Very Worried And Upset

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newtoguineas

newtoguineas

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My OH has just said we cant bring the pigs in for winter despite previously saying we can :( I am so concerned. Atm we have them in a hutch right outside the back door. We do have a garage but its in a block of garages down the road from the house and with 2 young kids itll be impossible to keep coming and goung to feed them etc :( what can i do? I'm contemplating rehoming them as i am so worried they will die in winter :(
 
So sorry you are having problems. Just explain to him how important it is and how upset you will all be if anything happens to them. Show him relevant info on here.
 
Show him this post and how we all say they have to have some protection over the hutch in winter. Two years ago one of my work colleagues came in the office and said her guinea pigs had frozen to death in the night. It was snowing and she had them outside.

What is his objection to them being inside? If you tell us we can suggest solutions.
 
I agree with Goth Mummy. Because if he does have some reasons as to why, such as smell or mess, we can help with solutions to that.
 
Thanks everyone. His main reasons are 'we dont have room' which is not true providing i do a little rearranging. Second reason is 'mess' which is possibly true in terms of hay but it cant be worse than me trekking it in fron the garden all the time. Unfortunately we dont have room for a shed. I will try again when hes in a good mood xx
 
Do some rearranging so he can see where they potentially will go. as for mess, are they on fleece or something? fleece will be less messy. And for hay, what is there hay in? some hay racks can be messy, but i have seen alot of people with hay bags or pillows that really seems to reduce mess as the hay isnt perched on the side of the cage. ir maybe try a large cat litter tray on the outside where the hay would normally make a mess so that can catch it?
 
If he won't change his mind then you'll need to insulate your hutch extremely well.

My pigs have to live outside due to my husband's very severe asthma.

We don't have room for a shed, although I have been promised a purpose built insulated pig shed when we move in a couple of years. So my boys have a large 6ft by 2ft hutch made from solid timber. It is located in the most sheltered spot in the garden. Come winter I insulate the hutch, provide heavy duty hidey boxes and stuff the hutch with hay. During dark hours the mesh part of the hutch is covered by a waterproof throw with towels underneath. The night side remains covered to limit drafts - although it is important for there to be some air flow so I make sure the pigs aren't completely sealed in.

All wet bedding is removed twice a day. An even closer eye than usual is kept on their health and general condition.

My current pair haven't been through a winter yet. My previous pair both made it to a good age and spent their entire lives outside. They made through two extreme winters (we very rarely get snow etc in this part of the world) and were always toasty warm whenever I was feeding/cleaning/visiting etc.

I know it's not ideal - but it can be done if you need to. Fingers crossed when your OH sees the amount of work that'll need to be done to ensure the hutch is ready for winter he'll change his mind again.
 
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No, she cant threaten to leave her husband as it would be an empty threat, she has children so this is not realistic and also its more likely to escalate the situation into a massive row.

I would do some decluttering now and whatever rearranging you need to do to accomodate them. As you have children your house might be like mine with more toys than you really need! Identify the space they are going to need and clear it without harrassing your partner, then show him the space.

Also are you planning to bring a wood hutch inside? My husband would be less thrilled about that but does not mind a correx or a plastic bottomed cage.

Also regarding the mess, consider fleece rather than messy beddings. Always open a hay bag outside (or if you are in a flat then open it inside the cage). Use a hay bag, tray or hay sock rather than a rack. And always keep a dustpan and brush next to the cage.

Can you tell I have had similar issues?!

Good luck.
 
Thanks everyone; I'm really touched by all these replies xx i use newspaper and puppy pads so thankfully no substrate everywhere. i would probably buy a cage rather than bringing the hutch in. a hay bag sonds like a good idea and i will investigate the shelter. I think he will.probably give in if push comes to shove, heres hoping x
 
if you have the ability to make a c&c it maybe a good idea as you couild make the correx sides higher so nothing will get kicked out. I hope he does give in, it will be so much better for the piggies, and easier for you to not have to go out in the cold.
 
Awesome news! I am so happy for you and your babies! Maybe once he gets ro spend more time with them he will fall in love and decisions like this wont be so difficult in future, yay!
 
Oh thats great :) I have to vacuum the house every day whist pigs are inside but it is worth it.
 
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