I am building an outdoor guinea pig hutch.

[Res Judicata]

Do us all a favor and get a plant instead? Plants look lovely when staring at them through a sliding glass door, do not really care if you bother to interact with them or not and have less space considerations than a cage. My begonias absolutely thrive outside and do not enjoy spending the winters inside where they refuse to bloom and just tend to get leggy. They are simple to care for as well. A bit of water every day, depending on the weather, some fertilizer once a month and a larger pot when needed. Plus, they are easy to give away if you decide that a few minutes' of time watering them is just too much for you. Who does not like to get a nice potted plant?

[Paula]

Originally Posted by mariaelise

I think it's better to provide a suffering animal a good, healthy home then let it die in a pet store cage or have an inexperienced child who wanted a "G Force" guinea pig become the owner.

I also wanted to address this. An "inexperienced owner" at least might possibly be compelled to do some research and make better accommodations for their new pet. You, on the other hand, have done the research and know better and still feel it's justifiable to dump these animals outdoors. Calling it a "good, healthy home" does not make it so. And what you're suggesting most absolutely does not qualify as such.

[SheriMartini]

Why put these lovely little creatures outside when they can bring so much joy to your life inside? You will miss out on so much (not only from the health aspect) but even in entertainment from their silly antics! My heart warms every time they come to see me when I walk towards their cage. They stand up and talk to me while I'm in the kitchen, and popcorn like crazy when I clean their cage or give them hay or pellets or more water. They have such wonderful personalities, and you would never get to know them if they are outside.

[DaCourt]

I live in So Cal. The nights where I am can get very cold. Are you seriously trying to say that the temps in So Cal NEVER go above or below 70 degrees. You are nuts. We get plenty of warm and HOT days. Cold can be a big problem. You need to open your eyes.

You do not "adopt" form a pet store. You Buy. Would be interested to know who your cavy savy vet is?

[rabbitsncavyluv]

It's rather egotistical and close minded of YOU to think you know better than a reputable rescue, and all the knowledgable site moderators and long time members here. We do not advocate outdoor housing for specific reasons.

No one is forcing you to buy guinea pigs from a pet store/breeding mill. It is your choice.

You don't need guinea pigs if you can only house them outside like law ornaments.

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by mariaelise

One last note. Unfortunately, I probably wont be able to adopt guinea pigs. We have a local adoption agency in our area (Orange County Cavy Haven) but they are against outdoor living too. So I guess I will have to buy from a pet store. I wish this was not the case, but it is.

Maybe the fact that the won't adopt to an outdoor home should tell you something. Maybe it should tell you that outdoors is not a suitable environment. Maybe it should also tell you that the petstore that will sell you animals that you plan to house outdoors does not care what happens to the animals they sell therefore, they do not care about the animals they bred NOR will they care about the animals they will breed to replace the ones you bought

Since you won't let logic tell you a thing I think you can congratulate your self on not only being obtuse, selfish, apathetic and a poor pet caretaker BUT you also will be helping make the pet overpopulation and neglect crisis worse.

Here are a few threads on outdoor housing you should read.
Summer is Coming. Should You House Your GP Outside?
Outdoor vs Indoor
UK GP housed outside dies of heatstroke
GPs stolen from outdoor cage
2 GPs in outdoor cage killed by dog (on Animal Precinct)
HAWK, drops guinea pig in someone's yard
Violent thugs batter family pets to death
Thread about people breaking into outdoor hutches and sheds
2 guinea pigs stolen from outdoor shed
Guinea pig attacked by rats in shed
Magpies attacking GPs in their outdoor hutches
4 GPs dead. Cause is a suspected mouse infestation in shed and garden
Ant infested yard and hutches
Warning for those keeping animals outside
Guinea pigs stolen from "Cavy Sanctuary"
GPs stolen from outdoor garden
More Guinea pigs die of heatstroke
Guinea Pig Killed by Cat
Guinea Pigs Being Attacked by Cat

[Barb1222]

What is the point of this thread anyway? To make people mad? If you know this site is against housing piggies outside, why are you posting that that is what you want to do? Are you looking for some drama?

If you can't PROPERLY take care of them, don't get any piggies.

[Richjess]

You say you have 10sq feet inside - that's big enough for two!

If you want an animal that likes the outdoors why not get a cat?

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Statistics say outdoor cats do not live as long as indoor cats. I've seen many get run over by cars or die after ingesting antifreeze, catch diseases from other stray or feral cats, etc. They are better off indoors too for a multitude of other reasons.

[Richjess]

I know the statistics are worse for outdoor cats - but I think it's not quite in the realms of abuse to let them go outside, which is their choice and their instinct, mine choose to go outside and sleep in the greenhouse, and they're currently 17 and healthy, I'd rather give them the great outdoors than worry about adding a few extra years to their life and a slight chance of injury

[Richjess]

Note: I'm not advocating 'keeping' cats outdoors, just letting them in and out as they wish

[DaCourt]

The OP mentioned not seeing many out door cats, but that there were coyotees. Coinicidence? I don't think so. I can't tell you how many neighbors have had their cats go missing, or how many times I would see what was left of a cat on someone's lawn. There are people who build outdoor enclosures so their cats can enjoy the great outdoors without the danger.

[Richjess]

Fair enough in that regard then, if it's not safe for that particular environment then of course don't opt for that either, I merely thought if the poster really felt a caged pet couldn't fit indoors then a cat would be more suitable than housing GPs outside - I stand by my own comments on cats though as we have no natural predators to worry about here

How about chickens? Caged, and appropriate for the outdoors

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by Richjess

If you want an animal that likes the outdoors why not get a cat?

I suggest you do further research about just how inappropriate it is to allow cats to wander outdoors unattended. It is dangerous for them and irresponsible of you. Do not make suggestions on this board that are not in the animals' best interest.

Originally Posted by Richjess

I know the statistics are worse for outdoor cats ...

Yet, you would put them in danger anyway? Believe me, when a cat you care about suffers from one of the major dangers of the outdoors you will change your tune.

Originally Posted by Richjess

Note: I'm not advocating 'keeping' cats outdoors, just letting them in and out as they wish

That doesn't make it better or safer

Originally Posted by Richjess

I stand by my own comments on cats though as we have no natural predators to worry about here

Why do people always discount other humans as predators. Humans are the APEX predator. Where I live humans do the most damage to the feral and outdoor cats. I believe you likely have humans living within 10 miles of you? If so then you have the most dangerous predator of all--calculating, cunning, apathetic and cruel. If the wrong human gets near your cats the consequences are the stuff of nightmares. Unfortunately, there are more humans like that then you think. I see it nearly every day.

[CavyMama]

Aside from predators, cats can catch diseases from stray cats outside. The unfixed cats can either get pregnant or get another cat pregnant. They can get run over, stolen, poisoned (intentionally or accidentally), attacked by another animal.

[silkiepoo]

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

And they go by the old standards and many are breeders too. Many probably don't even know about keeping pigs indoors so your argument has no merit.

Not to get on the bad side but, don't you think thats a bit racist?
Others including me are British guinea pig lovers and the majority of us keep/will be keeping them in a hutch.

Of course hutches have their ups&downs, as do cages. But, cages are even worse than hutches. Have a cage means they have to listen to humans whinging, cleaning, TVs, talking, such&such. If they're outside they can actually listen to natural sounds. And it gets your out of the house anyway, visiting them, feeding them and running around with them, not just moving around their stupid C&C cage all the time because you have to dust that little nook in the corner.

As I was saying, what you said was a little offensive. 'Old standards', and calling us all breeders. Generalisation much. There aren't alot of breeders in England, mainly petshops. Pets-at-home stores are of the upmost quality. If you have actually done your research!

[Richjess]

I'm sorry but that's your opinion and I will disagree - of course there are risks involved, but that's life - and I have had one of my cats pretty badly injured in a fight, it didn't stop him going back out again and it won't make me keep him indoors, where he would be miserable - if the risks were particularly bad then I wouldn't do it, obviously

My apologies if you thought it was bad advice, I will happily withdraw any advice, but I will not be talked down to for the way I have raised my own pets, this is hardly the same as someone who keeps their guinea pig in a glorified litter box and claims they are happy

[Amiee]

To a certain extent, I have to agree with you, RichJess. My family has 2 cats currently, both of which are exclusively indoor cats. We made that decision based on those statistics that indoor cats live longer and healthier. Both are shelter cats and former strays. One is absolutely ecstatic to never go outside again - no curiosity, even. She's the smart one. The rather dumb boy, Jake, though, is another story. Even though he's missing most of an ear from frostbite (from his stray days) and most of his teeth for some unknown reason, he wants outside in the worst way!! Maybe it's too boring inside for him... Can't give you longevity, as both are only about 10 just now.

So, our poor boy that wants to go out feels like he's missing out and is bored. We know he'd make a good mouser because of what he did when one got into the house. But still we deprive him. The cat I grew up with, Tiffany, was allowed out as she wished, and she lived to 19! There are many pleasures our boy may never know, not being allowed outside, but there are many other things he also won't know:

getting a hip shattered by a car, as Tiffany did
getting caught in a snare, as Tiffany did (and would have died if she hadn't somehow broken it)
getting run over by my Dad backing the car into the garage, as Tiffany's predecessor did

Those are the stories I remember of what bad things can happen to outdoor cats. We choose to keep inside for his own good. It's like children, they don't always know what's best for them. If you're determined, I recommend building a run for safety. It's obviously your choice, but indoor cats do live longer, healthier, and safer.

[CavyMama]

Originally Posted by silkiepoo

Not to get on the bad side but, don't you think thats a bit racist?
Others including me are British guinea pig lovers and the majority of us keep/will be keeping them in a hutch.

Of course hutches have their ups&downs, as do cages. But, cages are even worse than hutches. Have a cage means they have to listen to humans whinging, cleaning, TVs, talking, such&such. If they're outside they can actually listen to natural sounds. And it gets your out of the house anyway, visiting them, feeding them and running around with them, not just moving around their stupid C&C cage all the time because you have to dust that little nook in the corner.

As I was saying, what you said was a little offensive. 'Old standards', and calling us all breeders. Generalisation much. There aren't alot of breeders in England, mainly petshops. Pets-at-home stores are of the upmost quality. If you have actually done your research!

Racist??? I fail to see where you are getting that. Which "race" are you referring to, exactly?

Also, simply because most people do it (keeping them in a hutch) doesn't make it right.

You talk about them listening to "natural" sounds outside. As I mentioned before, what about car horns, lawn mowers, weed whackers, leaf blowers, motorcycles and all the other abrasive sounds from the outdoors? Add to that the dangers from predators and weather extremes and the indoors is the safer of the two.

You talk about people using generization but are you not doing the same thing when you refer to people who have C&C cages "moving around them because you have to dust in that corner"?

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by Richjess

I'm sorry but that's your opinion and I will disagree

No, it's not an opinion. It is a fact. There is a difference.

Originally Posted by Richjess

I have had one of my cats pretty badly injured in a fight, it didn't stop him going back out again and it won't make me keep him indoors, where he would be miserable - if the risks were particularly bad then I wouldn't do it, obviously

Is it going to take your cat dying in pain to change things? I had a cat, that I allowed outdoors, that a neighbor sicked his dogs on (purposely). The dogs mauled my cat so badly that I had to put her down. I was already anti-outdoors before this happened and I have 4 other cats that do not go outdoors. This particular cat came to me as a feral and I didn't force her to stay inside. I was wrong. I wish I had. It's a terrible thing to see and go through and you need to understand that I do understand your logic--and pray you will change your mind.

This last year in my rescue we had a kitten that had it's back broken by kids that were throwing it into the air and playing catch with it, a cat that showed up that was purposely blinded with some sort of chemical, several cats with their tails cut off with some sort of shears and I can's even keep track of the number of cats we rescue with BBs and shotgun pellets in them. These are just the ones we get alive. I'm certain most don't survive to "tell their tale". Just a few of the dangers to think about.

I realize that your cats are indoor/outdoor. I also understand that it is VERY hard to make a cat that is used to going outdoors stay in 100% of the time. However, you can admit that an indoor life is safer and healthier for cats and not allow any future cats you get outdoors. You can also not suggest other people allow their animals outside. It is poor advice.