Inside Or Heating?

[The3LittlePigs]

Its freezing, and my pigs are outside. They've got a well insulated hutch stuffed with hay and covered by blankets, and are currently using hot water bottles during the night. However, I have the choice to bring them inside. They'll have to be in your typical pets@home cages, though. Should I bring them in or buy snugglesafes? I'm torn between the two decisions, as outside they have more space but its just so cold, I feel awful when I'm all snuggled up in bed and they could be freezing outside.

 

[Veggies Galore]

In .

In - no doubt about it in my opinion.

They won't be taking advantage of the extra outdoor space in these temperatures .

Just be careful to give them some time to acclimatise to the warmer indoor temperatures.

Will you be able to give them floor time indoors ?

 

[Claire W]

If you have the option to bring them indoors, then please bring them indoors.

Don't worry about them being in a smaller cage than what they're used too, I'm sure they will appreciate the warmth more. Just make sure you give them lots of floor time.

My piggies are indoor piggies but I remember a few years ago when I had outdoor piggies. The temperatures plumatered to -10 degrees so I had no choice but to bring them in. I didn't have the space for a big cage so they lived in a huge storage box without the lid and plenty of floor time for a while.

Please remember though that if you do bring them inside, they won't be able to go back out until the weather warms up in the Spring so you are looking at at least the end of April / May time.

 

[The3LittlePigs]

Thanks so much. I'm torn between getting a cheaper cage online or buying one from the local pets at home. Do you think they'll be okay outside over the next few days whilst I wait for it to arrive? And yes, floor time wont be a problem. They can be out for hours when I'm home- taking turns if course. Thanks again, any idea which the best cages would be? I've done some research online but I'm still deciding.

 

[Claire W]

Are your piggies boys or girls as boys need more space than girls.

The minimum for two girls is 120cm (4ft by 2ft) and ideally a pair of boys should have a minimum of 150cm (5ft by 2ft) but the bigger the better but it depends how much room you have to play with.

Have you had a look on zooplus? They do some really nice cages at a good price too.

I can warmly recommend the ferplast 120 and also the skyline maxi XXL is another popular choice especially if you're on a budget.

Ferplast Rabbit & Guinea Pig Cage 120 | Free P&P £29+ at zooplus!

Skyline Maxi XXL Small Pet Cage | Free P&P £29+ at zooplus!

Zooplus also sell bigger cages if your space available and budget will allow it

Pet Supplies at zooplus Online Pet Shop, Pet Food & Pet Accessories.

Little pet warehouse also sell some pretty decent cages for a good price but it depends on what you're looking for really.

Rabbits & Cavies - Cages, Hutches & Runs - Page 1 - Little Pet Warehouse

Both websites also offer free delivery when spending over £29

I'm pretty sure your piggies will be fine in their current home whilst you wait for your cage to arrive.

But it's great that you are bringing them indoors

 

[flowerfairy]

I will be having my two girls inside. Outside there is a heated insulated shed (wabbits in there) with plenty of room for guinea pigs (separate from the rabbits) but I felt that I would rather have them indoors in order to maximise interaction.

I hope you enjoy their company even more once they come in.

 

[The3LittlePigs]

It will only be over winter as my parents aren't willing to offer me much space. I have boys; two separate pairs. I already have an ok house for one pair - although its a tad small - but I'll be able to let them out and around the room for a roam fairly often. Thanks for the website links, I'll take a look!