GUINEA PIG MANAGEMENT MANUAL - Benson Institute

currents. In warmer and temperate climates, construction should be oriented with respect to the
path of the sun (east to west). In colder climates, construction should be oriented so that the
sunrays warm the area going from north to south.
HOLDING AREAS
Figure 9: Orientation of the holding area in warmer climates
Figure 10: Orientation of holding area in colder climates
The following recommendations should be taken into account for the construction of the holding
areas:
• The guinea pigs should be protected from the cold, excessive heat, rain, and wind
currents.
• They should have proper ventilation and lighting. When the ventilation conditions are
inadequate, pathological processes and respiratory tracts are affected.
• The location of the holdings should accommodate management, feeding, and cleaning.
• They should not allow predator animals to enter.
• They should have a future option for adding on.
• The climate and materials available in the area should be considered apart from the
feasibility to get them and their cost.
• If the guinea pig farm is to be in a cold and/or rainy area, the roof can be made of metal
or tile. The windows should not be very large and should have curtains for the nighttime.
• If the guinea pig farm is to be in a warmer area where it does not rain, the roof can be
made of tile or clay. The walls can be replaced with netting.
• The holdings or corrals can be constructed of wood, adobe, brick, or net. They will be
made one meter and a half long, one meter wide, and one half meter tall. For better
security, you can install a net or wood cover for the holdings.
• For the building, the floor, walls, and roof need to be considered. A cement floor is the
most advisable for its easy cleaning and disinfection.
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