Inside Or Outside For Winter?

[Tjchoc]

Hi all,
I have recently acquired 2 male guinea pigs (brothers called Crunchie and Twister) who are now 17 weeks old. They currently live outside in a well-insulated hutch and have a small covered run and a larger open run for when the weather is nice and dry. I'm now faced with a dilemma of whether to leave them outside or take them in as the weather is starting to get very stormy, windy, cold and wet where we live (although it has been a beautiful summer up until this weekend). We have a place outside that is more sheltered and out of the wind and rain where it would be possible to put them but they wouldn't get much company during the dark and rainy months and there would be little opportunity for a run around outside. My other option is inside the house but I'm afraid it would be too warm for them (on average it's 21C but I can cool this slightly if I leave a window open). What's the consensus of opinion as I've heard conflicting views? Many thanks for any help!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all,
I have recently acquired 2 male guinea pigs (brothers called Crunchie and Twister) who are now 17 weeks old. They currently live outside in a well-insulated hutch and have a small covered run and a larger open run for when the weather is nice and dry. I'm now faced with a dilemma of whether to leave them outside or take them in as the weather is starting to get very stormy, windy, cold and wet where we live (although it has been a beautiful summer up until this weekend). We have a place outside that is more sheltered and out of the wind and rain where it would be possible to put them but they wouldn't get much company during the dark and rainy months and there would be little opportunity for a run around outside. My other option is inside the house but I'm afraid it would be too warm for them (on average it's 21C but I can cool this slightly if I leave a window open). What's the consensus of opinion as I've heard conflicting views? Many thanks for any help!

Please bring them inside on a warmish autumn day, like today (and ideally before the first of the really cold nights), when the jump in temperatures is not too great and then gradually harden them off again in spring - think of it in terms of what you need to do with tender plants. 21 C is perfectly fine for guinea pigs. It is the constant huge swings in temperatures that guinea pigs struggle with when you carry them into a warm house for play time. Ideally, outdoors guinea pigs should be insulated and safely away from storms, dampness and freezing cold, ideally under a roof anyway.

You will enjoy the constant interaction and the possibility to build up a closer relationship with your piggies.

PS: I am moving your thread to the housing section for you.

 

[Tiamolly123]

Please bring them inside on a warmish autumn day, like today (and ideally before the first of the really cold nights), when the jump in temperatures is not too great and then gradually harden them off again in spring - think of it in terms of what you need to do with tender plants. 21 C is perfectly fine for guinea pigs. It is the constant huge swings in temperatures that guinea pigs struggle with when you carry them into a warm house for play time. Ideally, outdoors guinea pigs should be insulated and safely away from storms, dampness and freezing cold, ideally under a roof anyway.

You will enjoy the constant interaction and the possibility to build up a closer relationship with your piggies.

PS: I am moving your thread to the housing section for you.

I'm a great believer in inside plus you get more interaction with them I hate the thought of their cold toes