Outside all day in a run?

[RosieMcPosie]

Hello

I've just got this run
http://www.zooplus.co.uk/shop/small_pets/hutches_cages/runs_fencing/pens_with_timber_frame/95234

The piggies absolutly love it, they live inside normally.

I'm wondering whether they are ok to be left in it whilst I'm out- as long as I've checked the weather forecast!

I cover half of it with a tarpauling and they have hidey places.

Also my 7 year old daughter has asked me to ask 'Is it not nice to disturb the piggies if they are hiding?'

Thanks

 

[paulag]

The issue is whether you have foxes really - we have them and I won't leave mine unsupervised.

Paula

 

[RosieMcPosie]

The issue is whether you have foxes really - we have them and I won't leave mine unsupervised.

Paula

Thanks,
very occasionally I'll see one at night but I haven't ever during the day. We live in quite an urban area and all the back gardens back on to each other.

 

[Lady Kelly]

its not just foxes you have to be wary of but maybe neighbours cats too. I also wouldn't leave them outside too long unsupervised especially if they are indoor piggies and if they aren't used to the grass. Cold damp grass could cause problems/UTI's and too much rich grass when their stomachs aren't used to it could lead to diarrhoea

 

[paulag]

I'm afraid urban foxes may come foraging during the day - particularly when they have cubs or of they are sick. It's a real pain.

Paula

 

[RosieMcPosie]

Sounds like it's not a good idea, thanks for the advice. Also realised i've posted it in food instead of housing!

 

[AudioHeart]

I have that run! Just a word of warning the gaps are quite large and cats can fit their paws through the run bars, (my neighbours cat used to pinch the boys veggies by sticking his paws through) so we stapled on some garden mesh to ours

 

[teacosy]

I have this run too and I do happily leave mine out in it if the weather is fine and they are getting on ok (a whole other story!).I don't leave them out all day but they are quite safe for a couple of hours I think. We have lots of cats in the area and they are no problem as long as gps have somewhere to hide if they feel threatened I think (not an expert at all!-disclaimer).My cat actually has only ever put her paw in through the bars of the indoor ferplast cage +piggies were so not bothered!
DO be careful opening the run as I managed to break mine by opening it the wrong way around.

 

[mstori]

I have that run! Just a word of warning the gaps are quite large and cats can fit their paws through the run bars, (my neighbours cat used to pinch the boys veggies by sticking his paws through) so we stapled on some garden mesh to ours

was going to say the same

if its attached to their hutch i dont see the problem. If not, i would put a bolt type lock on the part that comes off, just for added safety x

 

[Liane]

My guinea pigs stay outside most of the day. They are outdoor guinea pigs so they're used to being outside.

The conditions we have are:

- Enclosed garden, with houses on all sides.
- Recently replaced fences with deep posts and concrete
- Secure runs
- Waterproofing, shade proofing, houses
- Fresh water, in bottle snugs
- Food available.

We have cats about, but they are not a problem. I have seen a cat sitting watching the pigs, but they never do anything. I think they're just curious. They can't get to them, anyways.

Foxes we don't get in our bit often (as in our estate area), they do wander about further out of the estate, but I think its too much effort to get into our garden for them to bother.

The only 'problem' we have is hedgehogs. They don't attack or anything, but I do worry about fleas and other nasties they could pass on! They seem quite interested in the pigs - the amount of times I've nearly tripped over the two hedgehogs when I put the pigs away! Not seen them in a while, though.


I usually put my pigs out in their runs in the morning, or maybe lunchtime if the grass is sort of dewy so that it can dry out. They stay out all day until about 9pm, then its bedtime. They have towels, umbrellas and all sorts! I have to move their runs throughout the day, because the girls in particular eat a lot because there's five in one run.

The pigs love being in the run - they get so excited when they know they're going in, and try to avoid being put away at all costs! And seeing them lie down in the run is so cute x)