Do I need a roof?

[Fluffball]

Hey all,

Im building a C&C playpen for the guinea pigs for supervised outside time. Do I need a roof? Ive noticed in the pictures section that some people don't have top coverage.

I was going to use some shade cloth, stretched over the top and held and folded over the top with binder clips.

Also should I wet the grass before I place them in the playpen? Similar to washing veggies. Should I also let the grass dry complety before placing them on top as I am thinking it may be similar to placing them on wet bedding?

[Blindy]

I am not sure if you should water the grass but you shouldt let them out on wet grass.
If you supervice them I dont think a top is nessecary but I dont think it is a bad idea, cheap protection.

[FoolOnTheHill]

If it's quite warm and sunny I'd put a blanket over some of the run so they can have some shade. But it wouldn't really help for protecting them from cats or dogs because they can just jump on the cloth and pull it down. You should supervise them outside if there is no stable roof. I don't watch my pigs when they're outside because they have a sturdy wood and wire-mesh run. About the wet grass...I think wetting veggies is different because it's just food whereas they're sitting and walking on the wet grass too, so having a wet tummy wouldn't be pleasant. They might get a chill or something? (I don't know if pigs can get "chills")

[Fluffball]

Thanks all. Ill be there constantly and plan on taking them inside with me when I go inside, so a permanent roof isnt a must, but ill have some type of roof there just in case. Ill make sure the grass is dry.

Thanks all.

[Jenni_Feathers]

You may want to use something over it to give them shade, but if you are supervising them you shouldnt need a top.