New Guinea pig owner needing advise :)

[Reggie&Randy]

Hello everyone.
I have never had guinea pigs before adopting Reggie and Randy, we saw them in pets at home in the adoption section and all of us just fell in love with them. They had been there for over 3 months. They told us they were 6-12 months old, only been given back to them because their last owners were unable to look after them anymore.
I want to give them the best life i can, at the moment they are extremely shy and run away when ever we go to the cage (i'm hoping over time they learn to love me haha).
My husband has bad allergies to hay so keeping them in the house is unfortunately not an option. We do have a large outside brick shed that we hardly use (with windows on both sides), i have emptied it now and brought a c and c type cage from amazon that allows them to have a large enclosure. My only worry is that they will be warm enough over the winter? we also purchased liners that are washable pee pads and they have a bed they can hide in and sleep and i will ram with hay to keep warm and fabric bed. Will they be ok in the shed in the cold? TIA

M

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a duvet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I also have piggies living in my garage because my husband has hay fever and asthma. Two boars called Pepper and Pebble. I would say that I personally think it will be too cold for them in a C&C cage. Your best bet would be to lock them in a hutch overnight with blankets and a duvet over them. They could have access to the C&C as a run in the day. It’s lovely you’ve given them a home. Can’t wait to see pictures when they are settled. The Guinean Pig Forum is a fantastic place to ask questions and have have fun too.

 

[Reggie&Randy]

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a duvet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a duvet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

Hello

Thank you so much for your advise and guidance,

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a duvet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

Hello
Thank you so much for your advise and guidance, everything you said makes perfect sense. Aww that’s really good sign then as they are both taking veg from my hand and if I keep my hand in the cage they come over and nudge and sniff


Would they be better in a hutch that has a run attached so they can keep warm and hide when they want out then play and explore when they choose. I would keep the run insulated off the floor with mats. Cover them at night. What do you think of this one? Again thank you for your help. I just want them to be as happy as possible .

 

[Reggie&Randy]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I also have piggies living in my garage because my husband has hay fever and asthma. Two boars called Pepper and Pebble. I would say that I personally think it will be too cold for them in a C&C cage. Your best bet would be to lock them in a hutch overnight with blankets and a duvet over them. They could have access to the C&C as a run in the day. It’s lovely you’ve given them a home. Can’t wait to see pictures when they are settled. The Guinean Pig Forum is a fantastic place to ask questions and have have fun too.

Hello

Aww gorgeous names I definitely think that your are both 100% right. Thinking of getting a hutch with a run attached so they can sleep and keep warm and have the ability to run around together thank you I’ll definitely post some for sure! X

 

[Piggies&buns]

Do you know what temperature the outbuilding gets to?
That would be my guide as to what type of hutch would be best.

The bottom part of this hutch in your picture would be the only part that counts towards the cage size as upper levels don’t count. In this case the bottom part does meet size requirements for boars (they need 12 square feet - anything less that be too small and lack of space can break a boar bond) but the upper area is the only warm enclosed part and unfortunately it isn’t anywhere near big enough for a boar pair to ever be shut into.
So, if your outbuilding doesn’t remain within the piggies comfortable range (18-22 degrees, but below 15 is too cold) all winter, then keeping the bottom part warm may not be easy but you would not be able to shut them into the top half due to lack of space.

You might find a more traditional single level 6ft hutch is best and you can then attach the c&c grids you already have to the front of the hutch so you can leave the hutch door open for daytime use (locking them into the hutch at night for warmth)

 

[Swissgreys]

If you can fit it in the shed then I would look at a Chartwell hutch.
These are solid, well made, and come in good sizes for a boar pair.
Plus you would easily buy covers for it which will help maintain the heat (assuming the whole shed won't be heated).
6ft Single Guinea Pig Hutch Chartwell | Fast Shipping | H&R

Welcome to the Forum.
Your boys have certainly landed on their feet with you, and well done for taking all of the advice on board.
It can be a bit overwhelming at first.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Also bear summer in mind. Being brick built you might find it easier than I do with my wooden shed, but heat is also a factor to consider. I find keeping them cool in summer much harder than keeping them warm in winter - every summer my boys have to move into my house as the shed regularly exceeds 30 degrees (anything above 25 is dangerous for piggies), making it to over 40 degrees this summer and not cooling down enough for a couple of weeks.

It can get dangerously hot quickly in sheds so having the ability to get them out and house them suitably outside in summer (although bearing in mind hutches outside can also be too hot) should be considered (if your building was to get too hot). The hutch in your picture could pose problems. It’s not recommended that they are left in a run unless you are there to supervise them, so even if you could make it work in the shed (warmth wise), it might not work if you had to bring it outdoors.

 

[Reggie&Randy]

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a duvet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

Welcome to the forum

They can take some time to settle in and warm up to human interaction - they usually get there in the end (although some may never enjoy being cuddled, but will tolerate short amounts of handling for their weekly weight and health checks), but it can take some time.
I have two pairs of boys - my oldest pair are four years old. One of them was confident after six weeks but it took the other one a year and a half before he would even take food from me (taking food being a sign of trust).
My other pair are babies 9-10 weeks old and are complete opposites. They’ve been with me for four days and already they both are coming to me to take food, will let me stroke their heads. Polar opposites of my older lads!

A c&c in an unheated outbuilding/shed is not likely to be warm enough. A c&c will not hold any warmth inside it. For a c&c in an outbuilding to be warm enough, the whole building would need to be insulated and heated all winter.
A hutch would be better if the building isn’t heated as hutches can be insulated and hold warmth in. Two boys need a 6ft hutch.
Plus, outdoor piggies should not really be bedded on fleece bedding. Fleece doesn’t tend to dry properly outside in winter unless the building is heated, thereby exposing the piggies to constantly wet bedding. It can also wick moisture from the air. An absorbent substrate topped with lots of hay is needed as better bedding for outdoor piggies.
Outdoor piggies also benefit hugely from having snugglesafe heatpads - they really are essential for outdoor piggies . These heatpads are heated in a microwave and stay warm for around 8 hours.

Piggies need to be kept above 15 degrees (so you will need a thermometer out there) and keeping them outdoors (including within sheds) does take a lot of work. Of course being in an outbuilding is a huge benefit as they are protected from wind and rain, but they do still need to be kept above 15 degrees.

My boys live in my insulated shed. They have a hutch in the shed (but they free roam the shed in their pairs during the day). The hutch is stuffed with hay and they have heatpads every night (and during the day when it is colder). The hutch has a thermal cover on it, then a blanket over the hutch, then a normal hutch cover with plastic front. In mid winter a du

vet is also pulled down over the whole thing. This ensures no cold air can get to them and that the warmth inside the hutch stays inside it.

Also bear summer in mind. Being brick built you might find it easier than I do with my wooden shed, but heat is also a factor to consider. I find keeping them cool in summer much harder than keeping them warm in winter - every summer my boys have to move into my house as the shed regularly exceeds 30 degrees (anything above 25 is dangerous for piggies), making it to over 40 degrees this summer and not cooling down enough for a couple of weeks.

It can get dangerously hot quickly in sheds so having the ability to get them out and house them suitably outside in summer (although bearing in mind hutches outside can also be too hot) should be considered (if your building was to get too hot). The hutch in your picture could pose problems. It’s not recommended that they are left in a run unless you are there to supervise them, so even if you could make it work in the shed (warmth wise), it might not work if you had to bring it outdoors.

Oh lord I totally see what your saying I worried now about them getting too cold and my husband can’t have them indoors as his allergy is crazy he has to take antihistamines everyday. I’ll have to have a think and see what the best options would be and discuss with him. They are such lovely little souls.

 

[Piggies&buns]

How big is your brick building? Will a 6ft hutch fit in there?
If it will, then you don’t need to worry. A hutch with insulating covers, hay and heatpads and they will be warm enough. You’re already a step ahead by the fact they are in a building as they are protected from the elements.

If you can’t fit a commercial 6ft hutch, then if you could perhaps tell us about your building - measurements etc, post a picture of it - and we may be able to help come up with some ideas or perhaps somebody can make a hutch to fit the space but still provide enough space inside.

 

[Ruth1]

Is there electricity to your shed?

 

[Reggie&Randy]

How big is your brick building? Will a 6ft hutch fit in there?
If it will, then you don’t need to worry. A hutch with insulating covers, hay and heatpads and they will be warm enough. You’re already a step ahead by the fact they are in a building as they are protected from the elements.

If you can’t fit a commercial 6ft hutch, then if you could perhaps tell us about your building - measurements etc, post a picture of it - and we may be able to help come up with some ideas or perhaps somebody can make a hutch to fit the space but still provide enough space inside.

Hello oh yes I will post some pictures as soon as I am home . It is a thick brick outbuilding/ shed. Has a big window in it for natural light. I may be able to fit a 6ft hutch but will have to measure. I read you can get snuggle safes are they worth getting? X

 

[Reggie&Randy]

Is there electricity to your shed?

Hello yes we have electric, currently have a tumble dryer out there and lights x

 

[Piggies&buns]

So as you have electric out there, would you want to use a heater? Some people who have electric in their sheds use thermostatic oil filled radiators to help keep the temperature up. Piggies need to be kept at a relatively stable temperature so making sure any heater can effectively heat the space and not allow any sudden drops or rises. It also depends on whether your shed is well enough insulated - no point in paying for the electricity to heat the space if it is just going to dissipate.

Make sure a tumble drier doesn’t make the air too damp for the piggies.

Yes snugglesafes are absolutely worth it and are essential for outdoor . Snugglesafes will provide a warm place for them to sit

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

Hello yes we have electric, currently have a tumble dryer out there and lights x

My piggies now live in a brick outbuilding next to my house. I'd rather keep them inside but we don't have a spare room in the house and my husband doesn't want them in our living room. Luckily like you the outbuilding has electricity and lights as it's also the boiler room.

They are in a 6ft chartwell hutch, with the thermal cover and also waterproof cover with the clear plastic front, and fleecy blankets over the front too at night. During the day I have an oil fired radiator to keep the temperature at 18-21 degrees, using a thermostatic plug with a sensor in the hutch to switch it on and off as necessary, and at night I put 3 snugglesafes in the hutch to give them localised warmth. Even so, on Tuesday when the sky cleared overnight, it was only just above 15 degrees in the hutch when I checked in the morning, so I assume I will have to leave the radiator on at night when the weather turns cold.

(In the summer I use reflective insulation sheets leaned against the front of building to stop the sun heating it up too much)

 

[Reggie&Randy]

So as you have electric out there, would you want to use a heater? Some people who have electric in their sheds use thermostatic oil filled radiators to help keep the temperature up. Piggies need to be kept at a relatively stable temperature so making sure any heater can effectively heat the space and not allow any sudden drops or rises. It also depends on whether your shed is well enough insulated - no point in paying for the electricity to heat the space if it is just going to dissipate.

Make sure a tumble drier doesn’t make the air too damp for the piggies.

Yes snugglesafes are absolutely worth it and are essential for outdoor . Snugglesafes will provide a warm place for them to sit

This is our outbuilding I believe it would fit a 6ft hutch. We are thinking this one as they both have plenty of room to move and be away from each other during the night and can get a thermal cover.

 

[Ruth1]

Hello yes we have electric, currently have a tumble dryer out there and lights x

I know the cost of electric is high, but def be worth having some way to heat it if it gets REALLY cold - to fall back on… I don’t have any experience of the best kind, but I’m sure someone here will!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Size wise this hutch is good (although it seems to be slightly bigger than 6 ft coming in at 190cm not 180cm so check the measurements!).
One thing to note though is that this hutch would be considered a hutch/run combo, not really a two storey hutch, simply because the bottom level is open and exposed to the ground. Two storey hutches typically have a wooden base on the bottom level and raised off the ground.
Because it is more of a hutch run/combo, the ramp ‘should’ have a hatch on it to be able to close it off so they can be shut in the upstairs part. It woud be a very good idea for you to check whether you can shut it off and stop them having access to the downstairs part.
It may be less of an issue in the shed, because you can put something on the bottom so they aren’t directly on the ground, you will obviously need to make sure it is something absorbent (although that is no different to anywhere else in the hutch). However, should it ever need to be moved outside, It may become an issue if they can get access downstairs all the time.
Of course, you may be able to make a cover to block access down the ramp should you need to do so.
Just something to consider!

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Hope you enjoy yourself here as well as finding it helpful