Hay friends!
The calendar says fall is officially here.
That means cooler temperatures will be headed our way, too.
Fall brings a lot of changes. Some of them make me want to popcorn with excitement. But schedules change too, and sometimes that means I feel a little left out.
Luckily, Big Momma knows how to help me ease into the new season, and keep plenty of popcorn-worthy moments on the schedule.
So, before the leaves start falling and the temperatures do the same, I've put together a few tips to help my fellow piggies make the seasonal switch.
Gizmo's Guide to Falling Into Fall
1. Keep Our Temperature Just Right
Guinea pigs are a bit like Goldilocks. We don't like it too hot. We don't like it too cold. We like it just right.
For most guinea pigs, that means keeping our environment around 65–75°F (that's 18–24°C for my foreign cousins out there). Once temperatures dip below about 60°F, we can get uncomfortably cold, or even risk hypothermia.
That's why Big Momma doesn't assume I'm comfortable just because she is. As the nights get cooler, she keeps an eye on the temperature around my habitat and makes sure I'm away from chilly drafts, open windows, and vents.
After all, there's a big difference between feeling chill and chilly.
2. Make Our Beds Extra Cozy
Getting cozy is one of the best parts of cooler weather!
Big Momma likes to put on fuzzy sweaters and wrap up under warm blankets.
Cozy looks a bit different for me.
Big Momma makes sure I have plenty of clean, dry Small Pet Select Soft Paper Bedding. It's soft on my little feet, absorbent, and gives me a comfortable place to settle in as the seasons change.
Add my favorite hidey spot and some fresh hay nearby, and I've got everything I need after a long day of fall festivities.
3. Don't Forget About Us When Schedules Change
Fall doesn't only change the weather. It changes hooman schedules, too.
School starts. Work gets busy. Little Momma isn't around quite as much during the day. And you know who notices?
Me!
We piggies get used to our routines. We learn when breakfast arrives, when it's time for fresh hay, and when it's time for some playtime with our families.
When your fall schedule changes, try to keep your piggy's routine as predictable as possible. Feeding, cleaning, playtime, and attention at familiar times can help us adjust.
And if you're suddenly away from home more often, make sure you're still setting aside some special piggy time.
We miss you! (...and the snacks you usually bring with you.)
4. Keep Me Moving
Cooler weather doesn't mean it's time to do nothing.
Fall is still a great time for floor time, tunnels, chew toys, foraging games, and other enrichment that gets us exploring and moving.
A little activity keeps both our bodies and our brains busy.
Besides, you don't want to miss the good stuff either. There's nothing quite like watching a guinea pig suddenly leap into the air, twist around, and take off running for no apparent reason.
That's called popcorning, and despite the name, no actual popcorn is involved. Guinea pigs often do it when we're excited or happy.
So if your piggy starts bouncing around during your time together, consider it a pretty good review.
5. Watch for Seasonal Changes
Nobody knows your guinea pig quite like you do.
As seasons and household routines shift, watch for changes in eating, drinking, activity, potty habits, or behavior. If your piggy suddenly isn't acting like themselves, especially if they're eating less or not eating at all, don't simply assume it's because of the weather.
Big Momma says knowing what's normal for me makes it easier for her to notice when something isn't.
Personally, I think my normal is pretty easy to recognize:
Eat. Explore. Popcorn. Nap. Wheek. Repeat.
I'm pretty excited to make Fall my new normal.
Summer was fun, but I'm ready for cooler days, cozy bedding, and plenty of reasons to popcorn.
So here's to a new season filled with comfortable temperatures, familiar routines, time with our favorite hoomans, and as many happy little jumps as we can fit in.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I feel a popcorn coming on.
Happy fall, y'all!
Love,
Gizmo
