Ideas for winter housing

[alisont]

I'm beginning to think about winter housing for Melvin and Parsnip, they are outdoor piggies - I've got Monty guinea in my room, but live with my parents and I'd not fit another indoor cage in my room and parents don't want the other guineas inside.

I'm starting to clear junk off a table in the garage which is full of junk - the table is 3foot wide - very strong so would hold a 4 foot hutch or cage. It's not ideal as not heated and until we get the house re wired I can't alter that. I'm wondering if a 4 foot hutch or a 4 foot cage would be best in a garage? I do have a spare 4 foot hutch but I'd need one without legs as the table is 3 foot.

Hate the idea of them being outside but maybe I can put them out on warner days and in overnight in the garage. If I clear space the other end maybe a playpen could act as a run?

One worry in the garage is we have been known to get mice!

I've not given up on the idea of getting them inside but not getting anywhere at the mo! I'd not like being shut in a garage would much rather they were inside but can't see where another cage would fit in my room!

Would plastic be at risk of cracking in the cold? It's dry in there and they would be out of the wind.

 

[CiaraPatricia]

I think a hutch in the garage would be better, could you saw off the legs?

A cage would probably be fine too, but maybe cover it in a blanket at night or something, and have a little wooden hide house in it, to hold in the heat.

I think they'd be fine in the garage hopefully.

And could go out on warmer days, go in at night or cold/rainy days maybe?

And you can get snugglesafe heat pads for about £20 on zooplus.co.uk, worth a try I'd say. You microwave them and they stay warm all night apparently. I'm getting some in a more or so.

 

[nutmeg]

I wouldn't recommend putting a cage in the garage, they are too flimsy and cold, you would be better with a good strong hutch. Is there any lighting in there, otherwise they will be in darkness from about 3.30 - 4pm in the middle of winter. Loads of traps could help with your mice problem, and keeping you food in steel/plastic bins. You could use snuggle safes for warmth and cover the hutches with an old sleeping bag or something, opened up, so it will go down the back of the hutch as well as the front and sides to keep draughts out. xx

 

[nutmeg]

I think a hutch in the garage would be better, could you saw off the legs?

A cage would probably be fine too, but maybe cover it in a blanket at night or something, and have a little wooden hide house in it, to hold in the heat.

I think they'd be fine in the garage hopefully.

And could go out on warmer days, go in at night or cold/rainy days maybe?

And you can get snugglesafe heat pads for about £20 on zooplus.co.uk, worth a try I'd say. You microwave them and they stay warm all night apparently. I'm getting some in a more or so.

Is it "Great minds think alike" or "Simple minds never differ" ? lol xx

 

[Little Piggles]

I'd be tempted to go with a hutch iin the garage. It'll be cosier for them, especially as the weather turns chillier.

Will the table not fit between the legs of the hutch,so they kinda hang doen the side? save you buying a new one

 

[CiaraPatricia]

Oh and another reason a hutch would be better, you can stuff the sleeping compartment full of hay! The piggies can burrow in and be really cosy. And in a cage that wouldn't really work the same.

 

[alisont]

Thanks everyone for the good ideas

Will measure up tomorrow yes bet the legs could hang down - no point buying another hutch as got a brand new one well it's Monty's outdoor one he was only in for 6 months.

Id be worried the plastic would not be thick enough, have got duvets/sleeping bag and warm covers galore, and will be ordering snuggle safes for them and Leo for winter.

There is a light in there but it would be on in the eves when I'm out with them but off in the day - but there is a double window for light. But not as much as outdoors but think being warm and dry is the main concern.

The mice have been there for years - we leave them to it I couldnt trap them as they are not a real pain and seem happy there I keep hay and food in bins sealed.

Will investigate more tomorrow thanks!

 

[alisont]

Well have started clearing the area - it currently holds Mums things which Il move into the house this afternoon, can't believe the mess in our garage but can't clear it without a skip and Dad will be watching like a hawk to see what I'm throwing out! Mum's things are housed in C&C type grids and found another massive bag of them (oh for the space inside now I've seen all those!)

Will measure up this afternoon see if there is any chance of the spare hutch legs and all going in there.

Typically the lad in the rented place next door with the linked garage has turned his garage into a spray room for his various cars:{ am going to have to sit in there see if the fumes get in.

I shall feel so guilty putting Melvin and Parsnip in there but at least its out of any wind and dry so I can pile old duvets round at night, on dry days they can go out in their other hutch, with their cover on to get more light but if this winters as bad as the last one the garage is a bit better than outside I guess. Will buy snuggle safes too.

The talks about the re wire of the house have begun again - we will get the garage done on the re wire too so eventually I'm looking at heaters in there and more lights than the current one.

My lack of indoor space made me decide not to take on anymore guineas/rabbits in the future unless I can accomodate them inside or get a heated shed/garage I'm not going to take any more on.