My piggies are outside

[FoolOnTheHill]

I just thought I'd make this post because otherwise it'll feel as if I'm lying to everyone (because basically everyone here has C&C's)

My Dad made me put my two boys out in the shed for the summer. I think it will be OK because it's not a normal shed that would get really hot - it's actually made of cement blocks and bricks and is attached to the house. There's a concrete floor which I've covered in newspaper and fleece like normal, and the old hutch which is lined with plastic for them to sleep / eat in. That's up off the floor so it's not cold, with a ramp going up. Also, there's a wooden frame covered in chicken wire to cover the door so they can have fresh air and light. (I shut and padlock the door at night). I will set up a fan for when it gets hot (there's electricity in there) and give them frozen bottles and things too cool off with, though it's quite cool in there anyway. They have hideys, things to play with etc and it's safe from predators, so I think they will be okay.
I'll obviously check them over/watch them each day to make sure they are healthy. I don't think they will get any less attention because they were in my bedroom before - if any, more, because more people will pass by the shed into the garden. I'm not very happy with it, but I've done the best I can at the moment.

I'm pretty sure I've got everything but if there's something else please post!

[JarBax]

I know you've struggled and argued over this for a long time now - and whilst it's not ideal, I think we all understand that under the circumstances, you have no other option, in the present circumstances. The shed is at least a lot better than a hutch on it's own, and it sounds like you're doing your best to ensure their safety and comfort.

I wonder if it might be wise to cover the bottom portion of the door with something - correx/cardboard, just to stop any draughts coming straight in at floor level? Otherwise so long as you do spend lots of time with them (I presume you can get in there too), it sounds like you have things covered.

[FoolOnTheHill]

I hadn't thought about that, I'll see what I can do. Thanks.
Yup, I can get in, it's a normal shed. They have access to most of it, so around 35 square feet!

[Fay]

Sorry to hear you parents are being difficult about it. To me however it sounds like they are more in their own little house rather then a shed. There is still the danger that it could be broken in or catch fire without you being aware of it (until it's too late) and ofcourse if something happens and their wheeking out of pain you wont be able to hear. Emergency and Traffic wise it's far from ideal but from what I can tell they have enough space and are very well secured against the elements. Which is better then being in a small hutch outside or a bad moldy, cold/hot wooden shed.

[lynn's Cavies]

My pigs are housed in a similar way due to my allergies. I have to keep them there all year round. I do have electricity to it and heat it in winter. It is insulated but I also staple a comforter (blanket) to the inside of the door to keep the heat in better, in winter. I think it's fine, don't worry about it, I know I did too. I was so guilt ridden and worried for so long.

I also lock it with a padlock. you need a key to get in. It also has 2 large windows.

[Fay]

I don't see the problem with that although I have some tips you should give a try.

Put a burglary and fire alarm in the shed that you can hear inside the main house. Make a very good escape plan for emergency's.

Another thing you can do is to hang up a camera in the shed so you can watch them from your living room for example so you can pick up on any strange behavior such as limping or lethargy.

You could also put a microphone in the shed that you can hear in the living room for example when there is a noise louder then normal. For example when they are in pain, want food or even chirping. You could even make it voice activated by only your pigs.

I'd be very worried about safety and I'd advice to at least put the burglar and fire alarm in the shed.

[FoolOnTheHill]

Thanks for the idea about the blanket, hadn't thought of that, although I'm *hoping* they can come inside during the winter.

I don't think I'll be able to install those alarms and cameras. It would be a lot of money and, while I'm concerned, it'd be a lot of work and seems a bit over-protective? I don't think the shed will be broken into, and in case of fire...well...I'd just have to get to them as quickly as I could. Of course I sincerely hope that's not going to happen! *Touch Wood*
However, thanks for your concern

[Fay]

Well, I personally don't think it's over-protective. You wouldn't put your child in an house that someone could easily break into and a fire could break out without warning. I think it's common sense to protect your pets the same you do your own family. This is one of the reasons why outdoor housing is discouraged because of predators, in this case humans and emergency's as they don't get noticed as quickly. Beside nowadays fire alarms and burglar alarms aren't that hard to install and aren't that expensive either. I believe some insurance companies even pay them for you.

Oh well, Don't say I didn't warn you when it does happen!

P.S. Using those statements about security and safety might be able to help you convince your parents to house the pigs in the main house.

[FoolOnTheHill]

I appreciate what you're saying, and while it would be useful, my parents aren't going to start fixing it all up when they might come back inside for the winter. As I said it's padlocked at night, and there's mostly someone around to keep an eye on them because it's about two metres away from the back door.

Thanks for your input and I know if something happens I've got myself to blame.
P.S I think they've made their mind up, unfortunately.

[muffin]

Maybe a battery smoke alarm would be a good compromise? They're only about £5, maybe less. Try Tesco. I would have to say, realistically, if someone is going to break into your shed then they'd be in and gone by the time you heard any alarm attached to it, but at least you could dash out and shut the pigs in before they wandered off through the open door! I would try and make the door look as secure as possible, ie. another latch and padlock at the bottom, maybe a fake alarm box on the wall or something. I'm assuming there is a good solid door at night? The fact that it is brick/ breezeblock is a real bonus and because it's attached to your house, is already better protected than a wooden shed. Most people who break into garden sheds are, I would imagine, after lawnmowers and powertools, and maybe leaving the windows clear of curtains so prowlers can see that there is nothing worth stealing inside might be a benefit? I'm glad they're not in a wooden shed because after all, if someone wanted in, they could kick a hole in the side or break a window quite quickly and easily. It's also so hot in wooden sheds as already mentioned.

Hopefully your parents only want the pigs outdoors for the summer to prevent you getting allergies. I would definitely put a solid board of some kind on the lower half of the door to keep out draughts at pig level. you never know, if you spend loads of time out there with the piggies your parents may realise that the only way to interact with you is to let you have the pigs indoors! How is the skin condition you were dealing with by the way?

[lynn's Cavies]

I think the idea of a video camera or even a baby monitor outside is a great idea. I'm thinking I will get a baby monitor to start and see how it works. I've wanted a video camera outside for some time now. I would like to see how the animals react and what they do when I am not there.

I do a lot of painting and writing in my journal in the shed. Sometimes I just sit for a few hours watching the guineas. It's very relaxing.
Whoops, I guess I'm babbling.

[guineapigfan9000]

I agree about the battery smoke alarm. They're cheap as... well... battery smoke alarms I suppose! I'd say it's mighty unlikely anyone's going to rob a shed, especially a padlocked one. Anyone who'd do that could just as easily rob your house, and would probably be more likely to. Also, a burglar alarm might have the downside that if you accidentally set it off, it could literally scare your pigs to death, especially in a presumably small, unfurnished place such as a shed.
I have mine in a similar setup due to a family member with really bad asthma. Except mine are on the verandah in a large, homemade hutch. They're not allowed properly inside, though in really bad weather or if they're sick they come in. We do have a shed but it isn't much shelter and is also so far from the house... I'd rather have them closer and put a Hutch Hugger over the hutch (although Hutch Huggers don't fit my hutch so I made my own out of a blanket).

[guineapigfan9000]

As for emergency plans... it is strange this has been brought up as I was just reviewing mine the other day (I have the whole thing typed up and laminated). I've actually typed this up here twice already, both times hundreds of words long, but my stupid computer keeps malfunctioning so I keep losing the lot.
Basically, I'd say the most important things are:
#1: Keep it concise, simple and easy-to-understand.
#2: Review it frequently and make any changes as necessary.
#3: Have as much as possible in your emergency kit, even buy extra food bowls, water bottles etc to keep in there.

#1: Try to keep it to one page, and in large text if possible.

• Remember you may not be the one carrying this rescue out should there be an emergency, so it's important to assume your rescuer has no knowledge of your animals and only limited knowledge of animal handling in general. So referencing your guinea pigs by name is a no-no (also may waste time). However the full instructions on how to properly pick up a guinea pig can probably safely be left out!
• Remember to list the location of anything not in the emergency kit, eg. antibiotics for your animals. Unfortunately there is, in my inexperienced opinion, quite a low chance of someone rescuing your guinea pig's antibiotics.

#2: I was shocked to find, when I reviewed my plan, that it repeatedly referenced my two (small ) hutches, one now thrown out, the other used only in exceptional circumstances. It hadn't been updated in months!
So, always update!!
Update it if:

• You get a new guinea pig/s. If you have heaps of guinea pigs coming and going all the time, such as at a rescue, probably only when you experience a significant change in numbers. This is important because in an emergency you may be able to carry 2 guinea pigs in your arms but probably not 3.
• When you increase or change your number of cages/hutches/the place where they are located.
• If the location of your emergency kit changes.

#3: What to put in your emergency kit (CavySpirit did a post on this once, but I've elaborated a bit). Having only 3 pigs, I use their carrycage, with everything attached to it so they can go inside.

• Water bottle. Probably not filled with water because wherever you go there's got to be water or the people would die.
• Food bowl. Mine is attached to the side of the cage.
• Care sheets. I'm making my own, specific for my pigs. In case someone other than you rescues your guinea pigs, if they don't know much about them.
• Pellets, in a snap-lock bag.
• Hay, refreshed weekly.
• Mini-hayrack.

If I can get my hands on any cavy vitamins that don't go in water (I've only been able to get this type once. ), I'll stick them in as well in case there aren't any vegetables avaliable.

[Kyelovespiglets]

I have to say you did a pretty good job for your pig's comfort, under your circumstances. However, as Fay said, there are many things that could go wrong. I suggest the following:

- Put a smoke alarm in your shed, and make sure it works/you can hear it well from all rooms of your house.

- Make sure everything is 100% secure, no 'I think', just 'I know'.

- Set up a baby hearing system. You can buy them at most stores (zellers, walmart, ect.) for around $20-$30. Set up one near the pigs, and keep one near you at all times inside the house. You are then able to hear them if something goes wrong. But be sure to keep the machine out of reach from your pigs.

[Jenni_Feathers]

Originally Posted by Kyelovespiglets

I have to say you did a pretty good job for your pig's comfort, under your circumstances. However, as Fay said, there are many things that could go wrong. I suggest the following:

- Put a smoke alarm in your shed, and make sure it works/you can hear it well from all rooms of your house.

- Make sure everything is 100% secure, no 'I think', just 'I know'.

- Set up a baby hearing system. You can buy them at most stores (zellers, walmart, ect.) for around $20-$30. Set up one near the pigs, and keep one near you at all times inside the house. You are then able to hear them if something goes wrong. But be sure to keep the machine out of reach from your pigs.

I do not think that she houses her piggys outside are outside anymore...I believe this is her newest cage set-up. http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...-bed-cage.html