Keeping Cool Things to put in cage to cool down?

[tiny_hooves]

While it's not summer yet, today is a particuarly warm day today. I noticed my room getting pretty hot so I opened my window and turned on my fan, then checked on Frey. She was stretched out in the cooler part of her house so I got a damp, cool wash cloth and held her for a little to wipe her down a little and give her a light cool down (trick I know for dogs, and she seemed to really enjoy it. Very relaxed, happy noises, and even leaning into my hand!). Once she had a wipe down and some cuddles I just now set her back in her cage.

My fan is still on to help, but I wanted to know if there are things I could set in her cage or house that she could go to and use to help her cool off. She's got cool, fresh water in her bottle but I didn't know if there was anything else I could give her until it gets cooler later today.

 

[ellisa]

A frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel works. Cavies will usually lean up against it to cool off.

 

[Cavalicious]

I read somewhere that using several bricks (well-boiled to kill bacteria and remove dirt beforehand, of course) laid together provides a cool place for them to lie their hot bellies on. I haven't tried it, but scientifically it sounds like a good idea. Helps keep their nails blunt too as they scratch on them. Think of what it's like to lie down on shaded concrete and you get the picture. Hope it helps.

 

[tiny_hooves]

A frozen water bottle wrapped in a towel works. Cavies will usually lean up against it to cool off.

Could I substitute a water bottle with ice in a zip-lock bag? We don't have any water bottles at the moment :<

 

[Inle_Rabbit]

Try a frozen water bottle. You can wrap it up in fleece to reduce condensation or just put it in there as is. My rabbits seemed to really like the condensation though. If the pig is hot she will stand near it if she isn't hot she will move else where. =D

 

[ellisa]

Could I substitute a water bottle with ice in a zip-lock bag? We don't have any water bottles at the moment :<

Yes, just make sure it's wrapped well so your girl can't get to the plastic bag and eat it.

 

[jacqueline]

is it safe to use those blue plastic freezer blocks you can get to keep your lunch cold in a cooler? you know what i mean? :crazy:

 

[KiwiCavyAdorer]

Yes Jacqueline you can do that.

I have used cold/cool/damp bricks, haven't ever boiled them before hand though.