What to do?

[GothmogII]

Apologies in advance if this is in the wrong section.

Just recently, well today my mother arrived home with a new
hutch for my three piggies, however this was rather unexpected
and I am unsure what to do as the guinea pigs have spent
their entire lives since we got them in an indoor cage.
They have been here for around three years and I'm wondering
if it is safe to move them outside?

[daftscotslass]

Welcome to posting, I see you've been a member for a while now!

I would read the following page, I wouldn't advise keeping them outside. http://www.guineapigcages.com/location.htm

[GothmogII]

Would it be possible to turn
the hutch into an indoor one by say attaching a piece of
wood to the bottom area of the hutch that would normally
be on the ground/grass etc.?

I've been reading about the site, and was wondering
if wooden homes are any good, and if I should return it
and try to get a larger cage?

[daftscotslass]

Hutches are notoriously difficult to keep clean as they are made from wood. What size is it? The wood soaks up urine, harbouring often dangerous bacteria. I'm sure you could spend less money on a C&C cage than on a hutch. Your pigs would thank you for it!

[GothmogII]

Hmmm, Been looking at at the C&C cages you have for sale on the site.
Would you recommend them, and if I was looking to buy one
what size would you recommend for three pigs?
Also how does the shipping overseas work, as I live in IRL?

[daftscotslass]

You could probably build one yourself for pretty cheap. I would read through this thread - Where to buy Cubes in UK - Guinea Pig Cages Forum. While I don't know what shops you have in Ireland (I assume ROI rather than NI?) I hope it'll be of some help.

Sign shops have correx for the base but, failing this, you could use lino like I do.

[GothmogII]

Hi, I'm having a bit of a problem. Hmm, just today my mum has
come home with a new hutch for my piggies and has
been convinced by the pet shop owner that outside in the fresh
air is best for them. I have looked all over and found that many
belive that indoors is best. So now I wonder if worst comes to
worst, what is the best way to make sure that they are comfortable?

I live in Ireland so the while the weather can be mild most
of the time it can also change quickly from warm to drenching rain...
I am unsure of what to do...

[Sugar & Spice]

You should make a list to show your mom , pros and cons . Im sure the cons with out rank the pros of keeping cavies outside . Just to start you on a list

Pros : None that I can think of .

Cons : Weather , wind , rain , cold , too much heat , snow can all be dangerous for your pigs .Prey animals , such as dogs, cats , hawks , other larger birds , also there has been known that many people have preyed on helpless animals caged outdoors .Parasites and insects .Can't properly keep a close on on them for signs of sickness or poor health , pigs health can turn for the worse very quickly .

Im sure there are tons of other reasons also , but If you must keep them outside maybe put them in a heated shed , that is well insulated with a good air circulation . Pigs trive on our company and there souroundings .The more they are involved in our lives , the happier they will be to see you every day and you will even notice how they communicate to get your attention .

[cookie_gal]

I agree, if you have to keep them outside, put them in a locked shed that is insulated but adapt it so that it wont get overheated in the summer. Take perspex window out and put in wire and then make a new window frame with the perspex and attach with a hinge. Also try a similar thing with the door so it can be left open if hot but still protecting them.

Overall it'll be cheaper and easier to get a c&c

[KPIGGY]

Hi and welcome.
Just a thought - you could use the hutch with a run attached for when they have supervised outside time.

[daftscotslass]

Originally Posted by cookie_gal

I agree, if you have to keep them outside, put them in a locked shed that is insulated but adapt it so that it wont get overheated in the summer. Take perspex window out and put in wire and then make a new window frame with the perspex and attach with a hinge. Also try a similar thing with the door so it can be left open if hot but still protecting them.

Overall it'll be cheaper and easier to get a c&c

Actually, it would need to be air conditioned in summer and heated in winter, as well as being insulated. Opening a door will do nothing but circulate the hot air - I have heard stories this year of pigs literally cooking in hot sheds. I don't imagine the temperature in Ireland has been hugely different from here in Scotland - this summer the temperature has gone from 32C during the day to about 12C at night. Guinea pig bodies just aren't meant to tolerate such large fluctuations in temperature. There needs to be something in there that can keep the temperature constant.

Unless you can provide all of the above in an outbuilding then it is not appropriate to not keep them indoors. So you're right, it would be easier and cheaper to get a C&C.

[GothmogII]

Okay, sorted it I think, piggies go out as for a run when
the days are nice and then get to stay in the rest of the time,
I think I can still use the hutch though maybe like,
it's 5ft long and 3ft wide so if I can cover up the mesh
on the outer portion, and provide a floor covering on the wooden
section in the enclosed area then I should be able to
at least give em' a bigger home. Their cage at the moment is 4ft long
and 2ft wide so the hutch should have slightly more room...

As for the wooden enclosure, d'you think if I got hold of some linoleum or
that coroplast stuff I could use that to protect the floor and stop the urine
and whatnot soaking into the wood?

Oh before I forget aswell I'd just like to thank you guys, you've all been
a big help, so um thanks.