Are Guinea Pigs Nocturnal? Understanding Your Guinea Pig’s Activity Patterns

You may notice your guinea pig sleeping during the day and wonder: are guinea pigs nocturnal? Learn the answer and more about their sleeping patterns here.

Are guinea pigs nocturnal? When are they most active? Learn about guinea pig sleeping and activity patterns below.

Are Guinea Pigs Nocturnal?

No, your pet guinea pig is not considered a nocturnal animal, as they are awake most of the day. However, they are not 100% diurnal either, as they typically sleep at night and during the day. They fall somewhere between diurnal and nocturnal.

Guinea Pig Sleep Patterns and Preferences

Below is an explanation of healthy guinea pig sleep patterns and preferences to help you care for your pet.

How Much Sleep Do Guinea Pigs Need?

Amazingly, your small pet only needs four to six hours of sleep daily. So, even if they were nocturnal, they would still be awake most of the day. Many guinea pigs don’t even sleep for six hours, as four hours is plenty for most.

When Do Guinea Pigs Sleep?

While guinea pigs sleep roughly four hours a day, they don’t sleep for long periods. They typically take 15 to 30-minute power naps throughout the day and night. A domesticated guinea pig strongly bonded to its owner may sleep for a full hour when its owner is asleep, but not necessarily. However, they are more likely to take short naps when their owner is asleep.

Where Do Guinea Pigs Sleep?

Guinea pigs like to sleep in warm, dark, safe places. They will often retreat to their cage or sleeping area when tired rather than fall asleep wherever they are. In nature, guinea pigs burrow into the ground to create a dark, cosy place to nap. Pet guinea pigs usually don’t have enough room in their cage to burrow, so they need a dark place to get some shuteye.

Ideal Guinea Pig Sleeping Conditions

If you want to help your little furry friend sleep well, you can partially cover their cage with a towel or blanket to create a dimmer environment during the day. Do not cover the guinea pig cage fully, as this can cause ventilation problems.

Add small blankets or pillows to their sleeping area so they can get cosy. Many owners give their pets a small hideaway, like a cardboard box or pocket, where they can sleep comfortably.

Guinea Pig Activity Patterns

We talked about guinea pig sleep patterns, but what about their activity patterns? Guinea pigs are most active in the early morning, right after the sun comes up, and in the early evening, just before the sun sets.

Why are they most active at these times? In nature, a wild guinea pig is most vulnerable during these times of the day because the sun is up, and predators can see them.

Conclusion

In summary, guinea pigs are not nocturnal but also not diurnal. They sleep very little and only take short naps, so you have more time to hang out and play with your piggy!