Guinea Pigs

does guinea pigs sleep with their eyes open


Do Guinea Pigs Sleep with Their Eyes Open?

Guinea pigs, otherwise known as cavies, are small, friendly and occasionally mischievous animals. An interesting trait of cavies is that they can sometimes appear as if they’re sleeping with their eyes open. This naturally leads to the question – do guinea pigs sleep with their eyes open?

The Behaviour in Question

Cavies often display a behaviour in which they remain motionless with their eyes slightly opened. Because of their small size, people might mistake this for sleeping. Since the eyes of these animals, like humans, can remain open even when the lids are shut, this behaviour can appear like sleeping with the eyes open.

Do Guinea Pigs Actually Sleep With Their Eyes Open?

While it may look like they are, guinea pigs don’t actually sleep with their eyes open. Experts believe that the behaviour is likely due to the guinea pig being alert and responsive to their environment. In other words, they may be sleeping with their eyes slightly open in order to remain aware of any potential threats.

How Much Do Guinea Pigs Sleep?

Guinea pigs are considered diurnal animals, which means that they are active during the day and sleep during the night. In general, a guinea pig will sleep for approximately 5-6 hours daily at regular intervals. During this time, they will rest on all fours, but may also curl up into a ball to stay warm.

Things to Look Out For

It should be noted that the behaviour of sleeping with the eyes open can be paired with other symptoms like lethargy and lack of appetite – this could be indicative of a medical issue and should be monitored.

Conclusion

So, if you ever find your guinea pig looking like they are sleeping with their eyes open – fear not, as it is likely that they are just taking a break while remaining alert to the environment. However, if this behaviour is accompanied by other symptoms then it is best to consult with your vet to discuss the issue.

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