Is there anything I'm forgetting? or have I gone overboard?

[kcswanson]

[font=Courier New]I am creating an outdoor habitat for the pigs to hang out in during the beautiful weather! I'm excited and I think they will be too!

Anything I'm not thinking of? Comments and suggestions welcome…

I am using the grid system (a la cavy cages). 3 x 5, and 2 grids
high, completely enclosed, very zip-tied.

1 long side, 1 short side and about 1/3 the top will be
covered/protected.

They will have a large, weather-protected "cave" and several small ones.

A cinder-block "playground"

I would like to plant some plants/bushes (ideas and suggestions,
please!)

It will be very secured to the ground (u-stakes)

Fleas- I use nematodes and never have a flea problem.

Food and water out of direct sunlight/rain

About a foot of hay for bedding.


Thanks for the feedback,

kristi and the chunks[/font]

[pennick]

Whenever I read about someone wanting to keep their piggies outdoor, all I think about is the tv show animal pricinct whereas a dog got into a neighbors backyard and killed some guinea pigs also in a protected cage. There was another show where 2 dogs killed someones rabbits that were in a locked cage high up off the floor. An animal that is loose can get into any cage if they so desired. Sorry, that is my answer.

[mom to cujo]

I agree. If you want to give them a bit of outdoor time, completely and totally supervised, that is one thing. The piggies will be very vulnerable if left outdoors unattended, even in a secure cage.

[kcswanson]

I have 3 dogs myself (who love on the guinea pigs), and have never had a problem with other animals in the yard. With that said, I will not defend my actions any further.

If anyone has any actual advice, please comment on the setup.

[Slap Maxwell]

If you are acctually going to do this, here are suggestions. (My advice is to NOT do it)

If you want to plant plants, the pigs will destroy them, but cilantro might be good. (MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT USE FERTILIZER)

Hay for bedding=bad. Unless you want to replace ALL the bedding EVERY DAY, don't use it.

[mom to cujo]

Originally Posted by kcswanson

I have 3 dogs myself (who love on the guinea pigs), and have never had a problem with other animals in the yard. With that said, I will not defend my actions any further.

If anyone has any actual advice, please comment on the setup.

Why would someone ask for advice and then totally shoot down people for worrying about the piggies. You can obviously do what you like, we were just concerned for the safety of your pigs.

Piggies are easy prey - dogs are not.

[kcswanson]

Actually, I have 4 huge cilantro plants (think 2 feet around!) I was going to plANT them one at a time, as the chunks eat them. I just hope they won't "pig out"!

Any reccommendations on bedding? Would straw be better? I want something natural...

[Piglet]

He he, pig out. No, straw is very bad because it easily irratates their eyes. I think you should plant parsley, cilantro and other yummy veggies. Lets clear things up - will they be out their 24/7 or is it a play pen?

p.s. the chunks is such a cute nickname

[kcswanson]

Originally Posted by mom to cujo

Why would someone ask for advice and then totally shoot down people for worrying about the piggies. You can obviously do what you like, we were just concerned for the safety of your pigs.

Piggies are easy prey - dogs are not.

I definetly understand the worry! I love my chunks! I'm VERY into natural habitats, and I've done this with both pigs and bunnies in the past. They loved it.

So maybe I'm "shooting you down" because of all of the safety precautions I'm taking, BUT I'm here for advice to make sure I'm doing all I can (while still having them live outdoors in good weather) to keep them as safe and happy as possible.

[kcswanson]

Originally Posted by Piglet

He he, pig out. No, straw is very bad because it easily irratates their eyes. I think you should plant parsley, cilantro and other yummy veggies. Lets clear things up - will they be out their 24/7 or is it a play pen?

p.s. the chunks is such a cute nickname

That's what I thought about straw, but what else could I use?

Just nice weather!

[Piglet]

Hmm... I don't think this set up is too dangerous. Will they be supervised? I think the whole top should be protected instead of just a 1/3 though

[kcswanson]

Originally Posted by Piglet

Hmm... I don't think this set up is too dangerous. Will they be supervised? I think the whole top should be protected instead of just a 1/3 though

By protected, I mean weather protected, this setup is fully, 100% enclosed. I want them to get some sun, if they want it.

BTW, the nickname began as "Chunky Monkeys"

[dagwellismypigy]

YOu know what, I think it sounds great! I personally wouldn't leave them out there overnight or anything (I'd miss them too much) but like for a floor time deal-y it sounds good. I would put their cage in a place where you can easily see it.

[Ly&Pigs]

Maybe you could just use hay in one portion of the cage and change it out everyday instead of using hay for the entire bottom.

[Piglet]

I think it sounds perfect for a play pen - you could leave them out their for most of the day just bring them inside at night. Ditto what dagwell said

[kcswanson]

Originally Posted by Ly&Pigs

Maybe you could just use hay in one portion of the cage and change it out everyday instead of using hay for the entire bottom.

Yes, that's what I was thinking, too.

Thanks for everybody's comments and concerns about my chunks' safety and happiness!

[Piglet]

Will this cage be on top of grass? Then you don't need hay all over the bottom...