How much natural light do they need?

[suzy_99]

I have to move my piggies to my room in the basement for the summer because it gets way to hot upstairs and I don't think they would be able to survive it. However, I only have 2 little windows in my basement and only one actually offers any sunlight, so I am wondering how often they should be exposed to natural light and for how long. During the summer, my living room (which is where I give floor time) can get around 30 to 35 degrees celcius. Do they need the sun for vitamin D like people do??

ps. I will be taking them outside of nice days when its not too hot

 

[shortlilcutie]

wow, thats a really good question. I never thought about that. I don't know the answer, sorry so this is pointless, but I remember doing something in biology and humans need like a huge number of hours of sunlight. I would think since they are animals they would probably need a certain amount too. But don't go by me, hopefully someone knows for sure.

 

[kat_0521]

Usually, I leave a "bedside" lamp on during the evening hours or early afternoon. About 2pm. Then in the evening, I'll come up and get (myself and the pigs) settled for the night, and I'll turn the light off.
I wouldn't go with the reptile lights that pet stores would sell, that may be TOO bright and hot. Try regular electrical light-like a few lamps.
If you have a good exotics vet, check with them also.

 

[suzy_99]

I leave my light on for them all day, but I wasn't sure if that was enough or not. I would not buy a light for them because natural light would be better, but I guess I'm not sure where the balance is between heat and light. If its really hot, do I risk bringing them upstairs for light, or is it alright to just leave them downstairs?

 

[pennick]

Look at it this way. If they needed natural light for survival then most guinea pigs would not have homes. Most of us do not put our piggies out doors. And I think most of us try not to put them near the windows because of drafts and during the summer because of the heat. Mine don't know what sunlight is and I am sure most don't and do well.

 

[Zeander]

I could of course be wrong, but I don't think the light from a lightbulb is the same as "natural light". Seems like I read that people tend to get more depressed in the winter months because there is less sunlight which we need to produce vitamin D. I think.

 

[suzy_99]

I guess that is why I was most concerned. We actually have a condition that runs in my family where some of my cousins have had to get specially made sun lamps for the winter months in order to avoid depression and other serious conditions, so I didn't want this to happen to my guinea pigs. If most people here don't really exposed theirs to natural light then I'm not going to worry to much about it. I just feel bad that they are in the basement I guess, but at least its the right temperature for them. Thanks!

 

[pennick]

Piggies are probably thrilled in the dark, the darker the better. I'm the one depressed when I see my piggies in their cage with the light off during the day. I am always arguing with my husband to keep the light on during the day. I find it depressing when its off. I try to leave the light on for approx. 8 hours during the day.

 

[Denise]

Pennick, I thought I read somewhere on here that piggies HATE total darkness and total silence? I would be curious to know if anyone else remembers seeing this too. I also have a gooseneck lamp attached to their cage for extra light, and they have a small nightlight, too.