by We have heard about guinea pigs, but are guinea pigs sleeping a thing? Guinea pigs sleeping sounds so unreal. Almost as if this is a myth and not something that exists.
Of course, the guinea pigs are natural living creatures. This means that they do sleep. However, they may not have a solid sleep schedule like humans or other animals. It is as real as can be in the world of living things.
If you own a guinea pig, then this article is for you. Here you will find out everything about guinea pigs and their sleeping habits. In addition, you will see how cute they are!
Do Guinea Pigs Sleep with Their Eyes Closed?
The question first begins when we, as if guinea pigs sleeping, is a thing. Of course, logic says that any living thing that exists does rest, and hence so do they sleep.
This implies guinea pigs as well. The reason why this is a question is that guinea pig owners have never seen their pets closing their eyes. Hence, the question is whether guinea pigs sleep with their eyes closed.
Guinea pigs do sleep with their eyes open. The reason is that they are rodent creatures that are accustomed to the wild. They are always around constant predators.
This makes it important for them to sleep with their eyes open. Furthermore, this allows them to stay on guard even when they are asleep to save their lives.
However, this is not entirely the story. Want to see how safe and secure the guinea pig is in the environment. You can find that out with the guinea pigs sleeping technique.
If a guinea pig feels safe and secure in their environment, they will slowly close their eyes and sleep in a place where they find no danger and safety.
Do Guinea Pigs Like to Sleep in The Dark?
Did you know that guinea pigs cannot see in the light? Unlike human eyes, their eyes are not accustomed to seeing dark human beings. However, there is a certain level of night vision that they do enjoy.
This is one of the reasons why they are most active at twilight. However, they irritate by excessive light when it is dark. Their natural process is disturbed because of it. This is why it is never a good idea to put illumination in their cage at night.
Guinea pigs do not mind the dark and are comfortable seeing in the dark. Since most of them do not close their eyes when they sleep, they need to have some eye rest, and that can come from darkness.
If you ever hear rustling and bustling in the cage at night, then do not worry. They are just enjoying their nighttime adventures and are not scared of the dark. Unlike human beings, these furry friends do not need long hours of sleep. They can survive on a couple of hours of rest only as well.
Guinea Pig Sleeping Positions:
Animals and especially rodents have very different sleeping positions. They are different from human beings, but they are also different from other animals. Similarly, guinea pigs are different in sleep as well.
You will find guinea pigs in two basic positions. The first is curled up in a ball. This position is like their crawling position but more squished together in almost a ball. This is their defensive position, and they are most likely to be alert and sleep in this position.
Some guinea pigs tend to sleep in a relaxed position and are not rolled into a ball in the same position. This shows that the guinea pig might be in a deeper sleep, and the body has relaxed. Either this or that your furry friend has seen no signs of danger.
If your guinea pig sleeps on its back with limbs in the air or sleeping on the side, do not worry! Your furry friend is alive and well. Take it as a positive sign. They find safety and security in their habitat and sleep as humans do – carelessly.
These two are common positions for healthy guinea pigs. However, they do not guarantee that the guinea pig sleeping is entirely healthy. Twitching, tossing and turning, or even wheezing can signify illness and need medical attention.
Guinea Pig Sleeping on The Side:
Guinea pigs are very playful and fun to have around. However, there may be different quirks that may confuse you. One of them is randomly sleeping on the side. Usually, guinea pigs sleep rolled in a ball or, if they feel safe, then on their back.
Understanding their body language is not easy, but we can still tell you what it means when they are on their side. A guinea pig sleeping on their side means that they are happy, carefree, and feeling safe. Sleeping on their sides shows a level of comfort.
However, if the guinea pig is sleeping on the side and is twitching or breathing in a questionable pattern, they need medical attention. This can mean that some ailment has come to them, making them weak.
Guinea Pigs Sleeping with Their Eyes Open:
Guinea pigs are used to staying in the wild long before they were made into pets. These cute little furry creatures were responsible for their own life and had to defend themselves.
This habit is instilled in them as part of their nature. Hence, when you get a guinea pig, they will usually be sleeping with their eyes open. They do this to hide and run away if there is a predator or danger that might harm them.
However, as guinea pigs get tamer, they are starting to find it easier to close their eyes. Studies show that guinea pigs that are not skittish and feel safe slowly close their eyes. They can also close their eyes if they are happy with their current habitat.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Guinea Pig Is Sleeping?
Guinea pigs do not have a fixed sleep schedule, or they do not have sleeping hours. However, they do require their sleep. Each of them is different depending on their trust in you and how much safe they feel. Since most of them sleep with their eyes open, it can be difficult to understand when your guinea pig is sleeping.
To ensure your furry friend’s health, you need to observe how they sleep closely. This will allow you to decipher if they are healthily resting. For example, if your guinea pig is standing still with its eyes open in its cage, then know that they are sleeping. Other signs are common, like rolling up in a ball.
Do Guinea Pigs Hibernate with Eyes Open?
Guinea pigs do not hibernate. Being from the rodent family, they are warm-blooded creatures. However, they do not need to hibernate. Their skin helps them against cold weather, so they are all animal creatures. You may need to provide the extra warmth, though.
How Do I Get My Guinea Pig to Sleep at Night?
Guinea pigs have their sleeping schedule. They usually take short naps of 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. However, you need to ensure that they get a good night’s sleep for a healthy piggy. To do this, you need to train them.
You can train your guinea pig into sleeping is to giving them a quick and light snack before their bedtime. Their overly entire state will help them go to sleep later on.
You can also make the room nice, comfortable, and quiet to help them relax. Remember that they do not need a night light as it will only bother them.
Finally, make sure that they have a warm and comfortable cage mat where they can relax. Once they get used to it, they will make the mat their haven and can easily fall asleep.
Final Word
Guinea pigs are wonderfully playful pets to have around the house. They are fun to interact with or even observe. Guinea pigs sleeping is an extremely cute activity you may want to observe. However, that will distract them.
The best thing you can do for these rodents is to give them all the proper care and love. Once they feel safe and comfortable, they will sleep, and you can rest knowing they are well.
Remember that these animals do not sleep for long hours like humans. Let them take their ample naps and sleep routines as per their comfort.
