Not sure if I agree

**xxozzypigxx** · #1 05-18-06, 01:57 pm

My dad is building an outdoor run for my guinea pigs and we were going to keep them out all day through the summer and take them in at night. Recently my mam was thinking about building another run for inside my shed to keep them in at night.I'm not 100% sure if this is okay.

Then she thought about doing the same during the winter and only taking them in when it's really cold. I don't really agree because we have pretty cold winters and I don't know whether they're able for the cold. What should I do?

I'd appreciate your advice,

Thanks!

**KPIGGY** · #2 05-18-06, 02:29 pm

They really should be in the house during the night and the winter.
They should only be in the run outside if their are being supervised and they should also have a hidey place and a shaded area.

**daftscotslass** · #3 05-18-06, 02:37 pm

Winter is a complete no-no. Temperatures can still go well below optimum for piggies during the day. If you bring them inside at night then you are compromising their immune systems by the changes in temperature.

Take it from me, I learned the hard way 10 years ago having had one die of respiratory infections because I did just that.

**JarBax** · #4 05-18-06, 02:55 pm

I only put our piggies outside on the warmest of summer days. (and not on the odd occasion when it may actually be TOO hot!) Irish summers must be pretty similar to Scottish summers - you really can't guarantee what the weather is going to be like at all! If the piggies were out on a day like today for example, they would have been absolutely soaked, and cold - both no-nos in themselves, but together, inexcusable.

I think you're right to be concerned! Keep them indoors!

**valerie k** · #5 05-18-06, 03:50 pm

I have an outdoor pen for them to go out in when I am sitting in a chair next to them. So I can keep an eye on them, and If I dont want to sit outside becouse of weather, then Im sure they dont want to either. Gather information for your parents and present it matter o factly. Im sure they will appriciate your concern with the health and wellbeing of your animals....

**xxozzypigxx** · #6 05-19-06, 02:30 pm

Thanks for all your advice, I only allow them out on sunny days and when they're supervised. I'll discuss it with my mam.

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