Indoors & outdoors

S

SineadMcC

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Messages
27
Reaction score
5
Points
145
Location
Stoke on trent
Hi does anyone keep their pigs inside in the winter and outside in the summer or does the change affect them ? We've previously kept guinea pigs outdoors all year round but I was always panicky in the winter (even when they were in the shed with insulator and cover on the hutch and snugglesafes) and I could never sleep properly, worrying if they would be ok in the morning. I'm considering changing their home based on the season but please tell me if it's not a good idea. We currently have no piggies but are looking to get 2 or 3 sows in the next few weeks depending on what's available for adoption.
 
Straightforward answer is Yes - some members keep their guinea pigs outside in summer and indoors in winter .

Some members have started with outdoor piggies - but have kept them indoors after bringing them in for 1 winter.

There are pros and cons . Personally, I will never again keep piggies in a hutch outdoors - too many foxes around …. and it's a right drudge trying to keep them fed , cleaned and health checked when the weather is bad.

My hubby won't let me keep mine in the house so …. we have compromised and mine live in hutches in an insulated shed .
 
That's great thanks for the answer. I think we will keep them inside in winter and out in summer. We also have a large shed for colder or wetter summer days. Thanks so much for replying.
 
Hi, the main thing is not to shock their systems with sudden changes in temperature. So when you bring them in keep the room temperature low and rise it gradually.
 
Thanks . What about changes in temperature throughout the day in winter ? Usually our heating only comes on from 4am until we all leave for work and school and then again in the evening when everyone is home.
 
It’s big sudden changes, like being outside in 5 degrees and then being brought into a warm heated house at 25 degrees, that’s what you want to avoid.
Once in the house they should be fine :nod:
 
Ok thanks. Sounds fine to keep them inside in winter and out in summer then. Husband and son are allergic so having them inside all year round would be asking a lot I think. Their hayfever is obviously worse in summer so would be best to have a pet free house during those months. They are both asthmatic also which is hard.
 
The ideal temperature is 15 - 25 degrees I think. As others have said no sudden jumps in temperature. I wouldn’t put them close to a radiator, you can always turn a radiator on low if they’re near by xx
 
Mine come into the garage when the outside temp gets below 5c for any length of time - so this last winter they were insidw for about 3 months! It stays around 10c in there. We don't keep vehicles in there, it's not heated but it is insulated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top