit their paw through.

If your pet cat tends to chase and/or kill birds and other animals they may pose as a threat to your guinea pigs. If you live in an area where stray cats frequent, this needs to also be taken into account.

Predator 4: RATS AND MICE

Although rats and mice may not appear as immediate predators they can pose as a health risk to your guinea pig including black rats in particular commonly found in the city suburbs.

Rats and mice can carry a variety of diseases which can transfer to guinea pigs and humans via their urine and feaces. Some of these diseases include Salmonella, E.coli, <span>Streptococcal infections, </span><span>Staphylococcal Dermatitis and other numerous bacterial, viral and respiratory diseases.</span>

If you live in a suburb prone to frequent rat and mice visitors a good preventative measure is to nail small wire on your enclosure to prevent and minimise rat infestation in and around your guinea pigs cage and also your home. Store all your guinea pigs food in sealed containers and make sure your guinea pigs cage and the areas surrounding it (if outdoors on the patio or lawn) is kept clean and swept.

Most families will not encounter a rat infestation due to pet guinea pigs but if you find you have a couple of visiting rats or mice you can purchase some inhumane rat traps and leave them out to catch and relocate the visitors. It is always kinder and less of a health risk to your pets to find a humane way to rid pests before having to resort to harsher methods.

Predator 5: PEOPLE

 Although a rare scenario ACS have had reports of people's guinea pigs being stolen or killed by people.

If you live in a neighborhood that is prone to theft or damage or if you have an unfenced yard we recommend never housing your guinea pigs in the front of the yard or within public eye view. 

Article written by Jessica Proietti (c) Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.