Can piggies give outside in this weather?

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Sw75

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Morning all. We have had our two guinea pigs inside since the weather turned cold in November (they are 1.5yrs old), but I’m wondering whether or not they could go out in the run on the grass this week as the weather is much nicer (13 degrees where we are). Could anyone please advise? Thank you
 
No, even if they live outdoors the ground is now too cold and damp for them to go out. Mine are outdoors pigs but bearing in mind the ground holds the cold much more than the air they haven't been out in their run for a few months now. You can cut them some grass though and bring it in as a treat for them
 
I agree with lady Kelly it's so frosty on the ground the grass is mostly covered with frost and water droplets which is really cold to touch
 
Ritika said:
I agree with lady Kelly it's so frosty on the ground the grass is mostly covered with frost and water droplets which is really cold to touch
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There's no frost on the ground where I am :)) probably will be by Feb though.
 
Sw75 said:
Thank you, will definitely give them some grass, good idea.
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I have been that person out on the grass with a pair of scissors for the piggies before :lol!: Since July when we got our puppy I have gone into the front garden (on a main road) to take cuttings as I need to make sure there is no dog urine on what they eat. I'm sure my neighbours have gossiped about me :))
 
I agree. It won’t be warm enough for indoor piggies to go outside until much later in spring time.
My boys live in my shed and they haven’t been on the lawn since November and probably won’t be on it again until April time
 
Sw75 said:
Morning all. We have had our two guinea pigs inside since the weather turned cold in November (they are 1.5yrs old), but I’m wondering whether or not they could go out in the run on the grass this week as the weather is much nicer (13 degrees where we are). Could anyone please advise? Thank you
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Hi!

it is not the day time temperatures but the night time ones that are relevant. As long as the ground is still cold to your bare feet, it will be cold for the piggies that are not accustomed to it, too; and that can quickly result in urinary or respiratory tract infections.
Best see indoors piggies the same way as you treat tender plants - you wait until the ground has warmed up and is dry and warm for your own bare feet for 5 minutes.

There is a transition period usually in March/April where you can put piggies outside for a short while on warm, sunny spring afternoons (but always with the option of getting away from a cool breeze) and off the ground if the lawn is not yet ready for it - like you open a cold frame to allow your tender plants to get used to the outside.
But this should not be until 15 C for indoors piggies and should be done sensibly and gradually, always keeping in mind that it is not the sun but the wind and the conditions in the shade that are relevant because the sun can quickly disappear behind a cloud and the spring breeze is often much fresher. In an colder conditions you are down to a matter of 5-15 minutes before it gets too cold for them.

Here are our tips for accustoming piggies to the outside: Feeding Grass And Preparing Your Piggies For Lawn Time
 
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