Piggies outside - need tips on how to keep them warm

[Iluvpiggies32]

I have two guinea pigs, and they both live outside in a hutch. Now that it's nearly summer here in OZ, I shouldn't really be worrying about this but I need tips on how to keep them warm in winter because they aren't allowed inside. I've begged my mum for ages to let me have them inside, but she wont budge, so I need to know how to keep them dry and warm. They arent in a shed, they're in a corner of the garden where it's not too cold now, but it's going to get a bit chilly in winter. It doesn't snow or anything here but I think it's too cold for them. So any tips on keeping them warm would be great thanks.

 

[Furry_Friend]

Hi!

Do you have a cover for the hutch? If not, you will need to get a waterproof one that covers the whole hutch. I use a tarpaulin for mine as it is great at keeping the warmth in at night. My guineas are in the shed but my bunnies are outside. I have put an old duvet over the hutch and then the tarpaulin on top of that. Make sure they have plenty of hay and 'hidey holes' to snuggle up in. You can also get head pads which are great.

 

[Nemo]

I have my piggies in a shed but my rabbits are outside throughout the winter. We have the hutches covered in plastic sheeting and then we have a large rug over the front of the cages and then a tarpaulin over that held on with bricks on the top of the hutches. I also put plenty of hay in the bedding part of the hutch. You can buy snugglesafes which are like a hard round disc that you put in the microwave for approx 5 mins and then they are meant to stay warm for 10-12 hrs.

 

[wind1]

A cardboard box inside the hutch stuffed full of hay helps to keep them warm. Cardboard is a good insulator so if you can put one box inside another it will be warmer. You could fill the gap with shredded newspaper too.

 

[moonie8404]

there have been many threads posted on this recently, if you do a search you will find them, only one was posted 2 days ago.

pigs should be kept in a sheltered areas such a a disused garage or shed for winter and there should be no draughts. Make sure their hutch is well insultated, cover with sheets, and taurpaulin. make sure they have lots of hay and hidey holes to go into, such as pig igloos, slumber tunnels, things like that. Make sure they have plenty of food as eat more in the winter too.

Do not take them inside as the extreme changes in temperature can make them ill, so only cuddle and play with them in the environment they are living.