Runs?

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I'd let them out for a little while at first and gradually increase the length of time. Just because they're used to being indoors so will have to get used to the cold, wind, sun and all that grass! Soon you'd be able to leave them out all day if the weather is ok. :) They'll love it :)

Although the run in the pic, I can't see if it has a roof or not, but it would need a roof in case there are any cats in the neighbourhood, or even birds or prey. Otherwise you'd have to supervise them.
 
I doubt that run would stand up to a determined dog either. It def would need a cover to protect from cats and birds. Also an area of shade and somewhere that the piggies could go if it starts to rain so they can stay warm and dry.

TBH I think that kind of run is more for supervised lawn time rather than the kind you could use all day long.
 
If you're interested, this is a link to the run I have, which is very solid and heavy with metal bars, so is very safe to have out all day. I even use them at night but only on concrete in case a fox dug underneath, not that we have foxes in the garden ever. I think it's fine to have on the grass during the day though.

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/cages/pens_fencing/pens_with_timber_frame/95234

There are loads on there, but I just know this one first hand and it's very good (I have three!)

You'd need a little house to go in it though to protect them from sun and rain even (if it rains unexpectedly and you're not home). I have this house too, which can go inside the run and pigs can go underneath it, so it's not really taking up as much room as it seems.

http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/rodents/cages/rabbit_hutches/outback_hutches/100178

It's hard to tell how secure runs are when you see them on the internet and some can be a bit flimsy I've heard from reviews. But the ones I have are very good.
 
We do put our piggies out for long periods of time but only if we are in and around the garden. If we are not there to keep an eye on them then we keep them in. A fox ate through our cage last year and I just wouldn't risk leaving my babies without me as their guard.
 
:(|) @ skrikopanik

Our girls have a very similar run and our cat can clear it easily, so it's no good for leaving them on their own :(
 
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/ask?query=guinea+pig+run&num=20&form=search

I have this one and although the net looks rubbish in the pic I stretch the net across the top taught and then peg the gaps, the metal stakes hold the run securely in the ground and I tested it by adding weight onto it as we have a few cat's where we live and it held strong! also put a thick towel over one side for shade and again secure with pegs, water bottle ans shelter .....they adore it! and saves me cutting my grass! I just move it around onto a fresh patch each time I let them out!
 
bexholmez14 said:
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/ask?query=guinea+pig+run&num=20&form=search

I have this one and although the net looks rubbish in the pic I stretch the net across the top taught and then peg the gaps, the metal stakes hold the run securely in the ground and I tested it by adding weight onto it as we have a few cat's where we live and it held strong! also put a thick towel over one side for shade and again secure with pegs, water bottle ans shelter .....they adore it! and saves me cutting my grass! I just move it around onto a fresh patch each time I let them out!
Click to expand...

The link didn't work, but thanks for that because I was always wondering if the ones with nets would be safe around cats :)
 
Thanks everyone, I will probably get a couple of these runs but only use them when I am outside so can keep an eye on the piggies!
 
CiaraPatricia said:
The link didn't work, but thanks for that because I was always wondering if the ones with nets would be safe around cats :)
Click to expand...

after this disscussion I tested it and as it is pegged into the ground it held a cat carrier, a full peg bag and i pushed down on it - no way a cat could get in and a dog certainly couldn't knock it over - we don't have foxes around thro the day so no probs there £30 well spent in my oppinion?!
 
It is so much cheaper to make your own run, but you do need a friend or family member who is good with their hands and generous with their time! Our hutch is seven foot, I think, and the pigs love it. I would never EVER reccomend leaving your guinea pigs outside unsupervised, whether or not the hutch has a cover or an indoor house. It's always a good idea to supervise them when they're not in their cages because you never know what cats/dogs/foxes might be able to do to get to them.
 
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