How much outdoor run time ?

[twiams]

Hey,

Two of my piggies, that live indoors, have a lovely big wooden run in the shed, we haven't put it together yet even though we've had it for 5 months rolleyes
but it's mainly because I'm a little nervous about putting them outside in the run, it has a top to it, but they've only ever been out side for about 10-20 minuets at a time in a 2x2 C&C grid run while i was there.

My question is, how long should i leave them outside on the grass, will they get too cold ? And also, should i stay outside with them or leave them to it ?
Any other advice or what you do with your pigs would be great.

Thanks in advance (:

 

[*Nibbles&Nugget*]

I'm not sure how to advise you as its pretty much a trust your instincts thing. I have two runs outside but only one of them is covered so when all four of mine are out I either sit out with them or hire a little brother to watch them!

Admittedly one of mine is a bit of a houdini so I prefer to run them inside where there aren't any bushes to hide under. I'd say to sit out with them the first couple of times and then do what feels right.

Amy
x

ps. Regarding houdini piggy its because we need a new run and he knows just how to lean or flick it to escape. I don't think this is a common piggy thing.

 

[twiams]

I'm gonna hopefully put them out today, they've only ever been outside twice, the first time Chester escaped twice and spent the rest of the time sat on the picnik blanket we had out while Bentley stuffed his face with grass haha.

 

[Wiebke]

I would stay outside and start slowly increasing the time they have on the lawn. I only put my indoors piggies out on the lawn when the ground is warm and dry for my bare feet and bring them in as soon as I get cold feet!

It is important not put indoors piggies on still damp ground as they can catch UTI (urinary tract infection). Spring sunshine can be so deceptive!

Alternatively, you should offer protection away from the ground, too much sun any sudden cold breezes from a cloud etc. - a hay stuffed cardboard box on a tray will do the trick.

Never leave an open run unattended - cats, dogs, foxes and birds of prey take only seconds to hits.

 

[copper3383]

mine have a large hutch outside with a big run ( with a roof )attached to it so i let mine go in and out as they please i would see how they react outside and maybe increase the time bit by bit. but remember to put somewhere were they can hide in the run ( maybe a igloo )x>>

 

[Popcorn&Cookie]

i started by putting them out for like half hour and then an hour or so then 2 hours and today they went out in the morning for a couple of hours and i put them back out for an hour or so this afternoon so they get more used to being out but alway make sure they have somewhere to hide the first time mine went out they his the whole time but each day they are on the grass more and more

 

[Dh1971]

I hate it when I'm at work and it's a gloriously sunny day, because I leav home at 7.45 so too cold to pu them out then. They have to wait til 4ish when I get in then just have a short while out

 

[willow]

I hate it when I'm at work and it's a gloriously sunny day, because I leav home at 7.45 so too cold to pu them out then. They have to wait til 4ish when I get in then just have a short while out

Same here,but at least after tonight, we will have an extra hour for them to play out...weather permitting!

 

[twiams]

piggies had a good half hour out today so were happy i was out in the garden doing other things anyway so i kept an eye on them,
Will definitely keep what everyone said in mind and keep increasing the time, luckily this week the weather seems to be good everyday so might just put them in every day, they seem in heaven because there just walking on food !

Thanks for all the help (: