Questions about runs

Status
Not open for further replies.
Briony_S

Briony_S

Senior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 8, 2009
Messages
5,074
Reaction score
1,248
Points
970
Location
Preston, Lancashire
Hi.

I have just bought a proper run off ebay and waiting for it to arrive (very excited). Was just wondering a few things. How long is safe for them to be out as don't want them to be ill from eating too much grass (i will be sitting with them to be sure no cats or squirells etc.. come to bother them)

Also I will be providing a hidey house and water bottle but is it normal for them to have pellets as well or are they ok without?

Thanks
 
I leave mine out as long as i can, but i dont have grass. I was told that they wont over-eat, my boys get about half an hour on grass at the front of the house. Someone who has a run on grass could probs help more
I put their food in, toys, boxes etc.. x
 
My guinea pigs are out all day.....they come back in to their hutch when it gets dark.Here is a photo...but I've only 2 guinea pigs now and the grass looks alot better (lushess) also quite long at the minute!

21-05-08_1534.jpg


there is also a gate out into the garden.......top left corner! You can just see the c&c fixed onto the fence!
 
Hi Brionry, I have a run but its attached to hutch so mine have access to grass all day, as long as they have water and access to food and somewhere to hide if there is a noise they dont like they should be ok.

Ive heard tho if your piggies are not used to access to grass all the time they can get 'bloat', so maybe start off with an hour and increase it gradually if they are not used to grazing on grass all day.

I also use the bottom of an old tent to cover over more than half of the run, so they are shaded if they want it but also it keeps most of the rain off the grass so they can graze more without getting wet!

I sure you piggies will love it xx
 
Yep, as above - if they're not used to it, build up gradually (especially if it's long rich grass?). My grass is quite short and mine stay out all day at the weekend and all evening if it's nice during the week. I have 2 lots that live out in the summer (with weather proof hutch attached) and they get moved daily so they don't kill the grass!

Sophie
x
 
Gaile said:
My guinea pigs are out all day.....they come back in to their hutch when it gets dark.Here is a photo...but I've only 2 guinea pigs now and the grass looks alot better (lushess) also quite long at the minute!

21-05-08_1534.jpg


there is also a gate out into the garden.......top left corner! You can just see the c&c fixed onto the fence!
Click to expand...
thats a nice big run are you with them all the time when they are in it just thinking of birds going after them . i have two runs one under hutch and if grass looks bit bare there put them in another and move around garden that is open top so if i am not out side i get a fleece chuck it over and peg sides down but i dont leave them out for hours maybe hour at most
 
i want a run like that linked to my spare room so indoors and out doors
let the piggies take over

as for the question - i agree with above

i re turfed an area so i have 2 different grades of grass, the new area is long and suculent and gave one of my little girls a poorly tum (i think)

mine go in the run as often as they can and i use a plant pot on its side as another hidey place that stays really cool inside

fill it with hay and they love it
 
Thanks every one. Run arrived today it's great it folds up really small so will fit in my shed when not in use. I see a problem with it though. It has nothing to hold the lid shut so am worried as it's quite light a cat could get in! Gonna have to buy something to close it with for piece of mind. They wouldn't be left alone anyway but if they are out for an hour or so I will probably need the toilet or to answer the door etc.. so wouldn't want to leave them with it like that even for 2 minutes as that is all it would take for a cat to do something terrible.
 
Maybe you could find something heavy to go ontop? Or its not too complicated to add on your own bolts etc if you check your hardwar stores (like b&q/focus etc) for lots of different styles of fasteners :D

Our 4 are out as long as possible (yesturday it was from 7am-10pm) and they run around/eat/sleep/sunbathe hehe great fun to watch :D
 
I had a brainwave whilst they were out in it today (I was crossing my legs as daren't leave them :)) ). I'm going to get some re-usable tie raps as they will hold the lid shut enough for me to leave them for 5 mins whilst nature calls :))
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top