Removing Hutch Partition?

[SabreRose]

the piece of wood that separates off the nest box area in the hutch doesn't fully go to the ground because the floors pull out. But this leaves a little gap that the pigs have been running under. But it really isn't very big and I'm worried they'll get stuck eventually.
Is it ok to take this part out? Will they be warm enough?
They have houses to hide in and the hutch is in a shed so wind and rain aren't an issue.
I live in Ireland to give you an idea of temperature.
Thanks for the help.

 

[Cuddles With Cavies]

Personally, I would remove it because it's posing more of a risk than not. I'd then put in an inclosed box or hides in that area so that they still have something inclosed to hide in.

I would try to focus on keeping the whole cage warm rather than just one area. You can try covering the hutch with blankets and rugs at night to keep the heat in. I've seen a few people using the heavy horse blankets which apparently work really well.
You can also put heat pads under their hides if if gets really cold and of course offer them lots of bedding in thier hides to keep them warm.
I've also seen people attach the insulating padding to the inside of their piggies hutches, like the one in this link.