Moving outside

[ImmyH]

I have just ordered my girls a brand new big hutch as they are a little cramped in their current one. The only problem is that their new larger hutch won’t fit in their shed! They have been in their shed throughout the winter, do you think they would be ok outside in the spring with lots of hay, 4 snuggle pads and a thermal and weather proof hutch cover?
Thank you
p.s. Based in Devon

 

[DM100321111]

Hello!

My major issues with being outside is the risk of fly strike, mites, and ringworm if things get damp. I’d recommend an ivermectin fly guard, such as beaphars fly guard every three months. Prevention is better than cure! I’d read into this first.

Other than that, as long as you think you can keep them consistently warm enough in spring, and dry! Have a go! Keeping them warm is one thing, keeping them dry is sometimes harder and that can cause fungal problems. Best of luck!

 

[Betsy]

My piggies were out all year for 3 years until we moved house and I had space in the garage. They never had flystrike, ringworm or mites. A lot of members keep piggies outside all year round and their piggies don't get those either. Any treatment with low dose of the shelf products is not recommended especially as a preventive is not recommended as not necessary.

 

[Piggies&buns]

My piggies are in my shed and I’ve kept outdoor rabbits for 30 years. I’ve not had any problems with keeping them dry, warm (good quality hutches, thermal and waterproof covers etc) never had an issue with flystrike, never used preventatives other than ensuring the hutches are kept clean

 

[Swissgreys]

I also have outdoor rabbits and find good hutch positioning and overall cleanliness is the key.

If things like flies seem to be a problem a better solution than ineffective pet shop products applied directly to your guinea pigs is to drape a net curtain over the front of the cage in Summer.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hello!

My major issues with being outside is the risk of fly strike, mites, and ringworm if things get damp. I’d recommend an ivermectin fly guard, such as beaphars fly guard every three months. Prevention is better than cure! I’d read into this first.

Other than that, as long as you think you can keep them consistently warm enough in spring, and dry! Have a go! Keeping them warm is one thing, keeping them dry is sometimes harder and that can cause fungal problems. Best of luck! ❤

Prevention is definitely NOT better than the cure. Treating with low dose ivermectin products that are available over the counter does not prevent infestation. All it does is allow any mites etc to build up a resistance to the product and make it much harder for vets to get rid of infestations in the future.