Moving piggies from indoor to out

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Hoggle*&*Ludo

Hoggle*&*Ludo

Adult Guinea Pig
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Hi everyone, sorry I have not been on for ages!

If you don't already know, I am expecting a baby in May and things aren't good with OH so I am going to be living with my mum, only thing is, Hoggle & Ludo will not be able to stay in my room if baby is there so my mum suggested getting them a nice hutch in the garden and then moving/keeping them in the shed in winter.

As they will be moving out towards spring, the weather should hopefully not be too much of a shock to them but I need some tips on how to make the transition safe.

I feel so guilty, although they will love it in summer if they get a run too.

They are over 2 now and have always been indoor, but keeping them indoor just isn't an option now, my mum suggested re-homing them on here but I couldn't bear to. 8...

Any help would be much appreciated. :) :)
 
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I was advised when I brought my 2 piggies that come the spring they could be in a hutch in the garden (basically when it starts to warm up) as they have always been indoor they dont have a winter coat or fat stores you may find in a guinea that has been kept out all year round. If they are in a hutch, in a shed/un used garage and the hutch can be covered at night I dont see anything wrong in this, thats what I have done and all is going well. Obviously they are buried in hay and I have just brought a snuggle safe.

Hope this helps!

:)
 
Please keep in mind if we have a really bad winter like last year, I think it's important to have the option to bring the boys in or alternatively move them to a Shed with heating.

You do have to take into account how much attention the boys will get outside, a new baby is a lot of work, it is very possible to look after your boys correctly and many are able to provide a lovely home for their guinea pigs.

Personally I know come Winter I would be inclined not to go out and see them because it's so cold. I couldn't keep my pigs outside as I know I wouldn't be able to meet there needs.

Is it not possible to keep them in the living room, they are fabulous family pets as we all know :)!

Congratulations on the new arrival, when the time comes.
 
*becks* said:
I was advised when I brought my 2 piggies that come the spring they could be in a hutch in the garden (basically when it starts to warm up) as they have always been indoor they dont have a winter coat or fat stores you may find in a guinea that has been kept out all year round. If they are in a hutch, in a shed/un used garage and the hutch can be covered at night I dont see anything wrong in this, thats what I have done and all is going well. Obviously they are buried in hay and I have just brought a snuggle safe.

Hope this helps!

:)
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Guinea pigs don't grow winter coats _ and if they are used to a central heated home it would be very unwise to put them outdoors in the hight of winter.


If you are using a shed, please supply them with a heater.
 
It is the size of the cage that's an issue of keeping them indoor, there is no room for them, apart from in my room but it isn't healthy for baby.

My mum would help with baby to give me the time to clean them and she regularly gets them their veggies already when I'm at work, I won't abandon them, my dad was going to clear the shed but I think we should get a new one cos that is drafty, but next winter's a long time off, they are staying put in my room now for another good few months. :)
 
Gosh you probably wont want to hear my opinion on this predicament but i think you should consider re-homing your pigs so that they can remain living indoors.

I know it sounds harsh but it is very difficult to take care of a baby and any pets especially as a single mum and also as you are living with your parents at the mo.

I make this point as you are already having to compromise your guinea pigs as you are pregnant and moving them outdoors when they are indoor guinea pigs is going to be really tough for your guinea pigs to adapt. I have an outdoor herd, but they have always been outdoors and they are used to living in outdoor climates but i really think your guinea pigs will struggle to cope.

I know this is not what you want to hear and will probably get a few harsh comments from other members but i have had young children and know that my pets took 2nd place due to how busy and tired i was with a young baby.

I think you need to consider what is best for you and best for your guinea pigs and i wish you all the best with whatever decision you make xx
 
Mine had never been outside untill I got them, they are in an un used garage in a hutch full to the brim with hay and a snugglesafe at night. The hutch is also covered at night.

I think if you introduce them to the outside in the spring/summer you will have no problems. I dont see any reason why people assume that having a new baby means you need to get rid of pets. IMHO I think thats wrong and un fair on the pet that is settled in the family etc.

I know for sure that mine dont go without in any way by being housed outside :)
 
Hiya

I think if you put them out in spring - provided overnight temperatures arent falling low - they should be okay and you're right - spring / summer and a little bit of autumn they should be okay - but it's overnight temperatures you need to consider.

In the winter - I think your idea of a new shed sounds good - drafts are the thing that kill pigs and give chest infections. A new shed - insulated - with a heater would work. My lot are in an insulated shed with double glazing and an oil filled radiator. I'm never cold out there.

You could also give them a wonderful pen out there with lots and lots of space. There are big possibilities for sheds.

The only thing I would say - I have a friend who has a teeny tiny shed, it's not insulated and she puts the hutch out there in winter - I saw her pigs once - I felt so sorry for them shoved in there over winter. If you are doing it - do it right.

Congrats on the baby - it's hard and you will be tired but living at your mums you will have great support and help. Good luck!
 
*becks* said:
I dont see any reason why people assume that having a new baby means you need to get rid of pets. IMHO I think thats wrong and un fair on the pet that is settled in the family etc. :)
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I agree with this alot - a new baby is work and yes they take over as number one in your affections and love (as it should be) but that doesn't mean you'll neglect your pets - I never have anyway.
 
I agree with ^^^ If you want it to work then you'll make it work.

Being able to go and sit with my animals for 30 mins in the evening once O/h was home to give me a break from a screaming child was my life saver.
I used to go and see them in the morning while baby slept and through out the day aswell but if it had been a bad day they really helped calm me down.

Congratulations by the way and I'm sorry things are being a bit tough at the moment.
 
Lisajazz said:
I agree with this alot - a new baby is work and yes they take over as number one in your affections and love (as it should be) but that doesn't mean you'll neglect your pets - I never have anyway.
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Quite right, I mean say you go on to have a second child, you wouldn't rehome the actual first born child as you now have another to look after would you?! Noone would ever dream of suggesting this, yet for anyone who decides to have a second or third or 20th child has to consider their time will be split when the next baby comes along, just as it would with a pet.

LisaJazz has said all I would on this, just keep an eye on how low the temperatures are going at night. Some of my pigs live outside all year round and it is possible, you just have to not mind rain/cold/snow etc lol
 
I have 3 children 4 dogs, 1 rabbit, 5 piggys, 1 choggy, marine fish and seahorses. But none get neglected.
Its unfair to advise some one to rehome pets just because they are going to have a child.
Sure it is hard work but you get into a routine. I know who needs seeing to and when.

To the OP i would suggest also waiting until spring and then get them used to being outside, just think of all that sunshine (hopefully) you and the little one can get in the summer whilst watching the piggys run around on the grass :(|).
 
Can someone explain to me why it is "unhealthy" for a baby to have a pair of guinea pigs living in the same room? I genuinely don't understand :(
 
Hi Jenny. We too had to relocate the pigs after our baby arrived. Only to different room though and because of OH's allergy. They don't get the same time they used to but my son loves them and helps out with feeding and cuddling.
Personally I know that outside wouldn't be a viable option for my circumstances. But when there is a Will there is a way. Good luck.
 
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Raven said:
Can someone explain to me why it is "unhealthy" for a baby to have a pair of guinea pigs living in the same room? I genuinely don't understand :(
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I think it is more the space issue that is at stake here.
 
I think the OP who in such a very kind way put forward the idea about rehoming the piggies if it were in the best interest of the piggies - wasn't wrong for doing this. The OP also restated best of luck with whatever decision was made. I think from the post it was clear they genuinely just wanted the best decision in the interest of the piggies to be made.

What I might consider though if I were in this situation is using some cheap play runs! I bought two for £15 from an ebay shop. They are fab, fold right down so they can even be slipped under a sofa, then with a pet carrier for a little hide out and a few old towels to prevent any carpet accidents - you have a very quick safe haven for blustery nights.

Summer nights can still get particularly cold. A well ventilated, draft proof shed, that can be kept warm is a great idea. But I doubt this would come cheap?

I love my fold down pens though because I can make it very small when, for example, I'm cleaning and need to get about, then extend it again when it's just me on an average day chilling about at home or out the house. You can make any shape or size at any given moment. They are so easy and as I'm in flat in London and tight on space, this works perfectly for me as it's really flexible. The majority of the time they have a huge place to run and explore, but when I need the space back it's a 2 second task.


x
 
I'm not sure of any health issues but I don't think I would want my piggies in my new born child's room either. Just my preference I guess :)
 
Becks, I'm with you there, if the OP doesn't feel comfortable with the piggies in the room that's her decision. But if she's under the impression that she HAS to move them because their presence is a threat to the baby's health, I don't know what problems they are likely to cause. Ringworm would be horrendous obviously, but in well-cared-for piggies who have been in the home for a reasonable length of time with no problem it is extremely unlikely. People who have been out and about exposed to colds, flu, tummy bugs etc. are much more likely to pass something on to a baby.
 
I'll possibly get bashed for this but this is the first time since I was a child I have owned piggies - 15 now in total rolleyes
Always had dogs, cats, fish etc. but found having young children and my hectic job as a nurse for years, I would not have had time to care for piggies properly. I left it until the kids were grown and independent, changed career path before taking them on and have not one regret - still take a lot of my time and money :)) but considered this before committing to homing so many as we try to give them the best of everything. Myself and OH compare our shifts at work and one of us is always home on time to see to them, I won't work overtime if he is working late etc. and vice verse. If anything does crop up unexpectedly, my daughter will do the cleaning out, hay and water for them but I won't allow her to feed them even though she's 19 and loves them to bits but I put a lot of effort into their diets etc.
Not really any solution to your thread I know but really hope you find the answer best for you, the piggies and baby :)
 
I can't see a lot wrong with it, really. You've thought about it, that's obvious and I know it's a hard decision because I know how much you love your boys!

Having children changes everything! But I don't see why it has to be the end of your piggies.
I would personally sort a shed out for them right away (Well, I mean before you put them outside, even though it will be warmer.) because of safety, mainly.
But as long as the hutch is nice and big and they have a nice run, they should be alright for a while but like others have said, you need to watch out for the temperatures at night and the winters get really harsh so I think a shed is best from the off but that's just me.
I know that other people here have experience with keeping their piggies outdoors. Mine have never lived outside so my advice is possibly one sided.

But if you can't have them indoors then you can't have them indoors. I certainly wouldn't give up my little boys without a good fight! If you want this to work, then it'll work.
 
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