Space or company - what is more important?

[beautiful_day]

Hi all,
We have two piggies, and they have a great two level outdoor hutch on the grass, with a pen to roam in when we are at home. In the really cold and hot periods, they have an indoor cage, which is ok but not huge and just one level. They get out for exercise but spend most of their time in this cage (it is about 90x50).
Recently, we had them indoors as it was cold through March. Also, we have all been at home all the time, because of the confinement. Thirdly, the spare room they are usually in was occupied, so the cage was in the corner of the living room.
That is the background ;-)

I have noticed that they were so much happier after this period indoors with all of us around. They are not shy pigs, but they have become way more sociable and responsive. So what is better for them - more space, living mostly outdoors with fresh grass and more time to roam.? Or living indoors, in a smaller cage, but with us around (family of 4, two kids that pay them loads more attention when they are just there then when they are out of sight!)
I thought the outdoor solution was far better for them, and only brought them in when the weather made it necessary, but maybe not?
thoughts?
thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

Both are an equal necessity, not just one or the other taking precedence. The company they need the most is of their own kind rather than that of us humans. That’s just a bonus, and having them around the house means you interact more with them which often leads to a better bond with them.

Despite their appearing to be fine, please do get them a bigger cage or set up a play pen they have permanent access to. It’s not fair for them to be confined to such a small area. By the time you put on hides etc, there’s no room for them to run around or get away from each other.

 

[beautiful_day]

They usually have a pen in the spare room indoors, but this last month they have not - this was exceptional as we don’t usually have someone staying that long in the spare room. My point is they seemed much happier with little space but more company.

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

Defining out pets' happiness can be tricky and subjective. By being indoors your piggies are interacting with you more because you are in each other's presence more which is lovely for you and your children and good for the piggies in that they are not being forgotten about but this does not mean that they are necessarily happier. It is even possible that they are interacting more because there is little else for them to do. Two of the most important things for their welfare are having company of their own kind (which they have) and plenty of space to run around in and express natural behaviours. Perhaps the best solution would be for them to live in their more spacious outdoor accommodation but be brought in more frequently for some regular quality time with the humans.

 

[Hannah_xx]

Both is equally important. Space, and company of their own kind.

I’d recommend you get them a larger indoor cage where they can live permanently as it’s sounds like you’re all really enjoying having them indoors and interacting with them more. And then when the weather is nice you can put them outside for a few hours in the safe hutch/run to enjoy the grass.