Hutch issues

[ThePotterPiggie]

I am struggling financially at the moment, so have had to move city suddenly and live with my elderly mother. I have brought my 4 Guineas with me. However, my mother’s completely opposed to them being inside, so their old C&C cages are out of the question. Thankfully, my mother has two old hutches and a run in the loft from when I was a kid and we had rabbits (they’re not very big as it was the ‘70s!). However, only two of my piggies are bonded and the others have fallen out and can’t be reintroduced. The second hutch is two-floored and the non-bonded pigs won’t be able to see each other (I’m not financially stable enough to purchase a hutch, and neither is my mother). I know that pigs need daily interaction from their own kind, so I can divide up the run and put the non-bonded pigs in there during the daytime, separated by chicken wire? Is this better than them being all alone during the day when I’m at work? I only want the best for them.

 

[Piggies&buns]

yes, being able to see each other but separated by wire so they can interact is the best thing to do. It is going to come down to size though - if once split it is too small then it won’t be an ideal long term solution for them, but I do understand your situation and can appreciate that it is about making the best of what you can at the moment

 

[ThePotterPiggie]

Thank you. They would have to go back into their hutch at night alone and see each other in the morning again - is that ok for them to be repeatedly reintroduced?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you. They would have to go back into their hutch at night alone and see each other in the morning again - is that ok for them to be repeatedly reintroduced?

It’s not a reintroduction as such so don’t worry about that.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Your biggest problem is going to be the cold. If they are used to be indoors, then it is the wrong time of year to be putting them outside. You are going to have to get thermal and waterproof hutch covers, blankets and snugglesafes. Loads of hay for them to snuggle into and warm hidey houses. Thermometers would also be a good idea, and also consider the positioning of hutches. Guinea pigs can not cope with damp and draughts

 

[ThePotterPiggie]

Hi, thank you so much for the tips. We have set up the hutches, with plenty of extra hay, blankets, cosies etc. and a blanket and tarpaulin secured on top. The thermometers are a great idea, will hunt for some around the house tonight.

 

[Darcey15]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I was wondering if your mothers place has a shed or an outbuilding which could be used for the winter? I'm sure they will be fine with what you've set up but was just a thought! Sending big hugs x

 

[Piggies&buns]

Hi, thank you so much for the tips. We have set up the hutches, with plenty of extra hay, blankets, cosies etc. and a blanket and tarpaulin secured on top. The thermometers are a great idea, will hunt for some around the house tonight.

Definitely look to get some snugglesafe heat pads. They are pretty much essential for outdoor piggies. I have four snugglesafes between my two boys so they are all over the hutch

 

[Darcey15]

Definitely look to get some snugglesafe heat pads. They are pretty much essential for outdoor piggies. I have four snugglesafes between my two boys so they are all over the hutch

There are some 2nd hand ones on ebay with the covers too so you might snatch a bargain