Moving Indoor Piggies Outside

[GinaG]

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I've got to move my 2 piggies outside. They were rescue piggies and were originally kept outside with their foster carer, I have had them inside for just under a year. I've got the Pets at Home bluebell hutch for them, they're on fleece and I've bought snuggle safe pads to keep them warm, any other tips for the transition?

 

[*kate*]

As long as you move them outside now, when it is still warm enough, I'm sure they will be fine.

Have you an insulated hutch hugger as that will keep out the wet and some of the cold.

Tons of hay in an enclosed area will help as insulation too and a cover for their water bottle to prevent it freezing.

 

[Mother Hubbard]

@GinaG
As Kate says, use a hutch hugger then the normal cover over the top. The hutch hugger comes with a velcro fly screen.
I'm glued to the weather every day that way I can make sure I take care of their needs before I go to work, i.e. covers up or covers at half mast which means I prop the front cover over some chairs to ensure it doesn't get hot but they are covered for any showers that occur.

Cardboard boxes are great stuffed with hay, try some fleece beds that are enclosed like squbes, you might need some lighting too, I added some battery press on LED lights bought from a supermarket, really helps during the winter months.

To stop drafts, you can add a layer of carpet on the bottom section of the door with the mesh on it helps with stop the cold and drafts any further.

 

[Piggiepawz]

I use a waterproof cover that I drape over the hutch doors at night. I recommend high hutches to protect them more from foxes and cats (I use the higher hutch of a double hutch, and use the bottom one as storage) Lots of hay and igloos, plenty of space to move about. Water bottle cover. Slanted roof. At least a door with no mesh (dark to hide in). I'm my opinion a hutch is a bedroom for guineas not a living area. They should have a run they can graze in everyday unless unsuitable weather. The run should have igloos and a hutch area.
Hope this helps