My Piggies Hate Going Outside! Help Please

[pudding&ginger]

My 2 guinea pigs live indoors and come our of their cage (almost)every day to spend time in their run in the living room, but as we have recently had some sunny days I thought they would love running around on the grass, especially as whenever we have picked them some grass to eat they have gone mad for it!

But they absolutely seemed to hate, spent the whole time hiding in their tunnel or huddled in their bed. They have been out 3 times now and it was the same each time (although not on consecutive days as I only put them out when it's warm enough)

Any advice? Should I keep putting them out and hope they get used to it? They were only out about 10 minutes before I felt sorry for them and brought them back in. Or would I be best to wait until it's warm enough to go out every day?

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, I'm new and wasn't sure where to post it but it seems like a newbie question.
Thanks

 

[gus+walter]

They will be very very cautious as it's new surroundings, smells and noise. As long as they have lots of hiding spots and a shaded area, they should eventually come out of their shells.
Patience, perceiver....and a good sprinkling of veggies stay with them beside the run and talk soothingly so they know they're safe. They'll be popcorning and exploring in no time.

 

[ayemee]

It's probably because of all the new smells and noises outside. They're a little unsure still.

Give them time and they should get used to it. Try putting around quite a few tunnels so they can explore by running from one to the other and feel a little safer.

 

[Wiebke]

You may find this thread here helpful in getting your piggies used to lawn time: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...-preparing-your-piggies-for-lawn-time.111844/

Please place a fleece or towel over the run to make them feel protected and dot several hideys within 1 ft of each other around the lawn area to help them explore the outdoors from a safe base. Be patient, the outdoors is frightening and it will take some time until they learn to be confident with the sensory overload and all the surroundings.

 

[pudding&ginger]

Thanks all for your replies, I have read the thread, thanks for linking to it. I have been feeding them grass in preparation. I think I just underestimated how different it would be for them to being in the run inside. I just need some more sunny days now, definitely going to try a fleece over the top! I hadn't thought of that