When To Put Piggies Back Outside - Uk

[AbiS]

So Toby and Barney have been in the house over the winter. The plan is for them to go back into the garden when the weather improves. I was just wondering what time of year other people who do the same put their piggies back outside?

PS - I'm in no hurry, am just after the info.

 

[Wiebke]

Treat guinea pigs like tender new plants!

Wait until night frosts and the biggest fluctuation in day/night time temperatures is over before moving them out permanently, as that is what causes most illnesses like the spate of URIs and UTIs we get every spring. Acclimatise them slowly to the outside to build up their resistence and insulate the hutch well against cold, drafts and dampness for nights and unexpected cold snaps.

 

[klee]

Last year mine went back out around May. The weather is so unpredictable before then and as Wiebke says do it slowly so they get used to it.

 

[AbiS]

In that case I will have to make MrS finish the indoor cage he started in October so when the time comes I can move their hutch outside and still have somewhere for them indoors.

Thanks for the advice x

 

[Wiebke]

You generally can start acclimatising them outside in the UK in the sun from March/April onwards for an increasing length of time, but make sure that the ground is dry and warm to your bare feet. Provide them with a hay filled shelter that is off the ground against cool winds, a sudden drop in temperature when it clouds over or an unexpected rain shower. Bring them back in as soon as the shade comes in.

 

[AbiS]

Great - I will do that. I have a cover for their hutch as well so that will keep the drafts off, and a heatpad if needs be. I think that the temperature should be at least 15 degrees and I have a thermometer. I would love to keep them indoors all year round but I would also like to use my front door - haven't done that since they came inside in October!

 

[klee]

Great - I will do that. I have a cover for their hutch as well so that will keep the drafts off, and a heatpad if needs be. I think that the temperature should be at least 15 degrees and I have a thermometer. I would love to keep them indoors all year round but I would also like to use my front door - haven't done that since they came inside in October!

I know the feeling. I would love to use my wardrobes and chest of drawers, not been able to use them since October .

 

[AbiS]

Even the Chinese takeaway delivery man asks how the pigs are because I have to come out of the back door when he knocks at the front. That makes me think we eat too much Chinese....