Winter options - in utility or outside with covers?

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lauraboara

lauraboara

Adult Guinea Pig
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Planning ahead for winter and not sure what to do.
I have 2 custom built sturdy hutches for my 4 piggies but still not convinced I can manage their temp over winter. Options are:-
1) Buy hutch covers and insulation (would have to be custom made to fit hutches:{ as not standard sizes)
2) Buy an indoor 3 storey hutch and move into utility. Has to be 3 storey as 2 teenage piggies are separated at present.

WIth utility option, does any one have experience with piggies in a utility? Do they react to the washing machine / tumble drier noise??/

Also the teenage boys could not be side-by-side within indoor option - they are in the outside option. mallethead

Any ideas would be v helpful! Thanks.
 
My pigs are in our dining room which is open plan with our kitchen so they hear the washing machine, dishwasher etc. and they are fine, they get used to the noises very quickly.
I would choose the utility option as I think the temperature would be better for them.
 
I would go with option 2 just for peace if mind that they are Indoors and warm.
With regards to the appliances in the utility room I'd say it's fine as my two live in the kitchen about a foot away from the washing machine and they're not bothered at all, they carry on as normal! Might spook yours the first time they hear it but they'll get used to it, hope that helps x
 
My indoor piggie used to watch me hoovering around her cage :) I would always say indoors if possible, you could pop them in an indoor run every day with a divider down the middle so they could have a chat :))
 
Good to know that they can adjust to the noise of machines. If I think about it, it can't be worse than the noise of my kids zoooming around on their bikes outside...:)

Good idea about the side-by-side inside run time - thanks Poppys Mum. The OH will be so delighted that we need another hutch and another run........:)
 
I would go for the indoor option if at all possible. Think back to how bad our winter was last year, no weather for a piggy to be out in unless really, really well insulated and got some safe form of heating. Even at that, how much time would you be prepared to spend outdoors in freezing temps to tend to the piggies properly? I know if it was me, it would be the bare minimum to be perfectly honest! (Though mine are indoor piggies, so lots of time spent with them.) ;)
 
My girls are in the garage when the weathers really bad and they dont really mind the tumble dryer:)
 
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