Outside For Winter?

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Tyler3455

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I currently have 2 males kept inside, with my working pattern it's very difficult to find time to allow them to run outside in their garden run.

So my plan is to buy a large hutch with a joint on run and purchase up to 3 (total 5) guinea pigs so they can run around as much as they like and have lots of friends.

However, I have read in numerous places that outdoors is too cold for winter and that it is fine as long as you properly kit the hutch out. I don't really have the space to hold 5 guinea pigs indoors for winter and then outdoors for Summer.

Any advice would be very helpful as I am struggling greatly.

Thank you
 
You couldn't really add to two males without risking fall outs.What about a shed for them with a shelter and heating.You could insulate the shed as well.
 
Mine lived in the garage for a while, was freezing in there in winter despite a heater. That's how they ended up taking over the dining area in the kitchen!
 
I've now found a C&C cage that my friend is getting rid of which is bigger but fits better in my spare area.

The next issue is I have also just been informed that adding anymore males to my 2 would probably not end well... I am happy with my 2, I just want them to be happy with lots of exercise!

I also am considering getting a puppy pen to try and create an indoor run to give them space to run around in!
 
I think adding males or females to a bonded male pair would end in disaster.
More males would make for a very unstable group, and females would mean the males would fight.

If you have 2 males who get on well then I would stick with this.
But a larger cage will always be a good thing and your boys will love it.
When it comes to guinea pig males, sometimes less really is more!
 
Okay that's good to hear. I am happy with having my two beautiful boys I just wondered if they maybe wanted some company.

I am looking in to getting a 2x4 C&C cage with a loft for more ecage running and also a puppy pen indoor run for them to use for a few hours a day.

Thank you all for your help.
 
Guinea pigs can live outdoors in Winter. The subject is debatable, however my pigs live outside all year and have no problems! There are some important things to keep in mind though when keeping them outdoors for the colder season. Diet plays quite a big role - they have a higher requirement for energy (as they are using up more energy to keep warm). Some good examples of veggies to feed in Winter include root veggies like parsnips, carrots, beetroot. Then leafy greens are great because in a way they replace grasses/forage available in the warmer months (lettuce, kale..). You can also feed a small amount of dried herbs, pea flakes, sunflower seeds, dried veg, fennel seed, linseed for extra energy (the seeds can help to prevent fatty acid deficiency but I only feed sparingly). I believe you can feed oats during frosty weather too.

They also need a very well insulated shelter/hutch to keep warm. This must be draft proof and dry. I offer my pigs lots of soft barley straw in Winter too. It is definitely much more higher maintenance keeping pigs outdoors - mine live in a playhouse so it is easier to clean them out as I can keep dry. C&C cages are a great option if you choose to keep them indoors though.

As for male groups, I have heard that some people have had success whereas the people have had to separate them due to fighting. I think it depends on the personalities of the animals. You can read up about that here: https://translate.google.co.uk/tran...://www.diebrain.de/Iext-bock.html&prev=search

Also just wanted to add that if you are thinking about keeping them outdoors, you want to get them used to being outdoors now so they can adjust to the temperature :)
 
Pets Palace TV said:
Guinea pigs can live outdoors in Winter. The subject is debatable, however my pigs live outside all year and have no problems! There are some important things to keep in mind though when keeping them outdoors for the colder season. Diet plays quite a big role - they have a higher requirement for energy (as they are using up more energy to keep warm). Some good examples of veggies to feed in Winter include root veggies like parsnips, carrots, beetroot. Then leafy greens are great because in a way they replace grasses/forage available in the warmer months (lettuce, kale..). You can also feed a small amount of dried herbs, pea flakes, sunflower seeds, dried veg, fennel seed, linseed for extra energy (the seeds can help to prevent fatty acid deficiency but I only feed sparingly). I believe you can feed oats during frosty weather too.

They also need a very well insulated shelter/hutch to keep warm. This must be draft proof and dry. I offer my pigs lots of soft barley straw in Winter too. It is definitely much more higher maintenance keeping pigs outdoors - mine live in a playhouse so it is easier to clean them out as I can keep dry. C&C cages are a great option if you choose to keep them indoors though.

As for male groups, I have heard that some people have had success whereas the people have had to separate them due to fighting. I think it depends on the personalities of the animals. You can read up about that here: Google Translate

Also just wanted to add that if you are thinking about keeping them outdoors, you want to get them used to being outdoors now so they can adjust to the temperature :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for your post. How footie you exercise your outdoor piggies? Do they stay in playhouse or outdoor run on better days? Also where do you give them lap time?

I am collecting my piggies next week and they currently are outdoor piggies.
 
No problem! So their playhouse is joined onto an outdoor run, and they have permanent access to both during the day. Overnight I shut them inside the playhouse so they are safe. Then when I am around they get playtime in a larger outdoor run. I don't give lap time very often as I have 9 pigs and I also prefer them to live a more natural life, but sometimes I sit on a step stool and give them a little cuddle. Here is a picture of my setup:

IMG_1876.webp
The rabbits live in the shed & aviary on the left, and the guinea pigs live in the setup on the right (but both get separate playtime in the big run)
 
Pets Palace TV said:
No problem! So their playhouse is joined onto an outdoor run, and they have permanent access to both during the day. Overnight I shut them inside the playhouse so they are safe. Then when I am around they get playtime in a larger outdoor run. I don't give lap time very often as I have 9 pigs and I also prefer them to live a more natural life, but sometimes I sit on a step stool and give them a little cuddle. Here is a picture of my setup:

View attachment 52108
The rabbits live in the shed & aviary on the left, and the guinea pigs live in the setup on the right (but both get separate playtime in the big run)
Click to expand...

Wow! That is amazing. Very lucky piggies indeed.
 
Pets Palace TV said:
No problem! So their playhouse is joined onto an outdoor run, and they have permanent access to both during the day. Overnight I shut them inside the playhouse so they are safe. Then when I am around they get playtime in a larger outdoor run. I don't give lap time very often as I have 9 pigs and I also prefer them to live a more natural life, but sometimes I sit on a step stool and give them a little cuddle. Here is a picture of my setup:

View attachment 52108
The rabbits live in the shed & aviary on the left, and the guinea pigs live in the setup on the right (but both get separate playtime in the big run)
Click to expand...
Awesome set up.
 
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