How To Find Your Lost Guinea Pig Outside
Unlike other smaller rodents, guinea pigs are not prone to escape from their enclosure and get lost. However, they love exploring new places and can get lost if care is not taken.
It is harder for guinea pigs to find their way back home when lost outside of the house because they have a poor sense of direction.
This means it is best to look for them when lost. You can also use things they are emotionally attached to, like food or music, to help and lure them back home.
In this article, we will highlight everything you need to know when you lose your guinea pig outside, from why guinea pigs can suddenly disappear to how you can find them.
Why Does Your Guinea Pig Suddenly Disappear?
Guinea pigs have a natural instinct to explore new things, and this is why they may try to escape. Guinea pigs can also try to escape if they suffer a tough time from other pets or the owner.
Some of the other reasons why your guinea pig can suddenly disappear are stated below.
- Guinea pigs are curious about several things and may want to explore other places.
- The ambiance in their enclosure is not good, and they want to leave.
- Your guinea pig is intimidated and wants to escape from its enclosure.
- Your guinea pig is lonely, there is no food, or their companion annoys them.
- It was stolen
How To Find Your Lost Guinea Pig Outside
Captive-bred guinea pigs are not well trained to stay outdoors and will try to be cautious once lost. They will try to find a place to hide to feel protected from the environment.
This means you should immediately search for them and search the corners and high grass around the area once you realize they are lost.
Some of the ways to find a lost guinea pig outside are stated below.
The First Place You Should Check Is The Corners & Possible Hiding Places
As stated above, your guinea pig is scared and alone once they realize they are lost outside of your home.
They have poor eyesight and will not wander far from your home immediately. The first thing to do is search around the corners and possible places where they can hide.
Check Your House and Garden
The next thing is to check your house and garden because guinea pigs usually hide nearby only. When searching for your guinea pigs, you should also try to remove harmful things that can potentially harm your guinea pig, like a mousetrap.
Another thing is that you should remove other pet animals such as dogs or cats that can harm the guinea pig.
Talk To Neighbors or Those Around
Once you have searched your home and your guinea pig is not there, then you can proceed to search the neighborhood areas for your pet. This is when you should inform your kids and neighbors about your missing pet.
It is possible that your neighbor has spotted it around and may have information that can help find your guinea pig. They may even help find it and bring it back to you.
Bait Some Their Veggies or Fruits Favorite Outside
Although guinea pigs have poor eyesight, they have a good sense of smell. A great way to lure your guinea pig back home is by leaving a trail of its favorite vegetables and fruits outside.
There is a possibility that your guinea pig smells it if it is still around the house and will follow it home.
Higgins Sunburst Veggie Stix Gourmet Treats for Guinea Pigs
Visit The Local Veterinarian Or Animal Shelter
When you have explored all the options above, you can visit the local vet or animal shelter close to your house. This is because someone may have found the guinea pig and taken it to the local vet or animal shelter in the area.
Warning: Avoid Gathering Crowds To Look For Guinea Pigs
Although you may be tempted to ask your friends and neighbors to search for your guinea pigs, you should avoid this as it is counterintuitive.
Your guinea pigs will become terrified once it hears several footsteps and will try to even hide farther from home.
This is why you should only look for your cavy alone or with a familiar face. You should also avoid shouting its name during the search because this may scare it as well.
Will Your Lost Guinea Pig Return Home?
Once lost, guinea pigs will try to avoid exposure to the outside world and try to hide. They will try to hide in green fields or places where they feel safe. This means it is best to look for your lost guinea pig once you notice that they are lost.
Guinea pigs have a good sense of smell and hearing, and you can also use that to find them.
You can then use some of its favorite dishes or music they are familiar with to lure them back home. Once they encounter something they are familiar with, they will try to follow it.
However, guinea pigs can also run away from home willfully because of any misbehavior or torture. If this is the case, your guinea pig may not return and can run away again even when on their return path home.
FAQs
Where would a guinea pig hide?
Guinea pigs are shy creatures and will try to hide when lost outside because of predators. Some of the places they can hide are behind the door, in the lawn, under long grasses, in holes, and any secure place around the area.
How long can I wait before my guinea pig returns?
Captive-bred guinea pigs are not as smart as those in the wild, and it can be very hard for them to navigate outside.
Generally, the odds that your guinea pigs will return home on their own is less. This means you should start searching for them as soon as possible.
Can you put a guinea pig in your pocket?
Guinea pigs are considered pocket pets, and this means you can put them in your pocket.
Most guinea pigs love staying in the pocket as it is soft, warm, and gives them a sense of security. However, some guinea pigs don’t like little spaces and will not stay in your pocket.
What dangers can a lost guinea pig face?
Guinea pigs are considered to be among the lowest animals on the food chain. This means they will encounter potential risks of being hunted down by predators when lost.
When lost outside, they also face the danger of being hit by a car when crossing the road.
Guinea Habitat Guinea Pig Cage by Midwest
In Short
Guinea pigs are not considered escape artists like other smaller rodents. However, they are curious creatures and may want to explore new places and get lost. Once lost, it may be hard for guinea pigs to find their way home as they have a poor sense of direction.
When lost, they may not know how to find food and water and can even die. They can also suffer serious health problems if the weather outside is not favorable for them.
It is best to search for your lost guinea pig as soon as possible because they may face danger the longer they get lost.
