Have you heard your guinea pigs rustling around during the night and wondering if these are actually nocturnal animals?
What kind of day should you expect healthy and normal behaving guinea pigs to be the most active? And at what times are they naturally likely to want to chill out and rest?
Guinea pigs are crepuscular
Meaning: they are most active at dawn and dusk.
But you will find they are also active throughout the day and night, and can sleep for short periods of time at any time.
This is because guinea pigs are prey animals, and they need to be able to be alert enough at all times to avoid predators. Of course, that’s not an issue in the safe environment you’re keeping your guinea pigs in. But animals – even domesticated ones – don’t lose those natural instincts.
In captivity guinea pigs typically sleep for about 10 hours per day.
The amount and intensity of artificial lighting will also play a part in your guinea pig’s activity levels.