Guinea pigs and the outdoors..

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flintstones

flintstones

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If I made my piggies a wee run out of C & C could I take them outdoors for a wee munch on the grass. I would obviously be with them at all times to pow-pow all predators. Plus our garden is inclosed so only have to watch for birds!

They've never been out before is it too cold? What do you think?
 
So long as the grass is quite dry and healthy, half an hours nibbling should be fine. Don't be tempted to run inside to answer the phone though, for example, as even though your garden in enclosed, cats can still get in. I have a 6' fence all around my garden, and my cat has no problem jumping straight up on to it. xx
 
I would yes in the spring when it is warmer but not now it is far too cold for them to go out if they are used to living indoors you don't them to catch a chill! Mine are only allowed out once the temperature is above 15C
 
I only put my indoors guinea pigs out on the grass if it is warm to the touch. Until then, they have to do with handfuls of scissor cut grass.

Do not be tempted by sunny weather - any guinea pigs that are not hardened off can easily catch cystitis that way! (Been there and done that with Llewelyn!)

Right now is far too cold on the ground for more than 5 minutes - just put your hand on it for a few minutes and feel!
 
Mine only go out in summer, when it's warm enough for me to sit outside with them and sunbathe :)
I don't know what it's like up in glasgow atm but here it's absolutely freezing, mine aren't going anywhere near the garden for a long while yet :(
you could always pick them some grass and put it in an indoor run for them for a treat :)
 
Was just wondering the same thing now we've finally had a couple of snow free sunny days! My guineas both live indoors but have an outdoor run for use in the warmer weather. Would most ppl agree that as someone else said 15 degrees is about the minimum temperature it should be before letting them outside? Am hoping maybe by next month they can start to go out and get some more exercise and fresh air...
 
I think their little feet would get cold. The ground takes longer to warm up than the air. If you feel impatient think about that I will have to wait even longer :)). I can't even SEE the grass :(
 
Mine have just had their first half hour outside since last year. It was also the first time they met the rabbits :) Although I think the rabbits were more interested in the run than what was inside it. It was nice enough for me to sit outside with them as well. I did make sure that they had boxes to get into as well though incase it did feel abit cool on their feet.
 
You should also keep an eye on the sky for large birds. Some birds enjoy a nice rodent snack. I find it revolting and disgusting, but it's the way of life.
 
My guys went outside for the first time yesterday. My outside run is about double the size of their inside cage so i popped the base of the cage in with their fleece etc and a couple of wee hidey-holes so they could get in and cosy up if they needed to, mostly they were on the grass though and I swear I could nearly see sparks fly off it they were eating it that fast!
 
I only got my 3 girl pigs at the weekend. But after reading how much the pigs love grass, I decided to give it a try and see if it would help with the bonding! I cut some and placed it in the hutch, walked away and waited! after a few minutes, the biggest came out and had a nose, they other two stayed behind shelter have a good look! then they came out and had a nibble. So I got some more and started to push it through the cage! coudn't get it through fast enough! they loved it, and they seemed really excited by it too!
 
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