I am building an outdoor guinea pig hutch.

[angiekay]

WOW, I've read through most of the 3 pages of this thread, and I have to commend all the members here for voicing their experience and intellect with the member wanting to house their GP's outside. I am a serious new guinea pig owner, research and learn every day from this site and others, and I can't even imagine throwing my pigs outside, no matter how nice the "housing" was!!! It's funny about what was said in regards to the GP's not "wanting" to hear all the hub-bub of noises that go on in a normal household, my pigs love it when I walk past their cage oh about 50 times a day and say hello to them, and pet them, and talk to them, they wheak-wheak every time they hear the refrigerator open, I just can't understand the reasoning at all. She's obviously going to do what she wants, and I just hate to think of the babies that will be forced a life of refuge in a backyard "hutch"!!!

[Fudgenrolo]

Originally Posted by Piggie Problems

I live in southern england!!! and my guinea pigs live outside in the summer they are wild animals and although they come from hot climates they are always toasty warm in the mornings and have each other for body heat! they love being outside eating the grass in fresh air!

I'm sorry if I seem to be 'picking on you' but I've just noticed that in your other post you say that this is the "first time" you have had Guinea Pigs so you really can't tell much about anything yet in terms of their health and happiness as you haven't had them long enough. Guinea Pigs are not robust. They don't cope well with fluctuating temperatures.

They are not "wild animals" either. They are domesticated animals who depend on us to make the best decisions for them.

If your pigs are pregnant as you suspect; I would move them indoors any way you can all other arguments aside as you need to keep a *very* close eye on them in case of problems arising from the pregnancy. They really would benefit from the extra shelter too with babies on the way. Breeders who may ordinarily keep 'pigs outside don't keep pregnant sows and babies outside with no shelter - they are at the very least kept in a shed as well as a hutch. (Not that I would do this but just as an example for you.)

[Piggie Problems]

My pigs are very healthy they went for a check-up at the vet this morning and everything is fine, they live outside.
It is the summer and it is very good weather at present and when it's sunny they are in the shade and have ice packs to help them cool. They are locked in their hutch at night where it has been wind proofed. We have gone to exceptional lengths to make sure that no cat or dog etc. can pose a threat to them.

I do agree that the British climate can change rapidly so i make sure they can't get wet.
In the winter months the temperatures are too cold outdoors and live inside with us. you can't pamper pets too much.

[Paula]

You can justify making these animals live outside in any way you want. Tell yourself whatever you need to to help you feel better about neglecting an animal that depends on you, and you alone, to make sure s/he's safe, warm, and protected at all times. Whatever gets you through the night. But, I can assure you, that unless you're cozying up next to them in a sleeping bag and never leave their side, they are not safe at all times and any number of things pose a risk to them. And it will not be condoned or supported here.

Originally Posted by Piggie Problems

you can't pamper pets too much.

Allowing them to live indoors with the same safety and security you enjoy hardly qualifies as "pampering."

[princesspoppy]

Originally Posted by Piggie Problems

you can't pamper pets too much.

Says who ? And ice packs. If they lived inside they wouldn't need an ICE PACK

[Piggie Problems]

Wow you guys really don't like the idea of them living outside, I love my pigs and love caring for them, ever since I've had them I have sat with them outside for an hour at least daily,(it's summer who is indoors anyway?) talking to them, handling and watching them. I bring them inside for a cuddle sometimes, I let them explore my rooms. Just because they're outside does not mean I am neglecting them!

[Paula]

Originally Posted by Piggie Problems

I've had them I have sat with them outside for an hour at least daily,(it's summer who is indoors anyway?) talking to them, handling and watching them. I bring them inside for a cuddle sometimes, I let them explore my rooms. Just because they're outside does not mean I am neglecting them!

As luxurious as that sounds, you really are doing your pigs a tremendous disservice by subjecting them to the elements, predators, and unknown dangers they face day in and day out living outdoors. You can never be too careful, and you can never prepare for all possible scenarios. Which is the strongest argument for keeping them indoors and not out. And while you might not be outright *neglecting* them, you are also not giving them the best life you could, and if you can't offer the best to a pet, why even have it in the first place?

[Wodentoad]

Originally Posted by Piggie Problems

Wow you guys really don't like the idea of them living outside, I love my pigs and love caring for them, ever since I've had them I have sat with them outside for an hour at least daily,(it's summer who is indoors anyway?) talking to them, handling and watching them. I bring them inside for a cuddle sometimes, I let them explore my rooms. Just because they're outside does not mean I am neglecting them!

What about in a couple of months when the weather turns? What about that day you don't "feel like it" and would rather stay inside? What if, while they are out of site and out of mind, you forget to feed them for "just a couple of days" because you don't want to go out? Where do they stay when you have icicles hanging from your eves? My pigs live in my living room. I see them all day, not just for a couple of hours, and I can see immediately if they are having problems.

From another post, you said one of your sows is pregnant. I can only answer from the point of view of someone who has been pregnant. Hot, tired, uncomfortable. I don't want to be outside. I want comfort and love all around me.

[Piggie Problems]

This is getting quite tedious, if you read that post thoroughly then you would have seen that she is not heavily pregnant she is still early and might not even be pregnant! I had a rabbit that lived outdoors, i never forgot to feed him!(Did i mention he was 8 years of age until he died - or cancer not starvation!) Of all the animals that i have owned never have I not fed them! You would of also read that my pets come indoors for winter!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

8 is pretty young for a rabbit. Mine are about that old now. 10 to 15 years old is old.

Indoor rabbits live longer than outdoor ones too. Was it reproductive cancer? If so, a simple spay or neuter would have saved them.

[Paula]

What on earth difference should it make HOW pregnant she is? She's pregnant and you've got her holed up in a box outside. Outstanding.

Furthermore, you bought these animals from a pet store and you've completely disregarded their needs and favored your own convenience and put them outside. May I just say you are not painting of yourself a picture of the world's greatest guinea pig owner. And, really, I'm sorry to break this to you, but remembering to feed them daily does not make you Pet Owner of the Year.

If you don't want them in your house, why do you even have them?

[Wodentoad]

To the moderators and other group members, forgive me. I feel as if I have stepped on a hornet's nest. I believe that the hutch outside vs. C&C inside case has been stated and restated and I fell victim to a pot stirrer. I did not realize until a minute or so ago when Sister Mary You-Should-Have-Known-Better had to smack my knuckles with the ruler of realization.

How many therapists does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one, but the lightbulb must really want to change.

Or perhaps: Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.

Thank you for your patience with me. I shall argue against the brick wall no further. This is me, shutting up--->

[Ibbet]

If they live inside during winter why can't you bring them inside permanently?

[Paula]

Wodentoad, it's certainly an argument worth making, and a discussion worth having any number of times. But there comes a point where you find yourself arguing with the woefully hard-headed and shamefully self-righteous.

We can list the arguments against housing guinea pigs outside for hours, but at this point it seems to have become an argument against insanity and you are correct, there is likely no point in continuing to provide fodder for this foolishness.

[fieryone]

Originally Posted by mariaelise

And no guinea pig owner sits there inside giving their piggies attention for hours on end every day. That's the truth.

Really? Our guinea pigs are talked to, held, and interacted with to varying degrees all day long. Just because you don't plan on paying attention to your pigs doesn't mean that no guinea pig owner does.

As far as the rest of your post? I'm sad that you're going to force some guinea pigs to live a life filled with loneliness, frightening sounds and smells, and very real potential danger to their health and lives. I beg you to please not get any guinea pigs until you're "willing" to devote the space and time that they require and deserve with your family, in your home.

[Piggie Problems]

This is not a real debate anymore, more like the third degree.

[Richjess]

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

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


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.

It is only a fact that 'indoors' on average live longer and are healthier, it is not a fact that it is somehow 'better' to do this and means that you can look down on people who do it, that is just your opinion - you clearly have had bad experiences, and working in a rescue has no doubt shown you some horrors - I have known cats that had their backs broken by cars, I have even carried a run-over cat to the vet, it doesn't make me want to prevent them going outside any more than the nine year old girl who got run over by her own school bus last week would make me keep a child inside

It happens - as I said before, then I won't advise it to anyone, because there is a degree of responsibility involved - not all places are suitable and certainly if I lived somewhere where the risk was higher I would reconsider, but I will not be judged for my own choices - there are different opinions to yours and you cannot simply regard your way as 'proper' based on your own experiences, there is no objective reasoning being used here because you use only that which you have personally experienced and it's incredibly arrogant to criticise someone based on that

Just because it is statistically safer does not mean that it is the right option to lock up a cat, I'm sure it would statistically safer for me to never get out of bed and never drive - but you cannot live in fear of what people might do or what might happen, you must weigh up the risks - obviously if I was right next to a motorway or lived in a dodgy area I may have doubts, and no doubt if you measured cats that were allowed out in such situations compared to ones that had little threat you would find statistically the safer ones lived longer and were healthier too (as I said, mine rarely even leave the garden) - there is a degree of risk to everything, in my case it comes down to weighing the risks present in my quiet little area to letting them do what comes naturally, I believe in my case it is in their best interests to allow them to hunt and sit in the sun rather than being locked up for their own protection, there is not enough risk present to reduce their quality of life to that extent

I respect your right to an opinion, as you should respect mine, but you cannot simply regard your own way as right and tell us off any more than I should be judging you for doing what many people think is wrong and reduces their quality of life, especially when you don't even know the environment I am in and when most of your opinions are based on your own environment (and even your stats are not from the same country) - you may well be making the right decision for your own pets, the difference is I wouldn't dare criticise it without knowing the situation

[Ly&Pigs]

It's like talking to a brick wall in some cases.

I want to point out that we are not discussing this issue with a couple of mature adults but rather quite the opposite. We are dealing with a couple of minors here who think they know better than us. I honestly don't think we will get very far with either of them as they won't listen nor intend to do what is in the best interests of their pigs.

[VoodooJoint]

Originally Posted by Richjess

It is only a fact that 'indoors' on average live longer and are healthier, it is not a fact that it is somehow 'better' to do this

What? I think most people would overwhelmingly feel that safer and healthier is, indeed, better.

Originally Posted by Richjess

that is just your opinion

Gee, can I ask for a show of hands? By using the positive/negative feature in the upper right hand of this post please vote people. Does doing something that is proven to increase the life and health of your pet the better way to care for them? If healthier is better vote positive (+) if not then vote negative (-)

Originally Posted by Richjess

you clearly have had bad experiences, and working in a rescue has no doubt shown you some horrors - I have known cats that had their backs broken by cars, I have even carried a run-over cat to the vet, it doesn't make me want to prevent them going outside

It doesn't? That's pretty callous in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Richjess

Just because it is statistically safer does not mean that it is the right option to lock up a cat

We aren't talking about putting them in a cage.

Originally Posted by Richjess

I believe in my case it is in their best interests to allow them to hunt and sit in the sun rather than being locked up for their own protection, there is not enough risk present to reduce their quality of life to that extent

I think the multitude of cat caretakers that keep their cats inside would strongly argue against your statement of reduced quality of life.

All of the indoor cats I know of happily "hunt" inside, without actually killing any wildlife. They do sit in the sun and bask in the fresh air--there is this new invention you may not have heard of. They are called "windows".

Originally Posted by Richjess

I respect your right to an opinion, as you should respect mine

I am so tired of explaining this. I respect opinions when there is something to respect. You are stating contradictions. You admit inside is healthier and safer BUT you insist that outside is better. That makes no sense. It works against logic and is not an opinion that I can respect.

It's rather like the explanations I hear people give me about not spaying or neutering their animals. Despite all of the proof that altering an animal is healthier and the responsible thing to do they still refuse because...well..darn it! They can!

In the end do whatever you want with your pets but we do not allow people to give out bad advise on this forum. At the very least you will be challenged.

[-Steph-]

I'm from the UK and it frustrates me seeing how many people house guinea pigs outdoors here - the temperature fluctuates all the time. We had weeks of really hot and humid weather last month that was unbearable for me, my pigs were cool purely because they were inside and I kept fans on... I dread to imagine some poor pigs outside in it, especially when within hours it can be massive storms - thunder and lightning etc. If anyone actually leaves their pigs out in the winter here, its just cruel, its far too cold.

How much space you have indoors is a poor excuse, my house is anything but big so the pigs stay in my bedroom so I can give them a 2x5 - I got rid of my wardrobe to give them that space since its about making them happy and comfortable, not satisfying yourself.

It seems your trying to justify to yourself why you are being selfish and determinedly ignoring all the advice that's telling you its not in the pigs interests to keep them outside. I had my pigs in the biggest pet store cage I could find when I first (stupidly) bought them- I didn't know otherwise at the time, the moment I researched on line and realised how I should be keeping them I immediately built them a new cage. I still never dream't of keeping them outdoors, not since we had to padlock all our garden gates and put in security lights after some sick person poured oil in my dads fish pond and killed all the fish: I dread to think what they would've done if they'd found a hutch with pigs. Just imagine if you go outside one day and find them killed by another animal or some sick human, is it really worth the risk?

As for Pets at Home, they are hardly the utmost quality, I was lucky my pigs from there were both boys and weren't ill. A friend got two pregnant baby pigs from them however - they sure weren't interested in paying vet bills etc