Skinny pigs love “hidey holes” - if you share your life with a piggy, I don’t need to tell you how they like to burrow down and hide away. This is partly because they are prey animals and so feel comforted and calm when they have places to hide and also because they have extra need for warmth because they lack the fur insulation that other guinea pig breeds have.
Multiple hideouts are important for them to feel calm and secure as well as to regulate their body temperature, as they can be more sensitive to environmental changes. Having various hideouts allows them to choose a comfortable spot, whether it's to stay warm or cool down - giving them this freedom promotes their well-being and reduces stress.
A good hideout for skinny pigs should meet the following criteria:
Provide Privacy:
It should offer a secluded space where your skinny pig can feel safe and secure.
Appropriate Size:
The hideout should be appropriately sized to accommodate your skinny pig comfortably, with enough space for them to turn around and stretch.
Ventilation:
Ensure good ventilation to prevent the hideout from becoming too stuffy. Adequate airflow especially in fleece-lined hideouts is essential to ensure they do not overheat.
Easy Access:
The hideout should have a large enough entrance or multiple entrances for easy entry and exit, allowing your skinny pig to move around freely.
Easy to Clean:
Opt for hideouts that are easy to clean to maintain a hygienic living environment for your pet.
Safe Materials:
Choose materials that are safe for your skinny pig, avoiding any toxic substances (for example painted wooden hideouts or plastic.
Durable:
Select a hideout that can withstand your pet's activities and is durable enough to last over time.
Temperature Regulation:
Consider the insulation properties of the hideout, helping your skinny pig stay warm in cooler temperatures and cool in warmer conditions or simply have a variety of different ones you change out depending on the weather (this has the added bonus of mental stimulation because your skinny pig won't get bored with the same layout).
With this in mind, here are our top picks for the best skinny pig hideouts
Cuddle Sacks
Could there be anything cuter than a skinny pig sleeping in their own mini-sleeping bag? We love these fleece cuddle sacks for keeping warm in cooler climates or on those freezing winter days.
Piggy Pods
These come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors but are essentially fleece lined enclosures with a wide front opening.
Tunnels
These can be lined with fleece or made of wood (just make sure it is wood that is non-toxic to guinea pigs). These are great for the zoomies as well as a power nap afterwards. I adore this L-shaped tunnel for extra hide-and-go-seek fun.
Tents
Tents are an adorable option, especially if you get ones like this with the door flaps for privacy. Or you could get a teepee version for warmer days.
Hammocks
Hammocks are the perfect option for when a piggy wants to cool down but still chill in style. These come in various configurations to install in their living area, but I think the honeycomb design is a great option for skinny pigs.
Bonus Expert Tip
To make cleaning up a whole lot easier, line your hideouts with these washable and reusable potty pads - they come in various sizes so you can choose ones that best fit your hideout and they’re much easier to change out than washing and disinfecting the whole hideout especially if you have opted for more elaborate configurations. A clean and hygienic living area is essential for happy and healthy skinny pigs.
Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!
~PetCoachApril
April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H
