When it get’s cold and the temperature starts to drop, it is always the best idea to bring a guinea pig inside the home or put them in an outhouse or shelter.

It is understood that this may not be an option for some owners as they are limited for space, but if the temperature starts to get below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, it can get quite risky for the guinea pig to stay outside.

Can Guinea Pigs Freeze to Death?

If a guinea pig remains outside when the temperature get’s this low, then there is a risk that it will be detrimental to their health

So yes, they can freeze to death if they are left outside in extreme temperatures.

Guinea pigs have been known to freeze when left out in extreme temperatures.

Their systems seize up when exposed to such freezing temperatures.

What happens if you just get a cold snap?

In your home, you may not have that much space for them to run around in, but even if you provide a small guinea pig cage for them to reside in during the cold spell, it is better than nothing.

This is why it is always best if they can be brought into a warmer place, even if it is a more enclosed area that doesn’t give that much space for the guinea pig.

If there was a choice between them being warm and living in a tight space for a short time, then I would choose the tight space.

Living in areas with extreme temperatures

If you live in an area which has a sustained regular cold spell, then the guinea pig/s should be inside all of the time.

Especially if there is snow, as they should never be exposed to it!

So if you are thinking of getting a guinea pig and you live in an area which gets regular freezing temperatures, then you should be planning to keep them inside and not outside.

A good related article on this subject is 18 ways to keep a guinea pig warm